A virtual or hybrid event that has no audience interaction, is just a webinar. And really, we think that’s a missed opportunity! Let’s Get Digital believes that with the right tools, you can create more audience interaction and an event that will be remembered. But how do you make use of the available interaction tools? We’ve gathered some tips below!
First of all: an involved and engaged audience is more likely to pay attention during the event. If they connect with the subject and can reproduce this in an interactive way, they will remember it better. But which tools should you use to realise this? We’ve listed some of the tips for virtual or hybrid event interaction:
Get a good host
This might seem obvious for any event, but for online events it applies all the more. The best hosts are the ones that can make a crowd go from quiet listeners to an actively participating, enthusiastic audience. Even online, having a relatable and funny host helps to break the ice. In our lobby there’s the possibility to chat throughout the event. So the host can involve your visitors by asking everyone to share a picture of their lunch – have a sandwich contest! – or answer questions that pop up in the lobby chat. This will keep them involved, and makes the lobby feel as a general, interactive space.
Ask questions
Just sending information just won’t do. Questions are the way to break open the conversation, to get participation. Start with easy, simple questions. Maybe even ask their favorite colour to get the juices flowing. And keep it up! Keep asking questions to build up to the more complicated matters. Let’s Get Digital lets you integrate tools such as Kahoot, Quizzzit and Mentimeter to make this easier for you. Of course if you want to stimulate audience interaction, it’s not a smart idea to not give them the tools to respond, so your visitors can respond to the outcome, and discuss it with each other. Questions without answers are just statements in the end!
Give them the tools to respond
Your visitors need a form of ‘like’ button! They want to share hearts, thank you’s and want to applaud the one they’re listening to – even if it’s just via emojis. With the clapping emoji just one tap away, your audience is more likely to use it. By doing so, they are stimulating the speaker or host to continue with their awesome talk and at the same time show the other visitors they have this possibility, and are seen. Spark conversation with a lively chat: give your audience the freedom to discuss, debate and interact in the session they join online.
Stimulate Contribution
Stimulate, not simulate! Make sure your event is rich with ways to interact by having live polling, chatrooms or host a Q&A that the speakers can respond to. It helps for the interaction to ask something your visitors are actively invested in – something they are currently experiencing, seeing or that is close to their day-to-day activities. This way they can relate, and are more likely to engage.
Make them feel like they’re not alone
Even though sitting on your own couch and attending an event online is freaking fantastic, it can also feel a bit alone. Next to the cat that meows for food, there might not be someone else who’s joining with you in the room. Give you visitors the feeling they are not alone, that they are joined by way more other participants and even: let them interact with each other! There’s a map that shows where every visitor currently is, so you can see who’s in the online space with you! Send them a message, say something in the chat or just read their responses. Showing how others respond to certain events or statements by speakers, helps generate the feeling they could bump into another participant any moment.
Networking is where the real magic happens!
Okay, we could not resist and slip in one last tip: let them network in the online environment! It’s one of the main reasons why someone shows up for events. Let’s Get Digital goes all-in on bringing in-person networking to your virtual or hybrid event by having a network carousel and smart matchmaking. These tools make sure attendees connect with similar-minded people. 1-on-1 or group meetings are easily arranged and valuable connections exported with a single click.
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