how to handle a "Invisible" Webinar Audience

One of the most common problems new webinar presenters encounter is the feeling that they are presenting to an “invisible” audience. This can be very disconcerting, especially if you are used to speaking in front of groups. In fact, experienced presenters struggle with this even more, because they don’t realize how much they subconsciously trust cues from their environment.

As a presenter, there are a few simple things you can do to address this particular issue.

Solve your problems.

The most important thing you can do is make sure your material answers your real questions and problems. This gives you confidence that you are providing value, even if you don’t get this feedback from audience body language.

To be sure that you are solving your problems, of course you need know their problems. You can do this in many ways, for example by running a survey beforehand, asking a few people informally, or simply drawing from your experience.

Chat with attendees beforehand.

Log in early and chat informally with “early risers” just like you would chat with attendees before the start of a workshop or seminar. Most webinar presenters whose do this, but there’s no reason you can’t be different. Just have a simple conversation with the people who are there, and it will help calm your nerves and build rapport.

Let them talk.

If your webinar technology allows it, turn on the microphones and let them speak loudly. In other words, don’t restrict audience interaction to just written comments.

Involve your moderator.

If you have a moderator or organizer, involve them as much as possible, such as taking polls, reading questions, and commenting during your webinar, even if you know you could do it yourself.

Stop for questions.

Stop to ask questions early and often, just as you would at an in-person presentation. No blabbering for 55 minutes and allow 5 minutes at the end for questions. If you do, don’t complain about the audience looking “invisible” – it might as well be!

Engagement design.

Generate a lot of engagement and interaction in your presentation. Polls and questions are the obvious choices, but even private exercises (“Write down your financial goal,” “Do this calculation,” etc.) keep your audience engaged and encourage them to participate in polls and questions.

Do more webinars!

The more webinars you present, the more comfortable you’ll become presenting to an invisible audience.