What Is A Webinar?
Short for Web-based seminar, the word webinar was coined several years ago in reference to a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web (Web + seminar = Webinar). You may also hear terms such as web seminar, web conference, or internet meeting used in this context. Some people say a true webinar refers only to a presentation given to a large group of audience members, each of whom has the ability to interact in some way with the presenter. This differentiates a web seminar from a webcast, which typically indicates a broadcast-only (or one-way) presentation where the audience can only watch and listen.
Web seminars can be an effective means to bring people together without travel expenses and inconvenience. A key feature of a web seminar is its interactive elements – the ability to give, receive and discuss information. Contrast with Webcast, in which the data transmission is one way and does not allow interaction between the presenter and the audience. Organizations provide web seminars on any topic that would be appropriate for a traditional seminar, and, just as in a traditional seminar, experts on a particular subject present visual and audio information. Most include a visual presentation as well as an audio broadcast that is accessed either over the computer and/or via a toll-free (no cost to the participant) telephone number.
Because the content is delivered directly to your computer, there’s no need to travel anywhere. You may “attend” a Webinar anywhere there’s a computer with Web access: your office, at home, or while traveling. They allow the sharing of information without the travel and other costs associated with traditional seminars and workshops.
For most web seminars you need to register ahead of time in order to reserve your space and obtain instructions for how to join the program on the scheduled day and time. Keep the email confirmation handy because you’ll need the information it provides at the time of the program. The registration form might request some basic information about you, and give you the opportunity to answer some questions to help the presenters prepare for the needs and expectations of the audience. Just before the scheduled time of the presentation, sign on to the URL specified for the webinar in the confirmation email you receive. You’ll have to download some software to your computer, so make sure your security firewall settings allow for this (especially if you have Vista). This software gives you the ability to see the presenters’ slides on your computer, plus any highlighting or drawing he/she might do during the presentation.
Various types of webinar software offer different features, but on most you can type questions for the presenter and sometimes ask questions or make comments by telephone. You might be asked to respond (during the program) to polling questions; if so, you’ll see the responses of other participants, too. If your internet access is not very fast (dial-up), you can still listen (like a conference call) to the audio presentation by calling the telephone number. Some people now have the option of VoIP (voice over internet protocol), which allows you to hear the audio program over your computer’s internet connection, without dialing in by phone at the same time.
Trying out new forms of technology like web seminars can initially feel somewhat intimidating. But the advantages of learning like this is quite inexpensive compared to attending a “live” seminar with a meeting facility, travel. food and lodging costs, etc., as well as the energy expenditure required for participants to attend. We’d encourage you to give a webinar a try!
Bob Walton is a representative for BigContacts, a proven Web Based CRM software and Business Contact Manager that is used by many thousands of small businesses around the world. Our clients tell us that our contact management software helps them to retain more clients, reduce expenses and close more sales. Visit us online today for more information.
February 2, 2011
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Posted by Greg Nicholas
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