Because of the increased use of the Internet today, more businesses are using webcasts to complete their sales and marketing plans. Many large companies throughout the country have channels that broadcast critical information about their business to the general public. However, companies of all sizes can take advantage of live webcasting by following these tips for a successful webcast.
1) Grab Their Attention
Not everyone is going to watch a webcast from the beginning through to the end. If you don’t take the time to grab their attention from the start, you will lose them. One of the best ways to gain their attention is to show them exactly how they will benefit from watching your video. Providing them with something to read at the beginning will tell them just what you plan to teach them through the course of your video. This encourages participants to continue watching.
2) Use Sound Bites
Viewers prefer to watch something that is short and concise. Therefore, it is best to use sound bites as part of your webcast instead of longer audio sequences. These short sound bites are often used in various forms of news media. However, because live webcasting lasts longer than news stories, it is important to use sound bites that are a bit longer. Furthermore, make sure you keep all your points short. This includes keeping answers to any questions as short as possible, while still answering the question entirely; as rambling will lose viewers.
3) Use Lists
Create an outline with lists that will help you stay on track throughout the presentation. If you have someone who is interviewing you as part of the webcast, make sure you get your questions ahead of time so you can prepare your answers. Again, it is important to keep these answers short and concise, saving the details for later in the webcast.
4) Keep It Exciting
There are not many people out there who are going to want to listen to you rambling on in a monotone voice. As such, it is up to you to make your live webcasting as exciting as possible to keep the viewers interested. Once you find the right energy level in person, you need to kick it up even more. Similar to acting on the stage, you need to exaggerate your excitement somewhat so it carries over onto the computer screen. Even if you feel it is over the top, it will be just right from the viewer’s standpoint with proper rehearsal and review.
5) Watch What You Wear
What you wear is important to the success of your webcast as well. You want something that will stand out and reflect your personality without looking as if you didn’t give any thought to what you are wearing. Dressing nicely is critical to make you look like the expert you are trying to portray yourself as. Make sure you wear complementary colors. If you aren’t sure what you should wear, one of the best options in any situation is a dark navy suit with a blue shirt and a dark red tie, such as burgundy.
6) Lean Forward
You have likely grown up with adults telling you to sit up straight. When it comes to live webcasting, though, it is important to lean forward at a 20-degree angle. However, it is important not to overdo it. It may seem unnatural to you, but it will improve the way you look on the screen to your viewers. This positioning engages your viewers. If you lean back, you will give the impression that you are disengaged or uninterested in the topic, allowing your audience to feel the same way.
7) Smile
One of the most important factors to make your webcast a success is to smile. A smile is warm and inviting to your viewers, allowing them to feel more connected to you. When they see a smiling face, they are more likely to watch your entire presentation with interest.
Before you hold your next live webcasting event, it is important to make sure you follow these tips. With a little preparation, you will be able to make your next webcast more successful.
