Preparing for online events can be very overwhelming especially if it is your first online event. However, it doesn't need to feel like a daunting task! We have prepared some of the Dos and Don'ts in order for you to have a brilliant online event.

Dos:

Enter the video chat early so that customers aren't left waiting for you to arrive.
Check that you are well lit so that customers don't have trouble seeing you, and make sure you are not back-lit by a window or lamp behind you.
Speak clearly and slowly, just as you would for an in-person event. This will also help any customers who may have a slow internet connection.
Run through a few Zoom basics with customers. You may have some customers who are new to online events, so it's worth taking them through the mute/unmute, chat and raise hand buttons.
Go around the "room" and ask customers to introduce themselves. Just like an in-person event, it's nice to start with a few ice-breakers and get to know who is on the event.
Use mute when needed. There may be some customers with a bit of disruptive background noise, or it could be a moment when you would like all customers muted in order to give certain instructions.
Encourage customers to use the "raise hand" feature when they want to ask a question, and set guidelines for things like using a thumbs up to communicate understanding.
Split your event into smaller groups. You can make use of the breakout rooms function to set projects in the event for a smaller number of the customers.

Dont's:

Allow customers to have their camera turned off. Some customers may have an issue turning this on, so be patient, but make sure to encourage all customers to be live on camera so you can better interact with them, and they can better interact with each other.
Use mute too much. You want to encourage interaction and questions that can enhance everyone's experience. You don't want the event to turn into a lecture, there are plenty of those online already.
Eat during your event. You may encourage your customers to have a tea & biscuit to hand, but make sure you are not doing the same in order to keep your instructions and speech clear.

The Dos and Don'ts for online events

Dos:

Enter the video chat early so that customers aren't left waiting for you to arrive.
Check that you are well lit so that customers don't have trouble seeing you, and make sure you are not back-lit by a window or lamp behind you.
Speak clearly and slowly, just as you would for an in-person event. This will also help any customers who may have a slow internet connection.
Run through a few Zoom basics with customers. You may have some customers who are new to online events, so it's worth taking them through the mute/unmute, chat and raise hand buttons.
Go around the "room" and ask customers to introduce themselves. Just like an in-person event, it's nice to start with a few ice-breakers and get to know who is on the event.
Use mute when needed. There may be some customers with a bit of disruptive background noise, or it could be a moment when you would like all customers muted in order to give certain instructions.
Encourage customers to use the "raise hand" feature when they want to ask a question, and set guidelines for things like using a thumbs up to communicate understanding.
Split your event into smaller groups. You can make use of the breakout rooms function to set projects in the event for a smaller number of the customers.

Dont's:

Allow customers to have their camera turned off. Some customers may have an issue turning this on, so be patient, but make sure to encourage all customers to be live on camera so you can better interact with them, and they can better interact with each other.
Use mute too much. You want to encourage interaction and questions that can enhance everyone's experience. You don't want the event to turn into a lecture, there are plenty of those online already.
Eat during your event. You may encourage your customers to have a tea & biscuit to hand, but make sure you are not doing the same in order to keep your instructions and speech clear.