I just listened to the recording of a webinar I did with two other speakers. And the audio stunk!
It wasn’t the content – it was the technical aspect of it. In fact, we are going to have to re-record it before publishing the replay. That’s double work, double time – and all because some technical items weren’t done properly.
Rather than having you experience this type of extra work and disappointment, here are some tips to be sure you get it right the first time.
1. Always use a land line when hosting a teleseminar or webinar. The difference in sound quality between speakers when some are using a landline and others the VOIP is huge. In fact, even good editing can’t fix it.
The VOIP sound is tinny and often fades in and out depending on the Internet connection. While you may be able to listen through your computer, don’t chance it when you are the presenter.
2. Use a headset to keep the position and distance of your microphone consistent throughout the call. Otherwise you have sound that is loud one time and too soft the next.
3. Remove all jewelry. It clanks against the phone and you’re not even conscious of it. From dangling earrings to a necklace, all jewelry is a threat to sound quality.
4. Mute yourself when you are not speaking. This is especially critical in a multi-speaker situation.
I’ve had guests who had a side conversation, forgetting to mute themselves. Others who ate or drank while another speaker was talking. Even typing notes in the background should be done as little as possible. Just assume everything can be heard.
5. Plant someone in the audience. Nothing takes the place of live intelligence from the outside world. So ask a friend or top client to listen in and give you real-time feedback. They can use the built-in tools for your recording service or instant messenger. They’ll be your ears on the ground, hearing what your attendees are hearing and reporting back to you.
I had the luxury of learning all of this in live speaking situations where I inadvertently wore a necklace or silky material that rubbed against the microphone. So I got immediate feedback from the sound techs as it was happening.
In a remote situation like webinars and teleseminars we sometimes don’t realize the impact of small things.
So next time you get ready to give a teleseminar or webinar, do a sound check. You will be amazed at what you hear.
Dr. Jeanette Cates is an Internet strategist who works with intermediate marketers who are ready to move to the next level. She is the author of TeleseminarBasics and FirstWebinar and coaches online presenters.
