Why Your Event Needs a Virtual Host
We already made the jump from the physical event spaces to the digital world. For instance, many of us use a smartphone to conduct meetings online or engage in a video chat through an app.
All of that has proved to be extremely useful amid the stressful pandemic, keeping us safe and distanced from each other but still connected through virtual events.
When it comes to setting a virtual event, we believe one thing shouldn’t be left out: a virtual host.
Similar to a physical host, they ensure that the online event goes smoothly and can keep the audience cool in the event of a technical issue—all to ensure they have a wonderful experience.
Still not convinced? Let’s now delve further into why your event needs a virtual host.
1) Engaging the Audience
Online audiences typically have a short attention span. If the content shown doesn’t interest them, they can close the window or log out instantly unlike if they are at a face-to-face event.
They can also take care of small errands, look after children and pets, order food, or take a super-quick nap all while the event is ongoing.
In a nutshell, having a good virtual host will engage their attention, make them laugh, or give them the schedule of events without them ever wondering what time is it or when is it going to finish.
It’s also fantastic to get them since they are the motor that can make the event successful and entertaining. And they may not have a physical audience, but they can greet and thank the watchers, sponsors, and staff, and make everything human rather than cold and robotic.
2) Adding Insightful Content
Everyone wants to get the most out of an event or experience whether it is because they enjoy the subject or guest, have paid a sum for it, or both.
A virtual host can add his ideas to the content being spoken about, share a nice story, and further the knowledge of everyone by holding a Q & A session with the speaker after the main lecture.
Aside from that, they can recap the important words uttered by the person earlier, referee or explain the mechanics of an online game, or assist with making the people join the festivity’s contest so the winners can get a prize.
Without a virtual host, it will be difficult to facilitate the aforementioned things. The occasion may become pretty boring too.
3) Demonstrating the Virtual System
When you go to an online event, you’ll find a lot of new things that you can be unfamiliar with especially when you’re using their website or system.
There are different rules for logging in, commenting, asking questions, or voting for a poll. A virtual host can navigate you through all of that so you end up saving time and effort.
Of course, it will depend largely on the person’s hosting skills. Otherwise, the attendees might be lost or misunderstand what they’re saying.
It has to be done in a way that’s simple and concise.
4) Having a Contingency Plan
An online event can experience unexpected technical issues causing viewers to log out of the site. Thankfully, a virtual host can calm the audience and let them wait for a few minutes before resuming the event.
Besides that, an event can be a disaster if one of the speakers, panelists, or special guests failed to show up because of a family issue, accident, or other pressing matter.
Nevertheless, the event can still go on if the host has a plan B like a last-minute substitute.