In some ways, this is true but that doesn’t mean that preparing such can be taken for granted. Conducting an elearning online webinar at first glance might be less intimidating than a face-to-face seminar with a hundred or so audience all staring at you expectantly.
Conducting an elearning online webinar at first glance might be less intimidating than a face-to-face seminar with a hundred or so audience all staring at you expectantly. In some ways,
this is true but that doesn’t mean that preparing such can be taken for granted. A webinar may prove to be more efficient in reaching people since it is done via the World Wide Web where there are millions who may want to view it even after it is held.
To facilitate a smooth lecture over the Internet, here are just some of the tips you can follow:
• If your conference application has a mute option, use it. There are audio indicators that beep whenever a listener leaves of enters the conference room so you can just click on the options to remove that annoying noise. This is equivalent to doors slamming when late students enter through the back.
• Enunciate and speak clearly. The same goes for every speaking event. It is important to at least rehearse or read your notes before a lecture. Filler words like “um, er, uh” make you look like an amateur and people will likely turn away from these kinds of speakers.
• Pick your location. Obviously background noise is going to be a problem when recording the audio for the presentation. Distractions like ringing phones, people roaming around you, banging doors and so on should be avoided to avoid distracting not just yourself but the audience as well. Choose a quiet room and put up a sign at the door to indicate that you are recording and should not be disturbed.
• Avoid speakerphones because they don’t produce quality audio. Using a speakerphone would also pick up distracting background noises that would only irritate your audience. Instead use a headset with a great quality microphone. This will prevent too much background noise and your voice should transmit much clearer.
• Be interactive with the audience. Engage them so they are motivated to stay and hear you out. Ask light hearted questions that are relevant to the topic of the elearning online webinar.
• Know your audience. It is important to know who or what kind of people will be attending the webinar. If it is for training, adjust your webinar to what should be focused on. Are your target audience beginners? If they are, you might have to include beginner materials to you presentation.
• Know your material. In a presentation, it’s annoying to hear a speaker read his or her presentation verbatim. The material should only include bulleted highlights of the presentation. You as the speaker have to explain the concepts on the list.
• Pick a good software program for presentation. Test that the software you will be using won’t cause too much delays; meaning, that the audience are delayed in seeing what the presenter is seeing. Especially in live presentations, synchronicity is important so that the audience can follow the discussion precisely.
• Keep sessions short. It is highly recommended to conduct a seminar for only an hour or less. If the discussion requires more than an hour, it is suggested that you allow for breaks or recess so the audience can refresh.
