The Art of the Webinar: Strategies to Maximize Research

Dissemination and Outreach Efforts

Sponsored by The American Youth Policy Forum

PresentersScott Solberg, Associate Dean for

Research, Boston University

Loretta Goodwin, Senior Director, American Youth Policy Forum

George Knowles, Communications Associate, American Youth Policy Forum

ObjectivesExplain why using webinars can help with

dissemination of research and outreach

Demonstrate how to create a successful webinar experience

Describe how AYPF can assist you in these objectives

Let’s have a dialogue!• Want to ask the

presenters a question?

• Use the questions box anytime

Polling QuestionHow many of you have used a webinar to

disseminate your research?

Scott’s WebinarBoston University’s experience working with

AYPF

Why recommend this option?

Following Scott’s comments there will be time for Q&A, so please type your questions in the “Questions” box.

Why use a Webinar?

Increase visibility and accessibility of your research

Augment grant applications

Interact with your audience in real time, and get feedback

Incorporate into your evaluation system

The Four Ps: Creating a successful webinar

experiencePlanning

Practicing

Promoting

Presenting

Webinar production: a look behind the scenes

Dedicated AYPF staff with specific roles (presenter, moderator)

Back-up system

Webinar recording

Post-webinar surveys

Question and Answer Time!

Please type any questions you have for Scott in the “Questions” box.

PlanningConsider: Is a webinar the right format?

Framing the research for a broad audience

Which platform will you use?

How many presenters are needed?

Prepare materials

Planning: Prepare Materials

How many slides can you discuss in the time frame?

Create dialogue – surveys, polls, questions

Include graphics and visual materials

Avoid “walls of text”

What NOT to do:

PracticingReview video tutorials on

GoToWebinar

Participate in practice sessions or “dry runs” with AYPF staff

Practice in front of the mirror

Avoid reading from a script; use a conversational tone

Questions/Comments?

Promoting

Integrate webinars into communications channels (social media, e-bulletins, etc.)

Email invitations

Share with targeted colleagues

Send invitations to your networks

PresentingFacilitate a discussion, keep audience

engaged

Bring the energy!

Let slides act as a guide

Verbatim is verboten!

Remember your conversational tone!

Who is AYPF?

We Bridge Research, Policy and Practice

Inform and Convene Policymakers

Disseminate Information, e.g. via webinars

Why work with AYPF?Experience

Reach

Relationships

Reputation

Final Questions/Comments