A title/welcome slide provides reassurance to attendees that they are in the right spot, at the right time. You can use your content to share important information about the session (including etiquette) and you can start building a relationship with your attendees by including elements like photos of the moderators/speakers.
The goal is to set the tone for the session, to make people feel comfortable, and to set some parameters about how people should interact during your session. Since each session is different, it is important to be clear about expectations before the session begins.
1. Create a visual welcome using a slide (or other content authoring application)
1.1. Download editable file
2. Supplement the visual with a verbal welcome
The verbal welcome often includes these elements:
- A simple and short greeting
- Quick audio/video check to ensure everyone can hear/see
- Clarify whether participants have access to turn on audio or not (depending on size)
- Advise if the session will or will not be recorded
- Advise if content will or will not be shared after the session
- Introduce speakers
- Advise on session chat etiquette (will moderators be monitoring this? should people raise their hands?)
- E.g. "Colleagues will be monitoring the chat and answering your questions"
- Advise on etiquette regarding video camera use
- E.g. "We recommend turning your video on during this slide to introduce yourself, then turning your video off."
This content was modified from ACT's Facilitator Package: Teaching from a Distance: Webinars and Lecture Recording. A recorded version of the session is also available (led by ACT's Justin Fletcher and Tamara Bahr), "Teaching from a Distance."