In the age of COVID-19, companies are being forced to shift the way they deliver information to their employees. No longer, can a meeting of 30+ take place and sometimes, an email just will not suffice. Therefore, introducing ‘Online Broadcasts and Live Streaming’. This is enabling managers and team leaders to reach their employees and being able to communicate in a new way. Different kinds of broadcast media are useful for different needs or company styles. For example, social media (Facebook live stream) may be used to reach clients and provide generic business updates. However, this clearly is not suitable if you need to update your team on internal workings of the business. This is best to deliver via online streaming as a one-way engagement system.
Some may worry that, with online broadcasts, you are unable to engage your team or tell if they are paying attention. We have found this blog useful, which includes some great tips to boost engagement! https://wistia.com/learn/marketing/engaging-your-audience-with-live-video
There are many benefits of live streaming your event, which has a positive impact on your brand. Firstly, live streaming can generate a bigger audience as geographical and physical restrictions are no longer a deciding factor, surpassing any capacity limits a venue would have.
Secondly, live streaming events creates a sense of urgency as a ‘One time only’ events creates the illusion of special and urgent. This will eradicate the passive responses users tend to have towards easily accessed content or weekly live updates.
Streaming live events and other content could give your business a reason to stand out. Although, we are seeing a rise in this way of communication, it is still a relatively new concept and you could contribute to a meeting in a great way by using this as the main way to deliver information.
We will likely continue to see an increase on the decision to broadcast online. More and more AV (Audio Visual) companies are being employed to oversee the smooth running of the broadcast, managers find this easier as for them, this is one less thing to worry about. Focusing purely on the delivery of information and answering questions from a Q&A site, at a dedicated segment of the meeting. Online broadcasting gives the ability of pre-recording video content, to be streamed. This is more cost effective as a smaller AV team would be needed and less time spent at the venue, you are hiring the space.
Most conference centres have started advertising particular rooms as ‘broadcast rooms’ as the room matches the description of the various factors that contribute to successful broadcasting. These factors include:
· Room size – a moderate room size that still has plenty of room for additional equipment that may be brought in. The size of the room will be dependent on the complexity of the AV set up.
· Blank / White walls – a blank room allows the client complete control over what they decide to have in the shot. A blank space, with some company branding looks much better than random paintings on the wall or the conference centre branding. Darker coloured walls would affect the lighting and potentially, the tone of the meeting.
· No windows – Having no windows is beneficial for the same reason that white walls are preferred; the client has complete control over the lighting in the room.
· Easy outside access – If the client hires their AV from an AV company, they have more freedom on what they can bring in to the room. Easy access is vital for loading and unloading heavy equipment, lights, cameras, additional screens etc.
· Soundproof or little noise pollution – The meeting leader will always have a mic on them (lapel or Madonna) as this looks cleaner and easier than holding a handheld mic throughout the duration of the broadcast. Therefore, it is important that the room can block out external noises that may affect the sound or mic. In addition, loud noises will be distracting to those assisting with the meeting and losing focus could result in something going wrong during the live stream. The room soundproofed is ideal (alongside having no windows); this creates a sense of security if the meeting is about something considered business sensitive.
A one-way engagement system (online broadcasting) means you cannot be hindered by questions throughout the meeting and then steer off track, can continue to encourage productivity and protect the air of professionalism many companies lose on a Skype/Zoom meeting. When you are next planning an unavoidable meeting, consider online broadcasting. This may be a more effective way to deliver information or news to your team, without distractions.
