A webinar is a seminar that people listen to and watch on the internet through their computer, whereas a teleseminar is a seminar that people listen to only over the phone or through their computer. A webcast is another name for a webinar. A web conference, rather than a webinar or webcast, is used when multiple presenters are involved in the same programme. Because they are designed to funnel leads into a sales process, many are free to attend. Others are pure instructional activities that charge admission.
This is a multimedia format that involves simultaneous viewing and listening, regardless of what you call it or whether it’s free or not. For an online presenter it takes more preparation than a teleseminar because images are usually generated in advance and put in order. Increase the amount of time you spend preparing because you’ll need to acquaint yourself with the technology. On the bright side, you have the ability to engage and inform listeners with graphics in addition to words. So let’s look at how to make the most of this communication medium’s advantages. What can you do to keep attendees engaged from the start to the finish of your webinar?
Six Ways to Make Your Web Presentations More Engaging
1. Interactivity is number one. Plan at least two audience polls during your presentation to make the most of the webinar interface. Have a stooge plugged in who double-checks the poll results for you and announces them to the group. To some extent, this keeps the dialogue two-way and the environment spontaneous rather than canned.
2. A sufficient number of slides to keep things moving. One slide every minute is a good rule of thumb. If you have a succession of points to make on a single topic, display one slide at a time rather than one slide with all the points up for several minutes.
3. Use as few bullet points as possible. A lecture formatted as a series of bullet points has a monotonous, predictable cadence. Instead of bullets, consider using questions, charts, graphs, photographs, or images to capture your theme or to imply your argument without stating it explicitly.
4. The element of surprise. Because most webinars are viewed on a computer, participants are prone to multitasking or falling away entirely during your presentation. Mention something enticing you’ll be talking about later at least once during your presentation to keep people interested.
5. Questions to be saved for later. When you give participants the opportunity to ask questions, they enjoy it. However, they do not always participate when invited. Prepare numerous questions ahead of time to minimize extended silences and to encourage shy people to speak up. “I’m often asked about…” or “Here’s a query…” are good ways to start your dummy inquiries.
6. An unexpected start and a powerful conclusion. Begin with a powerful claim, a startling statistic, an eye-opening incident, or something else. When the timer goes off, don’t just stop talking; finish with a snappy summary of your counsel or strong claim. Plan your conclusion to coincide with the Q&A period.
Your webinar will have a far higher chance of meeting its objectives if you use these suggestions to produce a vibrant online presentation: Participants have learnt what they were supposed to learn or have gotten closer to becoming paying clients. Ranulph Fiennes speaker, an online presenter, specializes in high-ticket, high-value online presentations and has mastered the art of delivering entertaining webinars.
