click here for a custom virtual training Webinar for Key speaker’s clients by James Taylor

The webinar will focus on these topics:
1. The Eight Types Of Online Events (And Choosing The Right One)
2. Best Practices With Transitioning Live Events To Virtual Platforms
3. The Three Types Of Studio Setups For Presenting Online
4. How To Create Your Own Online Summit Or Industry Conference
5. Choosing A Great Keynote Speaker Or Trainer For Your Next Online Event


definition breakdown: webinar? livestream? hybrid?

In order to adapt and plan effectively moving forward, we need to start with the basics. With linked sources, here’s an outline contrasting the various forms of online speaker presentation formats.

While watching a presentation online, did you know if the presenter was delivering it in real-time?  Was the event recorded prior to its delivery?  Were you watching it at a convenient time for you?  Here is a quick rundown on different methods to deliver your events.

live Streaming

Coverage of an event broadcast over the internet, often via social media channels. Streaming is commonly used when gaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. An event is happening NOW. No matter where you are or how you received the link to view. If you could throw a virtual tomato at the presenter, it would hit them in real-time.

ON DEMAND

What works for the presenter, or the company delivering the presentation doesn’t always work for the person who wants to attend the event.  By recording the live event, the company can then host it on-demand for future attendees to access when it’s convenient for them. Sometimes the organizer will mislead you to think an on-demand talk is actually live buy setting the start-time to be 15 minutes after you open the invite to make it feel like you are watching along with others.

RECORDED

The speaker records their presentation prior to the audience joining the web room. The footage may be edited, cut, or media inserted.

HYBRID

A conference, trade show, seminar, workshop or other meeting that combines a live, in-person audience with a virtual, online audience. (source) Hybrid events can be a mix of any other formats mentioned here. Perhaps you’d like to record the seminar portion of a speakers presentation and then go live afterwards to answer questions.

Other Terminology:

Aside from the four basic methods listed above, here are some common terms which are used to describe sorts of virtual events.

WEBINAR
A webinar has interactive elements, such as chat and live surveys/polls that allow the attendees to engage with the presenter.

WEBCAST
A webcast allows for limited interaction between the audience and the presenter via the Internet.  This is often a presentation delivered in front of a live audience in the room, while simultaneously being filmed and broadcasted for an online audience. 

SIMULCAST
A simultaneous broadcast. The most relevant meaning of simulcasting is to live stream to more than one channel at once. (source)

VIRTUAL PRESENTATION
May also be called a digital presentation. A live, on demand, or recorded presentation taking place online and made using digital tools such as PowerPoint. It may also include embedded digital elements such as videos or animations. It can also be screen sharing and whiteboarding sessions.

WEB CONFERENCE
A web conference often a discussion (or meeting) occurring between multiple people using a conferencing software or provider. There is more than one speaker or session and works best with a virtual emcee or moderator.