How To Host A Webinar Best Practices
Perfecting the techniques in how to host a webinar can be difficult, but very rewarding. Here are some expert responses to problems you may encounter.
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 often the case with educational webinars. The 60 minute format is ideal if you are discussing a product, service or concept. 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. Many people preserve continuity by pre recording a basic presentation and then play it back as necessary to ensure everyone is keeping up.
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. Request feedback from each webinar you hold and use the responses to improve the next one.
About the Author
Expert marketers are now embracing the webinar platform as akey part of their coaching strategy. Learn more internet marketing tips
