Are you a local genealogy speaker? Have you considered presenting via a webinar?
A webinar (short for “web seminar”) is a presentation, lecture, or workshop that is transmitted over the web using video conferencing software. A key feature of a webinar is that it is
interactive. The presenter and the
audience have the ability to give, receive and discuss information.[1]
Every year, I make a resolution to stretch myself in my
genealogy. My 2014 goal was to make a presentation outside of my home state of
Illinois. I sent several applications and surprise! Was accepted by all of
them! Here’s the story of my first
webinar and maybe what I learned will help you.
The Application I admit it. I love webinars. I read Julie Cahill Tarr’s blog, Julie’s
Genealogy and History Hub, where she lists links for free upcoming webinars,
in her Friday Finds. One week her blog included a Florida State Genealogical
Society notice, calling for webinar presenters for their Poolside Chats. Wow!
What an opportunity! The application included a bio, and a description
of the presentation. I included
descriptions of three of my most popular presentations and crossed my fingers. Soon
after, an email came stating it would be several months before a decision would
be made.
The Acceptance and Preparation Mid-2014, another
email arrived! My “Guide to Overseas Genealogy”
was selected for February. Yes! Soon a contract and tax paperwork arrived. In
the contract, they ask permission to keep copy of the presentation for their
members use only. Interesting option to
consider.
My normal presentation is 75 minutes long, which was edited
to 55 minutes. I practiced my new
shorter PowerPoint and used a new handout for a genealogy meeting in
October. It went well, so the presentation
was ready. I also purchased an
inexpensive Logitech headset (headphone/microphone combination) for about $30.
One Month Before Late January, I realized that the
presentation would improve by adding more images. Speaking in person, these are not as important,
because there is a live person for the audience to focus on. When it was completed, I sent a PDF copy to the
society, as a backup to replace the streamed PowerPoint, if needed. (It doesn’t happen often.) I also sent the
PDFs of the handouts. The FSGS opens the
webinar to non-members, but only members receive the handout link.
Only my PowerPoint would be on the screen, not my face, but
that is an option. I also learned a tip that helps any speaker. I put a little icon in the bottom right side
of the pages at the quarter, half and three quarters mark. It was easy see if I was running fast or slow
and make the adjustment.
One Week Before The society suggested a practice
session. At my appointed time, I went to the gotowebinar website using
the link the society provided. I could hear
members talking and my screen looked correct, but they could not hear me. I heard
one lady say that she would call me and surprise! My phone rang. She helped correct my headset connection
issue and we were ready to practice.
First there would be an introduction, then I clicked a
button on the screen, the webinar shifted to my computer and the presentation
would begin. In the upper right corner
of my screen was a box where they could text me, such things as needing to
speak louder etc.
They also explained that about 75 people had signed up. The webinar could seat 100. It was not uncommon for only about 50% of
those who signed up, to actually attend so they take more than 100 reservations. The FSGS had one more email blast to send. If they received a large response, they could
open up the webinar to 150 seats.
On the night of the webinar, people may start
“filling seats” about 30 minutes in advance although most link in 5-10 minutes
before. It is first-come, first-serve. If more people link in after the seats are
filled, they receive a message that the webinar is not available. Good to know!
Webinar Night To prepare, I unplugged the telephone
in the room so it would not ring. We have no animals, my family was out, but I
still closed the door to the room. I put
a glass of water and an easy-to- read clock by the computer and opened the
“Guide to Overseas Genealogy” PowerPoint. I linked in about 25 minutes before
the start time. Talked to FSGS members
and saw the seats filling in. The little
box on my screen indicated how many. One
member said that more than 200 people signed up so 50 more seats were added. While the seats were filling, the FSGS member
announced where they were signing in from.
Attendees were from all over the United States and even Canada.
Everything went as planned.
I could see and hear the introductory PowerPoints, including my bio and
introduction. I clicked on the button, gave my thanks and started the
presentation.
Making a presentation in an empty room, to a computer screen
is an interesting experience. You do not
have the reaction of the audience to relate and make adjustments. You must keep your voice “perky” and excited
and remember that people are listening and enjoying what you are saying. It also goes a bit faster because you do not
react to the audience or answer questions until the end.
After I spoke, the moderator asked me questions that she was
receiving via email. Those were great
questions. Apparently some of the simpler
ones, she answered by email.
Following the Webinar They asked me to stay on as
the attendees signed off. The room of
150 had been full. They were pleased
with the response and based how the audience liked it by the number of people
who stayed until the end. In my case,
most everyone stayed, which was great. I
hope to be able to do this again.
You can find lists of upcoming genealogical webinars at
these websites:
Enjoy!
[1] In contrast, a webcast is when the data
transmission is one way and does not allow interaction.
