Live Online Learning

When delivering successful webinars you have to remember the webinar doesn’t start when the Presenter introduces him or herself it starts when the first participant logs on. You’ll want to capitalize on the participant’s attention when they first arrive. I have seen people sign into webinars up to 20 minutes early; rather than having them stare at 1 screen with the presenter’s bio, you should have a rotation of slides that offers information and prepares your audience for the webinar. There are many things you can present here but I would focus on providing general information about the webinar, sound check, questions, and ads.

General Information Slide(s)
General information slides would include the presenter’s bio with a photograph, webinar start and finish times, and a description of the webinar. Previously we discussed keeping the attention of your audience. Having a bio with a picture gives the audience an opportunity to relate to the speaker much more so than without. Include a small description that will peak their interest and prevent them from keeping your webinar in the background.

Sound and Question Slide(s)
These slides are designed to give the participant some preparatory information regarding the technical aspects of the webinar software. These slides will decrease the odds of participants needing help with the audio. Whether it is a phone number and access code or streaming audio on a VoIP system, having the call instructions and waiting room music will allow the participant to verify if they are on the call. If you plan on having the participants using the chat feature of your software during the webinar this is where you would post instructions for it.  An informed audience is more likely to interact during the webinar, keeping them engaged and having a more successful webinar.

Ad Slide(s)
Ads consist of a couple different things in this arena. You might be looking to promote future webinars, your product or service, or a sponsors product or service. I wouldn’t over do it here but 1 or 2 soft selling slides and or promotional slides would be ok. You don’t want to lead the audience to believe you are going to be selling them the entire webinar so keep it subtle and you won’t project the wrong image.

You see how having introductory slides like these are more likely to keep your early arrivals focused on the presentation they have ahead of them over the stale generic waiting room. The rotation slides are a great tool for keeping the audience engaged, ensuring they are prepared, and floating some ads by them. Use these tactics when preparing your next webinar!

If you would like to read more webinar tips click here.

One Response so far | Have Your Say!

1. 

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   July 24th, 2009 at 4:26 am #

   Thanks for posting about this, I would like to read more about this topic.