When I first started giving webinars, Skype was the only option. I needed to figure out how not to bore my audience while they stared at my face for over an hour… Webinars today are so much more exciting than the webinars of the past. Though I often see that the presenters utilize same old strategies they did 10 years ago; and I find that there are just not as many “webinar superstars” out there yet.
A Webinar is a virtual seminar that you can lead from ANY location in the world (granted you need Internet access), and simultaneously:
• Share Power Point Presentations with all attendees.
• Chat live in your own voice or by keyboard with your audience.
• Share your desktop and your website.
• Collaborate and engage the audience.
However, not everyone is excited about this opportunity. I hear the following statements from many teachers, trainers, and coaches:
” I’m used to speaking to an audience that I can see. I am really great in a face-to-face classroom… How can I speak to an invisible audience?”
“How do I know the audience is paying attention to me? Maybe they are just checking their emails. I need to see their eyes to know that they understand what I am talking about!”
These are valid fears and frustrations. Webinars can be the best new thing you learn, or it can be a complete disaster depending on HOW you lead it. In this 7-minute video I describe 5 strategies that will breathe life into your webinars, make your audience not only pay attention to what you are saying, but also actively participate in your presentation. This will make you a “webinar superstar!”
Click on the video:
or you can click this link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLTVS0VT01I&list=UUg34yt2jRBC9hChH4_WbEsA&index=1&feature=plcp
WHAT TO DO NOW:
In the comments below please provide YOUR strategy that makes your audience engage with your online presentations.
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If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy the following:
http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2012/01/10/7-tools-for-creating-a-killer-online-presentation/
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DONE, Heather! Welcome aboard~
I encourage the audience to share the link to their favorite edu (or other relevant topic) website in chat then explore one left by their virtual classmates. Archive can be a clickable link too. It’s equally, likely MORE important to engage the virtual ASYNCHRONOUS audience.
wow, Shannon, it seems that you are doing amazing things! Thanks for sharing with us
I like to use other “presentation” tools besides powerpoint such as Interactive Whiteboard software like SMART or ActivInspire or even Inspiration. I also like to use use images and diagrams to present my message rather than a text only format.
I like to narrow the focus to 3 or 4 key points – any more and you end up rushing through. In my experience it is always better to end 5 minutes early than 5 minutes late
I like working with a partner so that there isn’t just one voice throughout the session. And finally, where possible I include video to demonstrate/model a point, and use a variety of audience feedback/participation to help keep engagement high.
I have been in a webinar where they actually asked me by name to answer a questions. It keeps you engaged and on your toes but might not be appreciated by every participant!
Tony I like your idea of using Poll Anywhere. I’ve used Google docs but it is always tricky to ensure everyone has used the tool and is registered/signed in.
Kendra
Thanks so much, Kendra. I think that using programs other than PP is a great idea. There is so much available! Limiting the focus is also a good approach as the research says that the more we concentrate on one topic the more out audience will get an undiluted understanding of the issue. Thanks for your comments!