Presenting a Successful Web Conference, Part II
Welcome to the second installment of Magic Coast's series
Welcome to the second installment on presenting a successful web conference. If you missed Part I, it can be found here.
Today we have some tips and tricks for presenters during a live web conference (aka 'webinar'). Whether you are speaking to a group of 10 or 1000 people, if you keep these tips in mind you will increase participant interest.
Webinars vary from traditional meetings in that your audience is not in the same physical location as you are. At first, it may seem awkward or uncomfortable to talk to a camera as opposed to a person, which is why practicing is vital. Try to be as relaxed as you normally are in front of people; you do not want to come across as robotic and uninteresting.
Another good idea is to make sure your background does not include any windows, doors or high-traffic areas. You want your participants to see you and not the glare from a window. The best background is darker colored (think chocolate brown or navy blue) and plain (no designs). Pictures, bookcases, plants, etc. are fine as long as they are not cluttered or distracting. If it is difficult to find a suitable background, a sheet or curtain hung up can work wonders.
On the same note, your clothing should be an appropriate color; no neon bright shirts or all white outfits. These can make you looked washed out on the webcast. A good choice is a suit or button down shirt in a neutral color.
On camera slight nuances and movements are minimized. A raised eyebrow or wink is difficult to see. Give all of your movements and gestures a little bit more 'oomph' to make sure they can be seen by the viewer.
Finally, speak slowly and clearly. You want to make sure your audience hears every important word that you say!
Thanks for reading our second installment of presenting a successful webinar. Our third and final section will be available in the upcoming weeks and will focus on what to do after the web conference is over.