Webinar Tips: 17 Lessons Learned from More Than 30 Webinars (Part 2-During/After the Webinar)
In my previous post, I listed seven key lessons I've learned in preparing for a Webinar. In this post, I'll look at 10 more tips to consider during and after your Webinar presentation.
Lessons Learned: During and after the Webinar
8. Anticipate and address the routine questions. If 500 people register, 200 people will show up for the Webinar, but about half of those will call in 1-15 minutes after you've started. Because so many people show up late, they miss the opening announcements - audio instructions, when you'll send out the presentation afterward, etc.
Have a team member respond directly to these questions. Ask the presenter to remind people occasionally about these basics throughout the Webinar. Also consider inserting a slide a few times throughout the presentation that covers these points.
9. The easiest part is your presentation. Talking to a bunch of slides on a topic you are knowledgeable about is usually the simplest part of your Webinar. Being engaging and exceeding attendee expectations, however, is quite a bit harder. Style and delivery points count.
10. For good or bad, your speaking style is accentuated. When in an in-person conversation, your "ums," "ahs," throat clearings and other audible distractions tend to be less noticeable because there are other senses being used.
On a Webinar, these habits are greatly accentuated because it is just your voice and some slides between you and the attendee. The first step is to just be aware of the things you do with your voice - listen to your recorded Webinars once in awhile, if you can bear it. Step two is to start working to minimize any annoying habits.
Secondly, a monotone voice, with little variance in tone and pitch can be very bothersome to many listeners. If possible, work to use a comforting, TV broadcaster-style voice - but that also incorporates the excitement and story-telling of a baseball announcer.
