To ensure a successful webcast, presenters need the following: proper setup, good location, great content, a strong internet connection and a computer that meets the technical requirements.
Delivering a webcast calls for a machine and Internet connection that presenters can trust, to avoid technical issues that may create a negative audience experience.
Use the following checks to build a strong foundation for successful webcasting.
1. Use a hard-wired internet connection
Turn off wireless access on the computer to ensure the computer is using the hard-wired connection. Wireless connections are often times overlooked, so checking that your connection is turned off can help to eliminate video mishaps and dropped audio.
2. Pass the system check
Presenters must pass each item in a system check to present. It’s a best practice for speakers to test their system before a webcast to ensure everything is working properly. This also allows time to fix system issues, if any are present.
3. Confirm adequate network bandwidth
When giving a webcast, particularly a video webcast (these have higher bandwidth requirements), it is important to ensure the presenter’s system network can handle streaming to the Internet and will not impede the delivery or cause an issue for the presenter and/or the audience. This bandwidth test should be conducted in advance of a dry run practice.
4. Check bandwidth at presentation site
A minimum of 600 Kilobits per second (Kbps) in data transmission speed is recommended for a delivering an online presentation. Presenters should confirm that their presentation location has enough available bandwidth.
Presenters should practice delivering their presentations in a “dry run” two days before the scheduled date of the webcast. It is helpful to practice the delivery as though presenting to a live audience, with an engineer, to highlight any technical issues that might be present.
Testing the computer and network connection prior to the webcast day can put presenters at ease, knowing that the technical requirements are met, and the setup is working properly. That gives the presenters more time to focus on delivering highly interactive and engaging content.
Please contact us for more tips on how to ensure a successful webcast, or for any questions.