With the help of technology, we can efficiently do business overseas and we no longer need to meet physically or live in the same region to do business. All you need is the internet and a computer. Webcasting allows you to meet with others face-to-face in a virtual environment.
Depending on the webcasting platform you use, your webcast may blend audio, video, file sharing, chat screens, screen sharing, and more. You’ll likely receive some basic training in how to use the webcasting software. However, to ensure a successful webcast, you should also know what not to do.
- Show up in your pajamas – While you may be recording your webcast from home in the middle of the night, your viewers should never know.
- Wear heavy makeup – Stage makeup is for stage actors, not business professionals giving a video presentation.
- Use awkward camera angles – If you’re using your laptop’s webcam or your iPad’s front facing camera, unflattering camera angles are likely. Position the camera so that it’s eye level to avoid those horrid below the chin screenshots.
- Wear clunky jewelry – Not only do you risk the appearance of being overdressed, clunky jewelry tends to be noisy jewelry.
- Forget your muting manners – If you’re participating in a group webcast, mind your muting manners. There’s nothing more distracting than having multiple participants with open microphones. Not only can ambient audio be a problem, you may accidentally forget to unmute yourself when it’s your turn to speak.
- Say things you’ll regret – Many webcasts are recorded for posterity, even internal ones. This isn’t the time to have a hissy fit, badmouth your competition, or say inappropriate things. In general, if you wouldn’t want what you say to be on the national news or aired to mother – or perhaps even your future boss, don’t say it.
- Show up late – While other participants may be sitting at their desks rather than waiting patiently in a conference room, they still deserve to be treated with courtesy.
- Fumble with the software – Make sure you know how to use your webcasting software before you start using it with others. Otherwise, you could miss out on group webcasts or become disruptive while you attempt to figure out how to use it.
- Webcasting isn’t difficult if you are prepared, pay attention to what your camera reveals, and look and act professional at all times.
Mark Phillips is the author of this blog on “What Not to Do in a Webcast.” Sources for his research in this blog include: http://www.mediaplatform.com/site/webcasting/& http://www.squidoo.com/the-differences-between-web-casting-and-web-conferencing.
Image Credit:
Suphakit – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net
