Zoom Webinar Features

If you've hosted a standard Zoom meeting in the past, you're probably already familiar with how the platform works; that you have certain controls as the Meeting host that others won't have. This is also true when hosting a Zoom Webinar, however, you'll notice that there are a few additional features available to you now.

As a host, you'll be able to designate the role of participants, grant them permission to certain features, and disable and enable other features for all participants. Let's run through some of these specific features before you host your webinar.

What is the difference between an "Attendee" and a "Panelist?"

When hosting your Zoom webinar, you'll be able to see a list of everyone who's logged in. If you click on the Participants menu, this will pull up a list of individuals that fall into one of two categories: Attendees and Panelists.

• Panelists are usually participants from your organization who will be assisting with the presentation, such as the presenter, moderator, host. Panelists can be seen on camera, and will have permission to speak and screen share during the presentation.
• Attendees are all those who have registered to attend the virtual session and potentially earn CE credit. During webinars, Attendees cannot be seen on camera and do not have permission to speak. Their view will only be of the Host or Panelist and the the Panelist's shared screen.

These permissions can be changed during the presentation by going to the Participants list, and then clicking on their name to "promote" them to a Panelist, or "demote" them to an Attendee.

Note: A participant's designated role will grant them access to certain features and controls as well. You shouldn't need to adjust anything for your webinar, but you will have the ability to if need be.

What "Host" features are unique to webinars?

As a Zoom webinar Host, you'll now have access to the Q&A, chat, and recording features. These can be seen in the tool/feature bar during the webinar.

• Q&A: this feature is best used to prevent crowding of the chat and to have content-focused questions. Usually a Panelist would help to moderate the session and read off questions throughout the presentation or during the designated Q&A time of the presentation.
  • Note: questions can be answered by speaking aloud or via typing. Answers are flagged in the Q&A box for viewers to see.
  • Note: this can be set for only Hosts & Panelists to see questions that are posted.

• Chat: this feature can be used to allow for feedback from Attendees on the presentation or to ask general questions not related to the course content.
  • Note: this feature can be disabled if desired, with only the Q&A option left enabled.

• Recording: recording your session allows attendees to re-watch your training session after the event concludes.
  • Note: when the recording starts, all participants will receive a notice that the session is being recorded.
  • Note: Attendees will not be visible on recordings, only Hosts and Panelists

• Language Interpretation: Assign anyone with a Panelist/Presenter link as a designated live language interpreter. Attendees can select their preferred language channel. 
  • Note: This option is not available by default. Reach out to your account manager to request availability.