How to Create a Perfect Webinar Presentation — 5 Tips and Tricks
Nowadays, more and more companies are expanding their international reach, cultivating a global workforce and client base. Thus, it is becoming more and more common to work remotely. For years, teleconferencing was the best option. However, with the advances in internet and web conferencing technologies comes the emergence of live video streaming. But what exactly is a webinar and how do you create a perfect webinar presentation?
In the blog post below, you will learn about:
- The definition of a webinar
- The most effective tips to create a perfect webinar presentation
- Choose the Right Content
- Write a Strong Script
- Prepare Your Camera and Visual Aesthetics
- Use an Interactive Presentation Software
- Revise and Rehearse
What is a Webinar?
A webinar, or web-based seminar, is a presentation, lecture, workshop, or seminar delivered over the internet via video conferencing software. A key feature of a webinar is that it is interactive. Participants in a webinar presentation have the ability to convey, receive and discuss information in real-time.
Among the most popular webinar software you’ll find Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype. Using this webinar software, presenters can share video, documents, and applications with webinar attendees while they’re speaking. Today, many webinar services offer live streaming options or the ability to record your webinar and publish it to YouTube.
How to Create a Perfect Webinar Presentation?
Presenting a webinar can pose a number of difficulties. Not all ideas are worth a webinar. Most professionals are too busy to stop and watch a webinar that doesn’t interest them. Also, most often times, you won’t have access to visual cues from the audience. This can sometimes feel disconcerting or awkward. With that being said, here are the most effective tips for engaging executive audiences through a webinar presentation.
1. Choose the Right Content
Some ideas are better suited to the webinar format than others. Sometimes, you have a fantastic idea, but it is a too broad or too general. Resist the urge and instead opt for a more specific idea that you can explain in greater details in your webinar presentation. Some examples are:
- In-depth tutorials with detailed examples
- Interviews with an expert in the industry
- Niche topics revisited from a new angle
- Panel discussions of impactful events
However, keep in mind that choosing a topic is not always straightforward. It’s impossible to predict with certainty how the audience will receive a topic. Ultimately, you should choose the topic you think is most meaningful and create the best content that you can.
2. Write a Strong Script
A strong script is the backbone of every good webinar presentation; without one, you’re doomed to fail. Even the most skilled producers and hosts rely on scripts. It’s hard to talk for up to an hour, even if it is about something they are passionate and knowledgeable about.
Not only does a script keep you on topic but it also helps you manage your time. A good script should have the timing marked on each section. With this technique, you can always manage how much time you have left of your webinar.
Also, some professionals find it helpful to work on their slide deck and script simultaneously to avoid repetition and minimise the risks of simply reading from their slides.
3. Prepare Your Camera and Visual Aesthetics
Make use of your camera. It’s entirely unacceptable how many professionals still host webinars with no video, and instead use a voice-over as they go through their slides. Of course, some professionals don’t like looking at themselves on the camera. However, it’s not a valid excuse to exclude your audience on the video medium. Watching a real person talking to the audience more engaging than a disembodied voice.
Second, you have to be mindful of the visual aesthetics. If you’re presenting online, it’s essential to plan your visuals carefully. You want to position the camera so that it gives a front view of your face, and not showing your chin or the ceiling. In addition, you should avoid presenting in front of a window with the light behind you. If you do it may render you almost too dark to see. Similarly, ensure the backdrop is professional, such as a bookcase or diplomas or a tasteful piece of art. You should test it out with a practice session to see how your backdrop will appear to participants.
4. Use an Interactive Presentation Software
As mentioned above, an exceptional feature of the webinar format over other mediums is its interactivity. The presenters can share and receive information from the audience in real-time through the software’s sharing feature.
To add another layer of interaction, you should also consider employing an interactive presentation software. Software like AhaSlides not only allows you to prepare customised slide decks, but also incorporates interactive polls and charts, as well as fun quizzes and engaging Q&A sessions. With this interactive presentation software, you can ask your audience about any matters being discussed in your webinar, and receive the answer instantly in the form of polls, word clouds, or charts. Likewise, you can engage with your audience through a quiz or a Q&A session.
In addition, this interactive presentation software is also fully supported by popular webinar software, making it easier than ever to use.
5. Revise and Rehearse
Never assume that everything will go smoothly on the first run. You should always do at least one rehearsal several days before the event, and revise accordingly. Make sure everyone knows their part, and all your gear is functioning properly.
Also, you should take into consideration how you will handle audience participation. There should be protocols for them to follow if they have a question. Should they raise their hand? Type the questions into the comment box? Or use a separate Q&A feature from the software. You should be explicit at the beginning and remind people periodically to avoid frustration and confusion.
If you aren’t sure how to conduct your Q&A session, here are some resource that you could consult:
Check out AhaSlides
AhaSlides provides a platform for creating professional and interactive presentations. If you are planning to create a webinar, AhaSlides adds another layer of interactions by incorporating live polls, charts, quizzes and engaging Q&A features to your presentation. It is also fully supported for popular webinar service like Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.