Web videoconferencing is becoming increasingly popular driven by reductions in costs and improved technology. It is now recognized as a cost effective alternative to actually arranging an in-the-flesh meeting.
That’s not to say web videoconferencing is without its expenses or time commitments and therefore it’s extremely important that you milk the most out of what you pay for. At the end of the day you want results.
Here are 7 tips for creating and implementing a solid and effective web videoconference.
1. Audience Equipment
There is no point running video teleconference if your audience doesn’t have the right equipment. They’ll need a PC, internet connection and you may also want them to have a microphone and webcam.
Sometimes your web conferencing equipment might not be compatible with Macs, Windows or other platforms so make sure everyone has compatible equipment and software.
Also if you are delivering the web videoconference to a large audience watching a screen in one room then you may need to have higher bandwidth capabilities to increase the video quality for a larger screen.
If you are working with a web videoconferencing company they should be able to advise you on your equipment needs.
2. Keep it short
People lose concentration and it can be very easy for your audience to slack off when they are a hundred miles away. Keeping your videoconference presentation short will ensure people don’t get bored and lose concentration.
30 minutes for the presentation and up to 30 minutes for a Q&A session is recommended.
3. Interactive
Modern web video conferencing software makes interaction easy and by interacting with your audience you keep them engaged in what is going on.
Sending out quick polls is often a great way to do this and they can be prepared before the video conference starts. A good video conferencing platform will also allow you to display the results of the polls to everyone in real time. This is also a great way to get quick feedback.
Other interactive options involve simply asking your audience questions, allowing your audience to create, edit and send you documents, using a whiteboard for people to write on and giving audience members a chance to speak or present something.
4. Slides and Graphics
When it comes to making a presentation it doesn’t matter whether you are doing a web videoconference, or a conference in the flesh, you will want slides and graphics to get your message across.
Almost all video conferencing platforms allow you to do this so your audience can both see you speak and see your slides. Use graphics and charts to add interest and keep text minimal as your audience will tend to read that instead of listen to you.
5. Be aware of limitations in video quality.
If your video quality is low then certain images and text may not appear as desired. Bear this in mind and keep text and graphics quite big and clear if necessary.
6. Application Sharing
Application sharing, where you can let your audience download and edit files from your PC, is one great way to keep the user involved and also gain feedback during the web videoconference.
7. Browse the web together
Often you may want to explain something that is on the web and there is no better way of showing people this than actually taking them there live on the web.
This little activity will also tend to engage the audience a lot more than simply just trying to explain something.
