Source: Pexels
Virtual conferences have been ushering in transformation in corporate communications, especially since more and more jobs are now welcoming remote and hybrid set-ups. Because of its popularity, the global video conferencing market size is expected to be worth $19.7 billion by 2030, with a projected compound growth annual rate of 12.5% from 2022 to 2030. They offer great flexibility and freedom in communicating without geographical limits, which makes it particularly appealing for corporate leadership. This is why corporate communication professionals are some of the most in-demand specialists around, especially those who can navigate internal comms remotely.
If you are planning your own virtual conference, and not hiring a corporate communication professional, you need to understand that one of the limitations of planning and hosting an online conference is sustaining the interest and attention of your audience. After all, it’s easy to get bored if you’re just a part of a big audience, and even more so when you’re not there physically to listen to the seminar. As such, you want to make sure that your conferences are engaging and foster social interaction.
Here are five hacks that can help make your virtual conference better by doing just that.
Foster two-way communication
The best way for speakers to make sure that audiences are still engaged is to invite conversation. When communication is one-sided, then there’s not much point in holding a live conference. You might as well have just posted a video. Fostering conversation establishes their involvement in the subject matter.
You don’t have to wait until the end of the session until you ask them to speak. Something as simple as asking after whether they’re following or if they have questions so far makes them remember that this is a two-way conversation. You can also ask for audience input before beginning the next stage of your discussion, and then use that as material to drive your topic forward.
Having a moderator
The last thing you want is for your speaker to struggle in front of their camera under the watchful eye of dozens — or even hundreds. Assigning a good moderator around can help you lessen the chances of that happening. Having someone with enough knowledge to ask questions and create a dynamic with the speaker can smoothen the atmosphere of the conference. They can also keep the conversation flowing well by keeping time and prompting the audience for questions or responses.
Elevating the visual experience
Let’s face it — not all conference matters are exciting. But one of the ways that you can sustain attention is by elevating the visual experience. Much of corporate communication relies on visual communication, as it sets the mood instantly, commands attention, elevates trust and professionalism, and allows the audience to understand information better.
You can do this by keeping it simple—use the appropriate fonts and charts, and don’t go overboard on info. Keep it concise, and include only brief and impactful summations of the talking points. And don’t be afraid to include bold colors or graphics to make the appearance of the screen more commanding. You don’t have to go all out with effects and animations, but having a visual direction for the conference can help your audience connect more deeply with the content.
Interactive activities
Quizzes, questionnaires, and polls not only enhance the interactive experience; they also reinforce the information that you’re imparting to your audience. If the goal of your conference is to convey information that will stick with the audience, then both are important. You can punctuate each section of your conference with these activities, or squeeze them in as you talk. There are tons of apps, like InspireMe, and other tools that can foster an immediate response from a virtual audience, and making full use of them can help you heighten your audience’s involvement.
Feedback and data
Based on projections of the future of the global video conferencing market, it’s clear that these online events are here to stay. If this is going to become standard practice for your company, then you’ll need to tweak your program to perfection. Make sure you take note of who’s attending, and what their preferences are so that you can better strategize future conferences moving forward.
You can collect this information by sending out quick forms asking for feedback, and assessing their understanding of the topic and experience with the format of your program.
With many communication channels now being shifted online, you’ll have to know how to go with changes and how to prioritize social engagement above all. By practicing these five hacks, you can take advantage of the shift to online communication and elevate your virtual conferences.
Specially written for EngagingVirtualMeetings.com
By: Roana Jewel
Register now for the Engaging Virtual Meetings Conference, every October https://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/conf, free ticket or upgrade to VIP with Front Row Zoom Seating, 80+ hrs training, book, and 24 piece toolkit!
