Teleseminar Success - How to Master the Little-Known Challenges of Audio Teleseminars
- By Elisabeth Kuhn
- Published 12/25/2011
- Marketing
- Unrated
Teleseminars have by definition an audio format. While lately you can enhance them with slideshows if you're using the right service, they're still primarily an auditory experience. You've got to listen. Read on to find out more about the challenges of the teleseminar format and how to compensate for them.
Here's a fact that many people are not aware of: only a very small minority of people, approximately 5 percent, learns best by listening to information. Most people need to see the information in order to best absorb and retain it.
You'd think that would make for a huge drawback, that that's not so. Don't let that stop you from holding teleseminars. What it takes, however, is to be aware of that fact -- and to use plenty of workarounds to compensate.
Besides, there are big advantages to teleseminars that make putting up with the drawbacks more than worthwhile.
A) The drawbacks of an audio only format
For someone who is a visual learner, listening to a teleseminar is a sub-optimal experience. Fortunately, there are ways they can compensate -- and you as the host can help them as well.
B) What you as the host can do to compensate
There are several things you as the host can do to compensate.
a) Speak slowly and clearly
First, keep in mind that some people need to hear things at least twice. You also need to speak slowly and clearly. And if you make that effort to enunciate clearly and explain things thoroughly, your listeners will really appreciate your efforts -- and not just the visual learners.
b) Use a service with excellent sound quality
It also helps to get rid of as much interference as possible. One way to accomplish that is to select a teleseminar service that has excellent sound quality. In addition, be sure to use a landline telephone and not a cell phone or Skype.
c) Organize the information logically
Be sure to organize your information in a clear manner. It will make it easier for people to follow along. Also remember that in an audio format, once you've said something, it's gone. To help your listeners, be sure to repeat all crucial details, from names to website information at least two or three times.
d) Provide handouts
If you provide handouts, it will not only help your audience to follow along, take good notes, and absorb as well as retain the information. It will also make it easier for you to pace yourself and will improve your entire teleseminar.
If your teleseminar service has a slide-show feature, you may want to use that as well. Your participants will thank you.
e) Provide the replay
Finally, many people need to listen to a teleseminar more than once in order to get the most benefit from it. They may also want to take it for a walk on their iPod. So be sure to make it available after the fact.
f) Provide transcripts
If you really want to upgrade the teleseminar experience for your listeners, provide transcripts as well. Many people like to take notes and skim over the content instead of listening to the teleseminar in real time.
Here's a fact that many people are not aware of: only a very small minority of people, approximately 5 percent, learns best by listening to information. Most people need to see the information in order to best absorb and retain it.
You'd think that would make for a huge drawback, that that's not so. Don't let that stop you from holding teleseminars. What it takes, however, is to be aware of that fact -- and to use plenty of workarounds to compensate.
Besides, there are big advantages to teleseminars that make putting up with the drawbacks more than worthwhile.
A) The drawbacks of an audio only format
For someone who is a visual learner, listening to a teleseminar is a sub-optimal experience. Fortunately, there are ways they can compensate -- and you as the host can help them as well.
B) What you as the host can do to compensate
There are several things you as the host can do to compensate.
a) Speak slowly and clearly
First, keep in mind that some people need to hear things at least twice. You also need to speak slowly and clearly. And if you make that effort to enunciate clearly and explain things thoroughly, your listeners will really appreciate your efforts -- and not just the visual learners.
b) Use a service with excellent sound quality
It also helps to get rid of as much interference as possible. One way to accomplish that is to select a teleseminar service that has excellent sound quality. In addition, be sure to use a landline telephone and not a cell phone or Skype.
c) Organize the information logically
Be sure to organize your information in a clear manner. It will make it easier for people to follow along. Also remember that in an audio format, once you've said something, it's gone. To help your listeners, be sure to repeat all crucial details, from names to website information at least two or three times.
d) Provide handouts
If you provide handouts, it will not only help your audience to follow along, take good notes, and absorb as well as retain the information. It will also make it easier for you to pace yourself and will improve your entire teleseminar.
If your teleseminar service has a slide-show feature, you may want to use that as well. Your participants will thank you.
e) Provide the replay
Finally, many people need to listen to a teleseminar more than once in order to get the most benefit from it. They may also want to take it for a walk on their iPod. So be sure to make it available after the fact.
f) Provide transcripts
If you really want to upgrade the teleseminar experience for your listeners, provide transcripts as well. Many people like to take notes and skim over the content instead of listening to the teleseminar in real time.
Elisabeth Kuhn
And if you're ready to make serious money with your teleseminars or webinars, claim Elisabeth Kuhn's FREE report with 9 surprising teleseminar and webinar success secrets. Want to host your own teleseminars? CLICK HERE to get 3 full weeks for just one buck!
View all articles by Elisabeth Kuhn