Presenters: Use Headsets!
Audio body language -- It's hard to sound persuasive -- or even human, for that matter -- on a speakerphone. In a Web conference presenters should always use a headset for superior audio performance. After all, in a web conference, your voice is your body language and takes on a larger roll in the communication process.

Using your regular handset is the second choice if a headset is unavailable.

Speakerphones are a distant last for delivering the audio portion of your presentation. Regardless of the quality of the speakerphone, it sounds tinny and captures background noise and echoes. Most importantly, it sounds more impersonal. And is that the impression you want to make after all that effort in creating your event and attracting an audience?

Prepare Your Room
Quiet on the set! -- The blessing of Web conferencing -- namely, you don't have to leave your own office -- can also be a curse. Think about how hard it is to get an uninterrupted, quiet hour alone at your desk without the interruptions of callers and co-workers. But that is exactly what you need during your Web seminar or Web meeting.

It's critical to eliminate background noise and distractions to put on your best Web event. Here are a few hints to help you.

• Close your door. If you don't have a door, try to use an office or conference room with one. If you use another room, try it out before your event, in case there are noises, distractions, or technical issues you didn't anticipate.
• Hang a sign on the door reading "Web conference in progress. DO NOT DISTURB."
• Turn off your cell phone. Turn off and put away other devices that might beep, buzz, or burst into song. If you are using IP audio instead of your phone, turn off the phone's ringer, or at least turn it way down. If necessary, unplug it.
• Close all unnecessary programs on your computer. This step may also improve the performance of your meeting.
• Tell your co-workers and support staff about your Web conference and the importance of no distractions.
• Use the restroom and get a glass of water before you begin.

Tell 'Em What You Tell' Em
Be understood, understand? Professional trainers and speakers know about the four communication pointers that help make a presentation a success. As you prepare for your next talk, use these tips to make sure your message is understood:

• Let 'em know what they're going to learn. The audience will know what to expect and will be prepared. In your Web seminar, go over the agenda and set signposts as you march through the material to show progress.
  
• Show them. Demonstrate your points through prepared overheads, charts or computerized slide show. Web conferencing gives you many means for doing this effectively.
  
• Give 'em a verbal quiz. Test the audience to keep them involved. And what more efficient means is there besides polling questions?
  
• Tell them again what they've learned. Reiterate your important points as a summary to your presentation. Add summary slides and post-event surveys to focus your audience on main points

Get in Touch With Your Audience
Keep 'em honest: If you've spent as much time preparing for your presentation as you should, you're ready to amaze your audience and have them eating out of your hand. Unfortunately, you're also much too close to your material to know if it's really interesting to the audience.

Unlike a face-to-face seminar, you can't see your attendees slouching in their chairs, doodling, or -- infamous in Web conferencing -- checking their e-mail. This is when interaction is critical to keeping your event on track.

Schedule specific spots in your presentation to pause and get the pulse of your audience. Ask a polling question specifically worded to gauge their interest or comprehension of the subject at hand. Ask for feedback through text messaging or Q&A. If you're using PlaceWare, ask them to change the colors of their seats. Even open the phone lines for questions.

Interaction will not only keep your audience more interested, but it will also give you valuable feedback for addressing their real interests. After all, satisfying your attendees is more important than satisfying your ego

--tips submitted by the Web Seminarian