Speaking

How to contribute – A speaker guide

Thank you for agreeing to participate in a gasworld webinar. Below, you will find a speaker guide that you need to go over before the day of the event.

Speaker Information

Please prepare your webinar address in advance of the live event. Each speaker will be allocated around 10 minutes of presentation time.

This will then be followed by two or three follow up questions from the host(s). This portion of the webinar should last around 5 minutes.

You will receive the proposed script, including host(s) questions ahead of the webinar.

It is the speaker’s responsibility to deliver the content clear and concisely and answer any questions. All the practicalities are the responsibility of the organiser (gasworld).

Delivery

As with any type of presentation, a clear and well-paced delivery is key. Speaking to a silent and invisible audience may feel a little strange, as you won’t be able to pick up on any of the usual clues from your audience that can help you gauge how a presentation is being received.

It is fine to pause but please keep in mind that a pause can seem much longer to a webinar audience than in a face to face session where the presenter is visually present.

Keep a close eye on the time. It can be easy to run over and not leave enough time for questions. This is essential to the smooth running of the webinar.

Q&A

Around 15 minutes will be allocated for audience questions at the end of the webinar.

These questions will be moderated by the hosts and put to the appropriate panellist.

If there are any topics you are uncomfortable answering questions about, please make this known to the host(s) prior to the webinar.

Webinar Format

Please join the Microsoft Teams call at the requested time (generally 15 minutes before going live). This will allow us to pull in each speakers video/audio feeds and make sure there are no technical gremlins.

The webinar will begin with a short introduction from the host(s) before handing over to the first speaker.

Rehearse

Good preparation is essential as it will support your confidence and your delivery. Ideally you should do this in the same environment that you will deliver the webinar on the day so that you can become aware of any potential distractions and take steps to minimise them.

Location

Early on, decide where you will deliver your webinar.
You will need a quiet space that is free from noise and disruption. Is this at your office or at home? Do you need to book a meeting room? It is helpful to switch off mobile phones, email alerts and home-phones to minimise distraction. Also, ensure that whatever is shown behind you on the webcam screen is neat, tidy and not distracting. For maximum impact, try to ensure a company-branded background.

Set Up

Please ensure there is a light set-up so the audience can see you clearly. Before the live event, make sure you have the best angle on the camera, so it’s not too low or not too high. Also make sure you are in a position that’s not too close to the camera, but close enough that the audience can hear you clearly.

Dress Code

It is preferable for the speaker to be dressed in business casual for the webinar.

Checklist:

In advance of the webinar:

  • Make sure you have access to Microsoft Teams and have a strong internet connection.
  • Check that you have suitable and working equipment or prepare to borrow some.

 

On the day of the webinar:

  • Please log in to the Microsoft Teams Meeting at the specified time so we can test your connection and audio.
  • Turn any devices or telephones to silent mode to and keep them away from your computer to avoid interruptions and interference.
  • Close down any other windows open on your computer, making sure that nothing will pop up on your screen during your presentation.
  • If you are using your office or a meeting room to deliver the webinar, consider putting a notice on the door to ensure you’re not disturbed by colleagues.
  • Check that your webcam/speakers/microphone are all working.

During the webinar:

  • Keep your microphone on mute while other speakers are presenting.
  • Be mindful that you will be visible to the audience throughout the entire Q&A segment.

IMPORTANT

Commercial messages or logos of any kind are permitted in any kind of presentation. Presenters may not promote, advertise, or distribute commercial materials during their webinars, unless part of a prearranged sponsorship package. This includes images of books or other products authored by the speaker; they may not appear anywhere in the presentations.

For any further questions contact [email protected]