subject: Three Important Considerations On How To Host A Webinar [print this page] What are the do's and don'ts you must grapple with regarding how to host a webinar? These might change somewhat from one type of software to another, and based on the theme and content of each. The main concerns that people have, and subject areas are outlined below.
TIME LENGTH
1) 60-Minute Informational Webinars
Most people who host feel that an hour is about the longest you can hold the interest of a group. This is usually true with informational webinars. If you are presenting a concept, product, or service, the 60-minute program is good. If you go much longer without enough new material, some participants will opt out before you get to the final sales pitch.
2) Q & A Training Webinars
If you are conducting training for members of a joint-venture group, it may take longer than an hour, especially if you are receiving many questions and/or input from several people. Of course, a training program is not the same thing as an attempt to sell something.
HOW MUCH GROUP PARTICIPATION
1) Captivating the Audience
One of the first things you learn in how to host a webinar is the best way to get and keep the attention of your audience. You may be very charismatic when you speak, and that might carry you through part of a webinar, but people want more from the experience than just looking at a slideshow and hearing you speak.
2) Opportunity for Input
As long as you hold someone's interest, they will usually stick with your program, but if they are dying to ask something that you haven't made clear to them, you must give them an opportunity for input. Getting the balance of instruction and participation right is important to your call's success.
HOW TO PRESENT OR REPRESENT
1) Maintain Continuity
Information for your audience should be presented in brief, to-the-point outline form so they can jot each item down and make notes as they see fit. The best way to maintain continuity with a webinar is to pre record the basic program and pause the playback as necessary to keep everyone up to speed on the material that is presented.
2) Format Focus
Keep all your printed outlines, examples, and displays in conformance to the program format. Don't be tempted to include topics that are not relevant to the theme of the event. While a little humor is fine, be careful to keep your sessions informative and business like.
IN CONCLUSION - EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER
It's not likely that you will be an instant success with a webinar, but the experience you gain with each one you host will season your ability for future webinars.
Perfecting the techniques of how to host a webinar often occurs during the event, so be prepared to be flexible. Ask for feedback from every webinar you conduct, and use it to make successive ones better.
