• Webinars eliminate the need for large, formal boardrooms.colorful boardroom image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  The convenience of Internet and telecommunications technology allows people to gather for an informative web-based seminar--known as a webinar-- from the comfort of their office or home. By dialing in with a phone line, the webinar presenter can communicate one-on-one or simply speak to the entire audience while controlling the visuals on each participant's computer screen. A successful webinar requires keen attention to presentation style, the ability to facilitate questions and answers from a large group and the presentation of smooth content with minimal technology glitches.
  
  

Practice the Webinar

• Just like preparing a speech, webinars also should include a practice session. The website Learning Round Table says a trial run through the webinar helps eliminate unnecessary technology incompatibility issues. Before the webinar goes live, technical teams can smooth out any glitches, the presenter can tighten up the speech and the webinar creators can edit the presentation for clarity and content. Meeting attendees benefit from a polished, successful webinar.
  
  

Work as a Team

• Presenting a webinar requires teamwork, according to online technology resource Techsoup. In addition to the presenter, colleagues can play other vital roles. Make someone available to check on Internet connectivity in a separate computer server room if technical glitches surface. Ask someone to monitor audio levels while the presenter speaks. A webinar assistant can help with last-minute needs. If the presenter requires a glass of water to keep a smooth tone or paperwork left in another room, the assistant can act quickly.
  
  

Lines of Communication

• Since webinars do not allow for face-to-face contact among all attendees, open all possible lines of communication. In addition to a central online meeting location, offer an audio feed via telephone, interactive online chat, video conferencing via webcam and pre-printed reference materials. Multiple lines of communication make it easier for webinar participants to interact and feel comfortable communicating in a non-traditional style meeting, according to Learning Round Table.
  
  

Involve Everyone

• At the start of the webinar, break down any barriers that make attendees feel like passive observers at the meeting. Showing a map highlighting the location of each participant and allowing each person to introduce themselves to the group creates a sense of personal interaction. For small groups, the host can type a personal welcome message to each attendee, creating a one-on-one chat thread.
  
  

Varied Format

• Keep webinar attendees engaged in the meeting by varying the format. Start with an interactive introduction process, followed by one speaker clearly presenting the agenda for the meeting. Then, break up the presentation with audience participation through question-and-answer sessions, allowing attendees to listen to a panel of speakers debate and offer a short break session for stretching and restroom breaks. Vary the webinar visuals by incorporating text slides, photographs, charts and short video clips to engage meeting attendees.