Webinars can be confusing, boring, but also very lively and engaging. Even a lifeless topic can be turned by the speaker into an interesting issue that will not put participants to sleep. In addition to great content, here are some strategies that can help you prepare a memorable performance.
Adjust the tone
Start by setting up rules for the audience and invite the participants themselves to be involved in the process. For example, ask them not to be afraid to go outside their comfort zone and suggest ideas and solutions, regardless of their quality. Give them a sense of involvement from the very start and make them feel that no idea is bad.
For example, Sunni Brown, author of The Doodle Revolution: Unlock the Power to Think Differently, uses excellent opening questions, such as "What's your state of mind?"; "What interests you about this group?"; "What was the last thing that made you happy during quarantine?"
It is also useful to share a simple programme right at the beginning. This will keep you on track and make participants aware of the goal.
Accept simplicity
You don't have to fill the webinar with all sorts of technical gadgets just to get participants to interact. There is beauty in simplicity. Natalie Nixon, president of Figure 8 Thinking, for example, encourages participants in her design workshops to use only paper and highlighter to interact when contributing to a discussion.
Likewise, the Zoom platform has excellent tools, such as interactive whiteboards, or the ability to connect other platforms such as Mural or Miro to help request interaction from participants. It is good to use these tools sparingly so that even less technically proficient participants feel comfortable. You can also focus on conversations with participants instead of technology and a number of interactive presentation slides. That is often enough.
Silence is not awkward
We are used to filling every emptiness and space with activity and sound. This is not necessary, especially at a webinar. For example, try a pedagogical technique called "think-pair-share". Ask a question and then give participants 60 seconds to answer it themselves. Then they share the answers in smaller groups and later in a large group, where you summarise the answers on one screen. Silence works wonders that help people spend information in their own minds.
Connect your audience
Webinars are not about you. The point is to give your participants time to gain new perspectives and information, to expand their own pool of knowledge. Optimise smaller "breakout sessions". The Breakout room feature in the aforementioned Zoom tool will allow participants to connect with new contacts and encourage interaction and reflection on topics. Don't forget to add audience questions to your agenda as well.
Time limits are your friend
Your participants will be amazed at what they can achieve in a short and clearly limited time which you set aside for discussion, say. Also expect that for an hourly webinar you need to schedule your content for 45 minutes. Never start on time if you want your audience to be well involved. Allow time for participants who may experience technical difficulties to connect, and also leave room for questions at the end. If your webinar is longer, don't forget to take breaks so as to keep your audience's attention for longer.
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