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Webinar Support

Welcome to Pow Wow Pitch Webinar support page.

All Participants must conduct a technical call with the Creative Producer to ascertain video, audio and Internet quality before participating in the sessions. To ensure consistency and avoid technical issues, we ask participants to set up in advance (computer equipment, location and internet connection) and ensure that the technical setup will remain the same setup for use on the day of the session. Changing the setup may result in unexpected technical problems.

Step 1: Setup YOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ADVANCE

Desktop computer or laptop

Desktop computer or laptop with a charged battery plugged into a power outlet (personal computers on personal networks work best, as sometimes highly secure office computers and networks may have firewalls that prohibit proper Internet connection. Do not use a mobile device.

Dual Screens

It is recommended that a presenter use two screens when presenting a presentation so that they can present their slideshow in full-screen and still use their other computer screen to see other callers, notes etc. They will need to plug in two monitor screens to their computer if it is a desktop, or if they are on a laptop, one additional monitor screen to use as their secondary.

Webcam

Webcam (clean the lens to ensure no fingerprints).

USB microphone

USB microphone with earbuds or a USB headset with an attached microphone.

Wired internet connection

Wired Internet connection (do not use WiFi as wireless is not reliable). A participant's recording will reside online into the foreseeable future. Participants need to ensure the brands they represent will be presented in the highest quality possible.  A dedicated wired connection to the internet ensures you will not have poor video or audio quality, dropouts and will help in maintaining sharp and clear text legibility on PowerPoint presentations.

IMPORTANT: It is imperative participants use a reliable internet connection as re-recording, editing or re-scheduling at a later date will not be possible.

Location

Quiet, indoor location free from clutter, people, pets or copyrighted materials, i.e. art in the background.

Lighting

Well-lit space. Turn on all lights and open window blinds. Position yourself in front of light sources, avoid major key light sources coming from behind.

STEP 2: Technical call with the Producer

Technical call with Producer

All participants are required to conduct a brief video call over Skype with the Creative Producer to ensure proper setup prior to any recording sessions.  During this call, participants will be asked by the Producer to turn on their audio and video along with sharing their screen to ensure correct presentation functionality. If you have a PowerPoint to test with we recommend you open in and share it during the test call to become comfortable with the process.

Why Skype

Skype allows for the integration of high quality video calls for talk shows, entertainment shows, radio and other live video conferencing events and provides broadcasters global access to millions of users. In many instances it is a preferred television broadcast integration platform over Zoom and comes installed with Microsoft Windows with regular security updates.

It's easy to get started with Skype. All you need to do is:

  • Download Skype to your computer.
  • Create a free account for Skype.
  • Sign in to Skype.

It's that simple.

Install Skype

Please note: There are limitations around Skype for Business and Skype Consumer interoperability.  We require the use of the free and regular consumer Skype application.  Please do not use the Skype of Business application.

Installation Instructions (Mac installation process follow these similar instructions)

  1. Download and install the free regular consumer Skype client app for your computer operating system.
  2. After the installer finishes downloading, run the Skype application to install Skype.  Files typically download to your Downloads folder.
  3. Install the software.
  4. Open Skype and enter your Skype name (ID), email or phone and select Next. Enter your password and select Sign in to continue. You're now signed in to Skype. If you used Skype before and forgot your password click on the 'Forgotten Your Password?' link and follow the instructions.
  5. If you don't have a Skype or Microsoft account click on the 'Create one!' link and follow the process to create your new account for Skype.
Audio

You will be prompted to select your Microphone and Speakers device.  Use the drop-down menu to select the appropriate device. 

Video

Next, you will be prompted to select you Camera device. Use the drop-down menu to select the appropriate device.

Search and add contacts

From the top of your window, select Search Icon People, groups & messages.

In the Search Skype field, type the name, Skype name (ID), email, or phone number of the person you want to chat with. In this case search for 'Pow Wow Pitch'.

Select your friend from the search results and you will be taken to a conversation window.

Type a message and select the Send send button button. They will automatically be added to your contact list, however, they will still need to accept your request.

Share your screen

If you are presenting a PowerPoint you will need to share your screen.

Select the screen sharing button screen sharing button.

On a Mac you may need to give permission to allow Skype to share your screen.   Under your Mac System Settings > Security Privacy > Screen Recording, check off Skype.

You may have to restart Skype for this change to take effect.

Presentation specifications

Please ensure your presentation follows the following guidelines:

Slide dimensions created as widescreen (16:9).

Do not use multimedia that requires the connection to the internet, such as links, nor should you use embedded videos as smooth playback is not guaranteed.

You will be advancing your presentation on your computer so you are free to use whatever format you prefer i.e. Google Slide, PowerPoint or PDF file formats.

It is recommended you put your presentation into full-screen mode to practice and rehearse to keep to the allotted speaking time.

PROFESSIONAL TIPS

Easy yet powerful tips to keep in mind

In some cases session clips may end up in television broadcasts or other professional outlets.  Here are some simple DIY tips to ensure your recording remains professional.

TIP 1: It is not flattering to look up someone's nose.  Notice that on a desktop computer your webcam is located on top of your monitor and is already close to your eye-level height. If you are using a laptop, elevate your laptop and webcam position so that the lens is at eye-level (avoid upward/downward angles with your webcam). You may have to use a tall stack of books to achieve this.

TIP 2: Come close enough to the webcam so that the top of your head touches the top of your webcam video. Do not sit far away from your camera. Stay centred and in the middle of your webcam video. Pay attention to your body posture and avoid slouching or leaning off to either side.

TIP 3: Speak clearly and project your voice. Business casual wardrobe is recommended.