Really Great tips

Really Great tips

Originally shared by John Martin

Producing a Professional Hangout on Air: Precise Preparation is a Prerequisite

I was fortunate enough to be included in a Hangout on Air that featured Jay Bilas , a college basketball analyst for ESPN. It was a wonderful experience and I hope that you watch us discuss topics regarding college athletics and the student athlete.

While the conversation was very enjoyable, I was intrigued by the amount of preparation that went into producing this HOA. Representatives from Google, CBS Sports, EPIX and Pixel Corps were all involved in the setup.

Individually, we were contacted the day before for a one-on-one video Hangout to test our internet connections (hardwired only), audio/video quality, lighting, room environment, etc. On the day of the HOA, an hour and a half before we went live , we participants met in the "green room" to run through our tests again, first individually and then collectively as a group. We were given technical instructions for operating during the live event, i.e., stay on topic, keep your microphone muted when not talking, do not display "lower thirds", minimize body movement, etc. We practiced a few trial runs to respond to cues that would be used during the show. Finally, a countdown clock was provided to cue us when were about to go live.

On screen, there was an established hierarchy: A moderator, the special guest expert (Mr. Bilas), and a support panel that participated in the discussion. Meanwhile, off screen there was a producer who controlled the technical side of the HOA, i.e., the countdown clock that served as an introduction for the viewer, bringing in and removing the guests into and out of the HOA, starting the documentary trailer that ended the HOA, etc.

Despite all of the preparation involved, technical glitches do happen. Throughout the video, you will notice occasional background noise as someone forgot to mute a microphone, or others struggled with their internet connection (mine was lost at the very end of the event). However, this was a live event and everyone was instructed beforehand that if problems did arise, "just roll with it".

I am recounting this story to advise those that aspire to produce professional Hangouts on Air for their business that you must prepare in advance: have the right equipment, develop checklists, establish roles within the participant group, perform trial runs, etc., before ever going live for the first time .The HOA that I participated in lasted 45 minutes; however, several hours of preparation went into its production.

Not everyone can afford to have an established production company such as EPIX to assist them with a Hangout on Air. However, as Google+ users, there are resources available to us, and, if you follow the experts' advice, you will be well on your way to producing quality HOA's. I can think of no better and more helpful expert than Ronnie Bincer , the "Hangout Helper", to serve as your trainer and advisor for accomplishing your HOA goals and I encourage you to reach out to him.

So, what are you waiting for? Prepare first and then produce. I can't wait to watch your Hangout on Air!

#hangoutsonair   #bilasconvo  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IJpgxEmQJE&feature=share