A Guide to HFES Webinar Presentations

Materials needed

• A high-speed internet connection.
• Any browser should work but you should go to www.gotowebinar.com and download their small application before your planned webinar.
• A USB microphone is recommended, ideally a headset microphone combination. Three products I recommend are: Logitech makes and inexpensive USB pc headset (about $22); Microsoft Lifechat LX 3000 (about $15); Cyber Accustics (about $23).

Webinar Setting

• It is best if you conduct the webinar from a quiet room.
• Make sure to turn off all cell and landline phones.
• Make sure no other applications are running on your computer other than the webinar browser application and your presentation application.

Webinar Conduct

• Speaking to a computer while hundreds of people are listening in is very unnatural. Over time it?s very easy for one to lose their vocal energy and intonation of their speech. Try your best to maintain the energy, intonation, and presence that you would otherwise have in front of a live audience.

Webinar Process

• You should join the webinar approximately 10 minutes before it officially starts.
• You and the moderator can speak without anyone else hearing your conversation.
• At the beginning of the webinar the moderator will share his/her screen and introduce you.
• The moderator will then give you control of the webinar and the participants will see your screen and hear your voice.
• During the webinar all participants are muted, but they may submit written questions to the moderator.
• At the end of your presentation the moderator will come back online and present questions from the audience to you.
• You should prepare a 50-60 minute webinar and allow for 20-30 minutes of Q&A afterwards. We try to keep the entire session to a max of 90 minutes.