Tips for Web Conferencing Tools
(Zoom Webinar)
1) Don’t sweat technology (too much)
- The focus during the online LOEX Fall Focus 2025 sessions will be on 1) the presentation material (e.g., PowerPoint slides; a website from a presenter's institution) and 2) the presenter's voice. Online breakout sessions can be successfully conducted from anywhere reasonably quiet as long you have a computer, a strong internet connection, and a good microphone. Camera/video capability is recommended & a very good idea, but only if you're comfortable turning it on; it not required for presenters (only for LOEX volunteer hosts); it will not be used at all for attendees.
2) Use the best speaker and microphone setup possible for your situation- While it’s possible to present successfully with your computers default mic & speakers, strongly consider using a headset/headphones with a microphone if there any concerns about ambient noise and/or the ability of your computer's mic to provide a clear sound.
3) Download the Zoom Client app- If you have ever joined a Zoom meeting or webinar before, you’ve already done this. Visit https://zoom.us/download for more details.
4) Attend the 15-20-minute “Sound Check” if you or one of your co-presenters has not presented online previously or if you just feel you would benefit from the extra prep - LOEX will set-up a number of opportunities for you and your co-presenters (if any) to enter a webinar session and run basic functionality checks (e.g., check your sound, screen sharing, and polling abilities) with a LOEX host during the 1-2 weeks prior to LOEX Fall Focus 2025. So just drop by one of the available "office hours" time slots and come with questions regarding your presentation’s needs!
5) Understand Zoom Webinar features- Zoom Webinar shares many similarities with Zoom Meeting, but a feature comparison shows some differences. For example, attendees are in listen only mode and the only means that they have to communicate with you through Zoom is through the chat, responding to polls or tools such as Mentimeter. This means that the LOEX host, you, and your fellow presenters are the only individuals who will be able to use features such as screen sharing and annotation. Additionally, remember there are no breakout rooms.
6) If sharing slides with multiple presenters, choose one person to host the screen sharea) Don’t worry— each presenter will still be able to control the slides through Zoom’s slide control feature (if you choose to do so), but it’s best if only one person is sharing a slide deck.
b) On a similar note, if you’re planning to use screen sharing during your presentation, best practice is to keep the open tabs and applications on your computer to a minimum, as this will streamline the sharing menu.
7) Do not get distracted by the chat box- Either have your co-presenter, or (if you are presenting solo) the LOEX host be responsible for monitoring the chat box. A presenter can seem distracted/unfocused if you spend time trying to keep your eye on the chat box instead of presenting the material
4) Attend the 15-20-minute “Sound Check” if you or one of your co-presenters has not presented online previously or if you just feel you would benefit from the extra prep - LOEX will set-up a number of opportunities for you and your co-presenters (if any) to enter a webinar session and run basic functionality checks (e.g., check your sound, screen sharing, and polling abilities) with a LOEX host during the 1-2 weeks prior to LOEX Fall Focus 2025. So just drop by one of the available "office hours" time slots and come with questions regarding your presentation’s needs!
5) Understand Zoom Webinar features- Zoom Webinar shares many similarities with Zoom Meeting, but a feature comparison shows some differences. For example, attendees are in listen only mode and the only means that they have to communicate with you through Zoom is through the chat, responding to polls or tools such as Mentimeter. This means that the LOEX host, you, and your fellow presenters are the only individuals who will be able to use features such as screen sharing and annotation. Additionally, remember there are no breakout rooms.
6) If sharing slides with multiple presenters, choose one person to host the screen sharea) Don’t worry— each presenter will still be able to control the slides through Zoom’s slide control feature (if you choose to do so), but it’s best if only one person is sharing a slide deck.
b) On a similar note, if you’re planning to use screen sharing during your presentation, best practice is to keep the open tabs and applications on your computer to a minimum, as this will streamline the sharing menu.
7) Do not get distracted by the chat box- Either have your co-presenter, or (if you are presenting solo) the LOEX host be responsible for monitoring the chat box. A presenter can seem distracted/unfocused if you spend time trying to keep your eye on the chat box instead of presenting the material