Program Open
A well-produced open is a great way to grab your audience’s attention from the very start! An open is a short (20-30 second) pre-taped segment identifying your videoconference by title and sponsoring institution(s), usually accompanied by background music.
Welcome and Introductions
At the conclusion of your program open the scene shifts to the "live"studio where it’s customary for the moderator to say a few words of greeting, introduce any guests in the studio, and acquaint participants with videoconference logistics, handout materials, and the program agenda. An experienced moderator is a key ingredient in producing an effective program, and we’ll discuss the moderator’s role in more detail later on.
Content Presentation
Information is presented to participants at the receive sites. Depending on your topic and audience, this can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
Roll-ins- Usually similar to a "news report" from the field, a roll-in can illustrate content in a "real world" context. Pre-production of roll-ins is essential and may be expensive. A roll-in could also be a presentation by an expert who is unable to be "live" in the studio.
Panel Discussion- Expert presenters deliver and discuss material and field questions from remote sites.
Live Satellite Feeds- When you must have a leader in the field in your program, but he or she is unable to travel to Albany, it is possible that a "live" satellite feed could be arranged. Again, advance planning is paramount and the cost of a live feed may be relatively high.
Site Activities (optional)-Your videoconference doesn’t have to be passive viewing experience. Many types of training can involve on-site activity sessions during which participants brainstorm, work on problems, repeat for themselves exercises they’ve seen demonstrated on-air, etc. These can be short, participatory sessions. If your videoconference involves a live audience, both they and viewers at remote sites can participate in these activities simultaneously. Obviously, it’s very important to make sure site facilitators are prepared to lead these sessions.
Live Audience Participation- (from the broadcast studio)- Having a studio audience (whether large or small) can add a great deal to your program, and NYN staff will be happy to discuss this option with you.
Break- If your videoconference lasts more than 90 minutes, you may want to give both your presenters and those watching a short "stretch break." A break is also necessary if you have different studio presenters planned for different portions of your show, or if you are changing sets. Break time can be utilized efficiently by having participants prepare questions for the presenters or fill out evaluation forms. Important dates, phone numbers etc., can be displayed on the screen during this time.
Q & A- This is an opportunity for participants at the receive sites to get involved and have their questions answered by your expert presenters.
Close and Credits- The final portion of your show, during which appropriate thanks are expressed and participants are reminded of future events. Credits display the names of persons and agencies responsible for the videoconference.
