Video Calls vs. Webcasts: Which is Better for Presentations?
In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between video calls and webcasts for business communication.
There is a common misconception that video calls are the same as webcasts. These modern communication tools are very similar, as both tools can help connect your team remotely, especially in this time of lock downs and shut ins. However, there are some clear differences that are important to distinguish.
How Are video calls and webcasts Similar?
Video Calls and Webcasts both utilize cameras, audio, and (typically) chat features to connect teams remotely. Likewise, both have the ability to bring in high quality equipment to enhance communication, and both platforms can share screens or decks (powerpoint presentations). Both video calls and webcasts can feel similar to an in-person meeting or conference with the added benefit of saving time and money.
You can jump on a call from a hotel, local office, or even your own home. The flexibility to jump into meetings remotely means less expenses and more flexibility.
How Video Calls Are Unique
Video calls tend to work best for intimate groups of around 12 people or smaller. Teammates can join remotely and have the ability to broadcast themselves with their personal devices like laptops or smart phones. It is good etiquette to mute your microphone when you are not intentionally sharing something with the group. Each team member who turns on their camera option should be aware of their surroundings, lighting, and general appearance.
Some common video call providers include:
Major tech companies provide these great interconnecting tools in both a free and a paid version.
There are quite a few instances in which a video call would be a great fit:
Owner Meetings
Leadership Boards
Committees
Task Forces
Board Meetings
These simple examples are among the myriad of day-to-day meetings that can be had via video call.
How Webcast’s Are Unique
Webcasts tend to be more formal with most of the dialogue presented from a single person or group of presenters. Webcasts are better designed for more than 12 people, and Corporate Streams has been a part of webcasts as large as 15,000 people (even though our system has been stress tested up to 1 million users). This form of communication is best for events with a larger audience, including:
Town Hall Meetings
Annual General Meetings
Annual Shareholder Meetings
Salesforce Meetings
Company wide Announcements
Lead Generation
Other presentations or events intended for leaders to update large groups of people also would fall into this category.
Webcasts generally have a tech team behind the scenes facilitating the presentation. While not always the case, typically, the team is composed of producers who organize the show, writers working on the scripts, moderators who field questions from the live chat and organize them for a Q&A section, camera operators, audio techs, stream techs, and even someone to run a video switcher if you have multiple cameras/remote presenters.
Speaking of remote presenters, your broadcast does not have to happen in the same city or office. You can have segments presented by multiple people in various locations across multiple destinations with very little prep.
This is an example of a larger team performing a webcast.
What’s best for your presentation?
With such an array of technology, it is easy to get intimidated. Keep it simple and go with the presentation tool that best fits your team’s needs and fits your communication style. Have specific questions about your next webcast or video call? Feel free to leave a comment below or email us at info@corporatestreams.com
