Webi-nah or yeah?

amandamillar&co looks into the effectiveness of online learning.

“Webinar” - what a yawn kind of word. The smashing together of seminar and web - hardly an inspiring start. Anything with a ‘nar’ attached wouldn’t usually sit with our positive ethos!

Here at amandamillar&co, we wanted to show that behind that drab title, there is something exciting. So we’re webi-yeah types - we need to be.

When farting is more socially acceptable than sneezing, things have to evolve.

To be absolutely clear, we LOVE face to face training. We’re people people! Our strengths are creating connections. Connections with you, and connecting you to your language, your face, your body, your messages. But the pandemic (and research) has proven there’s a space and a place (your home or office) for web learning that’s punchy and provides something real for you to use.

Once a journo, always a journo… so we did some digging. The research shows webinars can be just as effective as face-to-face training. They have even been used successfully to teach brain and eye surgery (those are not the kind of webinars we offer). What we offer in our Start UP webinars are 60 minute group sessions to keep you away from a metaphorical communications emergency room.

We know webinars work but it’s crucial they work well. The burning question is, how do you keep an online audience engaged?

Since the pandemic a lot of research has looked into their effectiveness because they’ve become integral in our day to day life.

A New York University study found shorter sessions (around an hour) meant people stuck around. It also supported other work that showed webinar watchers prefer live sessions (over pre-recorded). The Q & A section and/or the use of the “chat” function is also a vital component for success. We crave interaction. No one loves a Shakepearean soliloquy when your goal is to learn (about something other than Shakespeare).

It’s also been shown audiences like to go home with a takeaway - think of it like a virtual goodie bag. By the end of a good webinar, an audience appreciates if they can “do” something based on what they’ve been taught, even if it’s not performing the perfect lobotomy. Building in a practical element works. Even though it’s virtual, the learning is real.

You won’t be a brain surgeon after one of our webi-yeahs but you will have tools and tips that will get you through any interview, speech or meeting without a brain explosion.

Start UP - An essential intro into how to deliver a great interview or presentation.