Webinars Made Easy

Sarah RemijanRotary International

sarah.remijan@rotary.org

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to– Understand what they need to do

before, during and after a webinar – Determine the physical set up

needed for a webinar – Know how to avoid common pitfalls

of webinars– Use the software GoToWebinar

What is a webinar?

Why have a webinar?

Raise your hand!

Have you attended a webinar?

Presented?Moderated?Produced?

Getting Ready

2 Months Before

•Purpose•Day and time•Number of participants•Number of speakers•Internal or external speakers

Pitfalls

•Assuming it takes less time than planning a face to face meeting

•Not involving interpreters

Tips

•10 am and 6pm Chicago time

•Mid-week

1-2 months Before

•Reserve room•Determine equipment•Enlist support•Draft content•Collect speaker bios and photos• Invite attendees/promote

Pitfalls

•Assuming software will launch

•Not booking space long enough before and after

•Not involving enough support

Tips

•Standardize set up for equipment

•Try to use same room•Launch software early•Schedule rehearsals early

Ideal Setup

Next Best Thing

If you have to…

1-2 Weeks Before

•Conduct two rehearsals•Send reminder to registrants•Schedule debrief

Pitfalls

•Assuming you don’t need a rehearsal

•Assuming your attendees know what they are doing

Tips

• Include a tip sheet for how to register

• Highlight time zones• Register as an attendee• Practice each part of

webinar – again and again

• Have a plan to respond to emails before start

30-60 Minutes Before

•Log in early to make sure software is working

•Do volume check with speakers

Pitfalls

•Launch webinar too late

•Forgetting to share screen, broadcast audio, and recording

•Not having a phone number for speakers

Tips

•Remind speakers to watch chat

•Have a partner remind you or use a post it to share screen, launch audio, and hit recording

During the Webinar

•Follow your plan•Speak slowly and clearly•Stay calm and expect

problems

Pitfalls

•Forgetting to go through all the steps of a poll

•Not paying attention to the attendee comments

Tips

•If a speaker is too quiet or you can’t be heard, break in

•Mute and unmute speakers as needed

After the Webinar

•Send evaluation questions•Send a link to your recording•Debrief

Pitfalls

•Forgetting to set up the evaluation before the webinar starts

•Not having room to post recording

Tips

•If a speaker is too quiet or you can’t be heard, speak up

•Mute and unmute speakers as needed

•Have someone respond to questions

Questions?

Let’s use the product!

Questions?