Frequently Asked Questions About Webinars

What are webinars and webcasts?
Webinar is the shortened name for a web-based seminar. It is simply a live presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Internet. Typically, webinars provide some interactive elements which allow participants the opportunity to give, receive and discuss information.

A webcast, on the other hand, is an on-demand webinar which provides participants with information typically presented in a pre-recorded format such as a downloadable podcast or movie file.

Of course the above are the technicalities, however most people use the term “webinar” for all seminars presented over the Internet regardless if the lecture is presented live or is pre-recorded.

How do webinars differ from teleclasses or telecourses?
Generally speaking teleclasses are those which are offered via telephone. The presenter provides participants with a telephone number which rings into a telephone bridge line allowing as many as 100 participants to join the call. The bridge line acts as a virtual lecture hall by bringing all the participants into a single “room” or phone line. The limitation with a teleclass is that the lecture is limited to an audio only presentation.

Telecourses are classes typically taught by television broadcast. Often these require a subscription to cable television to access the class.

Webinars are seminars which are presented exclusively through the Internet using Internet technology. This allows participants to experience both audio and visual aspects of the presentation. In addition, a webinar allows for greater interaction and self-paced options since the participant can control his or her level of participation. Some webinars can be streamed (such as during a live broadcast) and others can be pre-recorded so that the seminar can be taken by anyone at any time of day and regardless of their geographic location.

What kinds of activities would best be served by a webinar?
Many activities, especially those which are often repeated, can benefit from webinar technology. Samples of these repetitive activities include:

• Training Sessions
• Product or Service Rollouts/Introductions
• Technical Support
• Recruiting Processes
• Lead Generation Processes
• Press/Publicity Events

What are the benefits of using a webinar?
A webinar is a fantastic method to distribute information because it offers so many benefits. Some of the most compelling benefits are:

• Provides a “front row seat” to all participants.

• Allows 24/7 access to your message since the Internet is available every day and at all hours of the week.

• Reaches a larger audience than you can by telephone, television or radio since the Internet has almost unlimited “seating” capacity.

• Minimizes your overhead expenses – minimal cost is associated with creating/presenting a webinar. There’s no need to rent a conference room. No need for costly travel expenses, etc.

• Combines the best of both worlds. You get the impact of a large visual budget, but at a cost more closely associated with a purely audio presentation.

• Simplifies event management since there is no need to send out invitations, handle sign-ups, or send out reminders.