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The Perfect Two-Minute Webinar Opening

This four-step formula will help you craft an engaging webinar or webcast introduction, with additional tips on managing nerves and technical glitches.

The Perfect Two-Minute Webinar Opening

Kurtis Kendall
Senior Copywriting Strategist
,
TechTarget
October 28, 2024

This is the H1 title

H1 titles are ignored in the table of contents. We always start the table of contents links with H2.

The best part about H2 elements

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

H3 is one number lower than H2

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

I'm an H4 chilling under an H3

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

And now back to H2

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

H3 is one number lower than H2

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

I'm an H4 chilling under an H3

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

H5 is very rare

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

and H6 is a unicorn!

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Another H2 here

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

H3 is one number lower than H2

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

I'm an H4 chilling under an H3

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila! Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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The Perfect Two-Minute Webinar Opening

Kurtis Kendall
Senior Copywriting Strategist
,
TechTarget
October 28, 2024
Kurtis Kendall
Senior Copywriting Strategist
,
TechTarget
October 28, 2024

Kicking off your webinar the right way – whether it’s a fireside chat or panel discussion – makes all the difference for your event’s success. You may be a leader in your field, but even the best presenters can miss the mark if you don’t have an opening statement that wins your audience’s attention.

Why is the webinar introduction so important?

A concise and confident introduction is paramount for three main reasons:

  1. It sets the tone: The first few minutes of a webinar needs to cover a lot of ground, including welcoming the audience, explaining the direction of your content and running the technical components of your webinar. The intro defines the trajectory of the rest of your webinar – your goal is to make it as smooth and engaging as possible, so your audience knows what they can expect for the rest of the webinar.
  2. The audience is assessing you: This is your first opportunity to engage with the audience live and you better believe they are assessing your credibility as a presenter. The pre-event promotions and advertised credentials inspired your viewers to take time out of their busy schedules to tune in – if you don’t live up to their expectations as the presenter or host, they might tune you out or leave the presentation altogether. 
  3. It builds confidence: Conducting webinars can be intimidating. However, a successful introduction builds your confidence right out of the gate, allowing you to pick up steam and excel for the rest of the session. As the talk goes on, your stress levels and nerves will dissipate as you get into a groove.

What does a good webinar introduction look like?

Presenters who can come across as confident, authentic and clear in their introduction are most likely to quickly connect with their viewers. In other words, to immediately engage your audience, be yourself, know the material and avoid overly lengthy explanations.

The four-step formula for a good introduction: 

  1. Determine how you are going to greet the audience. A simple “hello and welcome to this panel discussion on [your subject]” is a fantastic method that can be used time and time again. Think about the first words of your introduction ahead of time to avoid stuttering over them. 
  2. Introduce yourself, your company and any other speakers. This is meant to be quick so do not dive too deep into your company and its offerings (if appropriate, that can be covered later in the session).
  3. Present the topic, provide clarity on the agenda and explain how the session will unfold. The audience is still assessing if they want to stick around for the webinar so transparency will help them commit to your webinar early on. Avoid going too in-depth on this area in the intro! Focus on the key points that you will cover. This is also a good time to mention if the talk is part of a series, an event or anything else special for brand recognition.
  4. Run through any housekeeping items. This can include encouraging audience questions and mentioning specific content or offers that you want attendees to check out, such as a product link or other attachments. If your webinar will be available on-demand after the live session concludes, remind the audience they can access the recording later on. Convey how audience members can connect with you on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

After you’ve finished the full introduction, you should know the first sentence and/or point you’ll jump into. This way you make it an easy transition into the meat of your webinar.

Troubleshooting

Live webinars are not without their hiccups. Common challenges that may impact your introduction can range from speakers running late to overcoming nerves to technical difficulties.

To help you stay calm and adopt a “the show must go on” attitude, focus on these three areas:

  1. Managing your anxiety and nerves
  2. Preparing your talk track ahead of time to know what you will say
  3. Overseeing the presentation technology before and during live day

Another tip to calm your nerves prior to your session is to perform a “pre-performance ritual” like athletes do before a sporting event. Examples of this include breathing techniques, listening to a certain set of songs or completing a specific set of stretches. Studies have shown this to be highly effective in not only improving performance on the field, but with speaking engagements and interviews. this to be highly effective in not only improving performance on the field, but with speaking engagements and interviews.

To put yourself in the best position to handle live-day challenges, we recommend adhering to a timeline like this one:

  • One week before live day: Write out and practice your introduction. You could go a step further and record your intro and listen back to it to see where you’d like to improve.
  • One day before live day: Get plenty of sleep the night before. Try to avoid caffeine that could keep you up tossing and turning in bed.
  • One hour before going live: Do a calming activity such as breathing exercises, drinking some tea or stepping outside for some fresh air. Tweak your camera setup if needed to make sure things are good to go.
  • 30 minutes before going live: Log into the presenter portal, finish setting up your notes and do a final run through.
  • 30 seconds before going live: Just before you start, take a deep breath and think about your first sentence.

Remember the goal is to provide comfort and confidence going into your webinar, so do what works best for you.

10 webinar introduction best practices to remember

  1. Keep your introduction short and sweet
  2. Practice! Practicing the intro is more important than practicing the rest of the webinar
  3. Build and execute your pre-performance ritual
  4. Invest in a good tech set up
  5. Do a technical dry run and get familiar with the webinar presenter portal, especially if you are using advanced features
  6. Think about your ideal note setup
  7. Try to figure out your “blind spots,” such as whether you speak too fast or say “umm” too often. This is where recording yourself and watching it back really helps to see what’s working and what’s not working, as well as asking a peer for feedback
  8. Work on your speaking cadence
  9. Get help from your team
  10. Try not to cover too much at once

The ideal introduction should be no more than five minutes in length (and that’s only if there are a multitude of presenters) with two minutes being the sweet spot. Don’t give away too much in the intro. Tell the audience directionally where you’re going but don’t give away the key points in the beginning to entice them to sit for the entire session. Additionally, practicing can help you sound more authentic during your webinar as you’ve worked out the kinks and are more comfortable with what you’re saying. At the very least, practice your intro and key points out loud prior to your presentation. 

For a more detailed guide on how to nail your webinar opening, watch this episode of BrightTALK’s Build a Better Webinar series.

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