You have defined the objectives of your event and have started to communicate on your live stream, it is now time to prepare your broadcast on the D-day. A successful virtual event is synonymous with quality implementation!
Discover in this article all our recommendations for a setup worthy of the name.
Step 1: Sound
- Did you know that poor quality sound is much less bearable than a poor quality picture? The sound will be the central element of your event. If it cuts off, is weak, crackling or otherwise, be sure that you will lose your audience. So plug in a microphone and pay attention to your environment.
Choose a room with carpet and furniture rather than tile and earthenware. Choose a room that gives the impression of a more muffled atmosphere. - Use good quality, discreet headphones.
- Choose a tie (or lavalier) microphone compatible with computers and smartphones (check the type of plug: 3.5mm TRS jack with 3 rings or 3.5mm TRS jack with 3 rings or 3.5mm TRS jack with 3 rings or 3.5mm TRRS). It is discreet, chic and efficient (example: RODE SmartLavPlus or the RODE VideoMic).
- Warn your entourage not to make any noise during the capture and systematically switch off your microphone if you do not intervene.
- Do not stand in front of a door, it could open during your intervention!
- Do not stand in front of the French window that opens onto the boulevard to avoid traffic noise.
- Switch your smartphones & watches to airplane mode. Not just for the noise, but also to avoid being distracted. You're more likely to be distracted when you're alone in a room than in front of a crowd. Do the same with computer notifications and pay attention to the screen saver. We advise you to disable it for the duration of the event.
Step 2: The image
In order to have a clear and readable rendering on the screen, you need above all a good tool to film yourself. For this, there are cameras and camcorders that offer an optimal image. Above all, you need a good light.
- Avoid backlighting. Backlighting is when you stand with your back to the sun and therefore the camera is dazzled. Your viewers will only see your silhouette.
- If possible, have your face illuminated by natural light or, if it is natural, use warm light to avoid feeling like you are in a hospital corridor.
- If necessary, add an accent or fill light. A light that is diffused enough to illuminate you at a 45-degree angle to your face.placement level, consider adjusting your seat... or the height of the camera. The speaker looks at the lens, is at the same height as the lens, and is almost centered on the screen (the best is a little off-center). This will increase his charisma. It is also necessary to avoid backward shots, bad framing.
Step 3: The internet connection
Good sound and image quality also means having a good internet question. And yes, to create your virtual event, internet is clearly a must have. For this, it is essential to test your internet connection before broadcasting your event live.
- Plan on an upload bandwidth of at least 24 mbps (= 3 MB per second). To test your connection, visit: fast.com or speedtest.net.
Bonus: Tips from the Customer Success Team 😉
As you know, the CS team regularly organizes webinar sessions, whether they are product-oriented, specific to the event industry, or more oriented towards advice.
For this, here are our recommendations:
- Remember to be connected to mains power for the duration of the event. And yes, to avoid running out of battery power or spending five minutes looking for your charger during the live event, we strongly advise you to plug your laptop into a power outlet before the event starts.
- Preparation is the key! Even if you are very comfortable speaking, the live exercise is a little different and requires special preparation and attention. Don't hesitate to test the links a few days before the D-day, in order to be comfortable, to know the interface, to know which buttons to press to start or stop broadcasting for example.
You can even ask people from your team to test with you so that during your tests you can have an eye on the vision of the participants. - Dual screen and mouse for comfort. Yes, we are always more comfortable when we have a vision on our different tabs and can easily switch from one screen to the other.
- Interact with your participants, they must feel like you're farting with them! And don't forget to ask them at the beginning of your Liçve Streaming if they can see and hear you correctly.
- Chat is an option so that your participants can express themselves during this Live, don't forget to watch this area during the event to answer your participants' questions.
- Remember to keep a glass of water nearby. You will probably talk for an hour without a break, and believe us, it's tiring! So remember to have a refreshment available.
And you, what are your tips for a successful Live?
