Initial Event Planning
To complete the event webpage, presenters will need to:
- collaborate with the Web Event Producer (Leigh Cunningham) to develop/determine:
- broadcast date,
- event title,
- learning objectives, and
- overview paragraph (similar to an abstract for a conference presentation).
- provide a brief bio paragraph (include only information relevant to this particular topic).
Samples of webinar webpages may be viewed HERE.
Technology Preparations
Presenters will need to:
- work with IT personnel, as needed, both on their home campus and through NACADA, to prepare and understand the tech requirements and usage.
- schedule a quiet room that has a computer with WIRED Internet connection.
- It is best to use the same computer set-up during rehearsal that will be used for the broadcast, if possible.
- Your office may work IF you can close the door.
- Presenter teams from the same institution may be able to use a conference room setting if it has the equipment to prevent feedback from the speakers.
- be sure that a webcam and audio device is available for all meetings.
- We find a headset with combined microphone and earphones provides the best quality of sound in most situations.
- In some set-ups, a microphone and earbuds may work.
- In most situations, speakers must be turned off, as they cause feedback problems.
- In some tech rooms with higher quality sound equipment, a headset may not be necessary, but so far we have found only a few presenters with access to that level of equipment.
- If you are unable to obtain a headset at your institution and must purchase one, NACADA can reimburse you for this up to $50 (a receipt will be required – please discuss with Leigh before purchasing).
- download the Zoom app to any computer that will be used for meetings (on some campuses, this may require IT administrator permissions).
- Instructions for downloading and installing the Zoom app are available HERE.
- Once you have installed the Zoom app, additional information about the Zoom environment is available HERE.
- If you have any difficulties, please call NACADA’s IT Manager, Gary Cunningham, at 785-532-0658.
Content Development
Presenters will need to:
- provide intended learning outcomes for their portion of the presentation.
- provide graphics and text for event slides; assist Producer with slide creation (a slidedeck template will be provided).
- ensure that all material that will be presented is original, accurate, and does not infringe on any copyright or the proprietary rights of others.
- provide citations and secure permissions for materials, as appropriate.
- contribute to the event handout (i.e. references, recommended resources, supplemental material), which must be posted for attendees one week prior to the broadcast (a template will be provided).
- contribute to social media initiatives (i.e. “tweets” that can be sent out by our social media assistant during the broadcast).
Sample web events (NACADA Leaders Q&A Sessions) are posted HERE, and presenters are encouraged to view at least one prior to developing their content to see what a Zoom broadcast looks like to attendees. The attendee view is quite different from the presenter view.
Rehearsals
- Many presentation teams find that approximately 5-6 online meetings are adequate to be prepared for a smooth presentation experience, but we can meet as many times as team members need to feel fully comfortable with the material and the environment.
- Presentation experts such as Mandi Stanley (2016) tell us that presenters should expect to spend at least 20 hours developing and preparing for an presentation such as this.
- All meetings/rehearsals prior to the broadcast will take place in Leigh’s Zoom space – she will send you the link.
General Presentation Tips:
- Webcams:
- Zoom in close enough to avoid showing too much of your background or things that might be distracting (such as clocks).
- Don't zoom your webcam in too close. Eye movement as you refer to other resources on your screen or notes can be distracting to attendees.
- Try to minimize your movement on camera. Too much movement can be distracting and it increases the bandwidth needed to send the video to attendees.
- Plain, solid color clothing works best on camera. Stripes and prints can cause problems and magnify video quality issues for attendees.
- Avoid having a window or other bright light source behind you when on camera. Your image will show as a dark silhouette on screen.
- Take your time, speak clearly. Make it easy for the audience to follow your words.
Reference
Stanley, M. (2016, February 10). Hair on fire! presentation skills: What you must know before your next presentation.