Webinars - What is a Webinar and how can I set one up?

What is a webinar?

Short for Web-based Seminar, a webinar is a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web. A key feature of a webinar is its interactive elements — the ability to give, receive and discuss information. This is significantly different to Webcasts, which are one way and do not allow interaction between the presenter and the audience.

(Webopedia)

How does a webinar work?

You can try running a webinar yourself, and if you’re brave, you’ll line up this equipment:

·         A computer with access to the Internet

·         A set of speakers (or a headset) to hear questions and talk to the attendees.

·         An inexpensive microphone to give your presentation.

You will also want to make sure your software allows you to:

·         Share Videos

·         Share Web Sites

·         Share Power Point Presentations

·         Record your entire event to share with others

Helpful video on a webinar from Youtube

 

The people ‘attending’ the webinar will need:

·         A computer

·         Fast access to the Internet

·         A set of speakers (or a headset) to listen to those who are giving the presentation

·         An inexpensive microphone if you plan to participate with comments or questions

·         Software to record the Webinar if the presenter is not providing a recording

 (mynewoffice.com)

Using commercial software

If you’re not so brave you can use commercial software, including GoToWebinar and GoToMeeting (Webinar.com) which gives you a 30-day free trial; try Google+ Hangouts which is free; or sign up to Skype.com which provides free voice and video conversations.

Webinar newbies

J D Davin of  mynewoffice.com also gives this advice for webinar newbies:

“What would I tell my friend? I’d tell them to present much in the same way as they do in person. Prepare by doing some background research on the audience, keep the slides simple, insert a few pictures or illustrations here and there, have a co-presenter ask questions to vary the tone and range, and make sure to include a call to action or a checklist.”