The document discusses tips for webinar presenters and attendees. It provides an overview of what a webinar is and its benefits and challenges. The author outlines important things for attendees to do like testing their equipment in advance, dressing professionally, muting themselves when not speaking, and identifying themselves when communicating. Advice is given for presenters to use multiple monitors, have a co-presenter for support, and assume control of the webinar. Various webinar software options are reviewed and the author explains which ones are being used by their organization.

1. A Webinar on Webinars Karen G. Schneider Community Librarian Equinox Software, Inc. “ The Evergreen Experts” http://esilibrary.com March, 2009

4. So now are we in lockstep?

5. If stuff happens: Relax, don’t worry! Roll with it. photo by Timothy de Ruyter

6. 1. What is a webinar… And why do you care?

7. “ Web conferencing is used to conduct live meetings or presentations via the Internet .” — Wikipedia

8. Other characteristics…

9. Flexible communication

12. Key challenge for webinar participants: Learning to relax, don’t worry, and roll with it. photo by Timothy de Ruyter

13. 2. Power Tips for Webinar Attendees

14. 2.1 Read the instructions in advance Do you have the right equipment? Have you downloaded the software? Are you sure your equipment works? Have you skimmed basic commands?

15. 2.2 Dress for Success VOIP: The free-n-easy equipment setup Example: Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset OR… +

16. O.k. alternative setup #1 Dial-in (usually $$) — supported by most software

17. O.k. alternative setup #2: Listening + Chat + Widely supported; requires extensive multitasking

18. Bad, bad, BAD setup: The dreaded webcam microphone Echo, feedback, distortion, and collective misery

19. 2.3 ONE person per PC, please!

20. 2.4 Show up early Get situated Test equipment Explore menus

21. 2.5 Mute yourself when you aren’t talking

22. 2.6 Identify yourself when you communicate

23. 2.6 What are YOUR ideas?

24. And remember… Relax! Don’t worry! Roll with it!

25. 3. Power Tips for Webinar Presenters

26. 3.1 Pick the right software for your audience (More on that in part 4)

27. 3.2 Assume people won’t read the instructions in advance Plan a little extra “getting situated” time Build in “webinar 101” at the beginning Don’t assume tech expertise=webinar expertise

28. 3.3 Use 2 or more monitors First monitor : exploded webinar control panel Second monitor : your displayed screen Third monitor : Twitter, Facebook, email from your mom, etc.

29. 3.4 Have a wingman The wingman… Responds to text chats Repeats questions and assists with sensemaking reminders Helps with technical complications Helps you remember to record sessions and save files

30. 3.5 Assume control Ask people to identify themselves, mute keyboards, etc. Mute people if they’re noisy Redirect discussion when necessary

31. And remember… Relax! Don’t worry! Roll with it!

32. 4. Selecting Webinar Software

33. 4.1 Scan the field: what are people using? Webex Gotowebinar Centra Adobe OPAL DimDim Etc. What features do they like? Hate? Miss? Take advantage of trial offers.

34. 4.2 Identify and rank requirements: Mandatory Highly desired Desired Be aware: These products are rapidly evolving!

39. And don’t forget: Relax, don’t worry! Roll with it. photo by Timothy de Ruyter