Learn some practical tips on how to build rapport with online event attendees and create a positive and engaging experience.

Thank you NAME For your time on DATE We discussed XYZ (1-2 sentences) I learned (2-3 items) This meant a lot to me and (next step and/or actions) ~Pete

How do you build rapport with online event attendees?

Building rapport with online event attendees can be challenging, especially when you can't see their faces or hear their voices. However, rapport is essential for creating a positive and engaging experience that fosters trust, loyalty, and feedback. In this article, you'll learn some practical tips on how to build rapport with online event attendees, whether you're hosting a webinar, a workshop, or a networking session.

1 Know your audience

Before you start your online event, do some research on who your attendees are, what their goals and expectations are, and what challenges or pain points they face. This will help you tailor your content, tone, and style to suit their needs and interests. You can also use this information to create personalized introductions, icebreakers, or polls that show you care about them and want to learn from them.

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Veronica Bowden

Business Development/ Physician Referral Liasion
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When building rapport with an online audience, make sure that your topics are relevant to the audience. Advertise your event with appealing information and examples of what your audience can expect to learn by viewing your event. Make sure that your examples will help to draw in and maximize your attendance.

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2 Use interactive features

One of the best ways to build rapport with online event attendees is to use interactive features that allow them to participate, communicate, and collaborate. Depending on the platform and format of your event, you can use features such as chat, Q&A, polls, surveys, quizzes, breakout rooms, whiteboards, or games. These features can help you create a sense of community, engagement, and fun among your attendees, as well as collect valuable feedback and insights.

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Pete Schramm

The Employee Retention Guy in the Age of AI 🕸️ Tech to Build & Maintain Your Personal Board of Advisors with Career Maps 🗺️ and Surveys 💰 Invest in your people today! Share your story on our Pathfinders podcast 🚀
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Think of fun ways to engage multiple senses … easier while in person but think about if it’s possible to get people moving or speaking or touching or listening or seeing other things as they engage remotely. White boards are great as well as remote scavenger hunts. We really promote 1:1 conversations and guide people through the who, what, when, where, why, and how of intentional connection. Reminder that it’s a blend of work things and professional growth and also giving time for those randomized watercooler convos to come back into the mix!

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3 Be authentic and human

Another key tip to build rapport with online event attendees is to be authentic and human. This means showing your personality, passion, and humor, as well as being honest, respectful, and empathetic. You can also share some personal stories, anecdotes, or examples that relate to your topic and audience, and show your vulnerability and humility. By being authentic and human, you can establish a connection and rapport with your attendees, and make them feel more comfortable and relaxed.

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Pete Schramm

The Employee Retention Guy in the Age of AI 🕸️ Tech to Build & Maintain Your Personal Board of Advisors with Career Maps 🗺️ and Surveys 💰 Invest in your people today! Share your story on our Pathfinders podcast 🚀
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Fakes and phonies are found out quick! It’s ok to be a little awkward in a new relationship and it’s ok to not really know what to ask when kicking off a first time work convo. You took the first step by trying and that’s what matters. People see this and they care. Others will also find you the more you put yourself out there and good attracts good. Mentors will flock to you - just be open and ask and willing to grow!

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Sherrita Niles

Relationships give you access! I demonstrate simple actionable methods for building community around your offering, which increases your client base and results in higher sales conversions.
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Authenticity speaks volumes! No one likes a fake and it's impossible to maintain what isn't true. People are drawn to people over information, concepts, products, or services. They are looking for what they can relate to first, then interested in what you say.

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4 Acknowledge and appreciate

A simple but effective way to build rapport with online event attendees is to acknowledge and appreciate them. This means recognizing their presence, contributions, questions, comments, and feedback, and thanking them for their time, attention, and participation. You can also use their names, if possible, and give them compliments, praise, or encouragement. By acknowledging and appreciating your attendees, you can show them that you value and respect them, and create a positive and supportive atmosphere.

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Pete Schramm

The Employee Retention Guy in the Age of AI 🕸️ Tech to Build & Maintain Your Personal Board of Advisors with Career Maps 🗺️ and Surveys 💰 Invest in your people today! Share your story on our Pathfinders podcast 🚀
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Thank you NAME For your time on DATE We discussed XYZ (1-2 sentences) I learned (2-3 items) This meant a lot to me and (next step and/or actions) ~Pete

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Sherrita Niles

Relationships give you access! I demonstrate simple actionable methods for building community around your offering, which increases your client base and results in higher sales conversions.
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Acknowledge participants from the beginning. Even if you can't see them thank them for the time and effort it took to show up or watch.

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Sherrita Niles

Relationships give you access! I demonstrate simple actionable methods for building community around your offering, which increases your client base and results in higher sales conversions.
Report contribution
If possible take time to acknowledge individuals in the chat by name. Thanking them for engaging. It will spark more people to engage because we all want to be acknowledged.

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5 Follow up and follow through

The last tip to build rapport with online event attendees is to follow up and follow through. This means sending them a thank you email, a summary of the event, a recording or transcript, or any additional resources or materials that you promised or they requested. You can also invite them to join your email list, social media channels, or online community, and offer them more opportunities to connect, learn, or collaborate with you. By following up and following through, you can demonstrate your professionalism, credibility, and commitment, and maintain and strengthen the rapport you've built.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you build rapport with online event attendees?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Use interactive features

3 Be authentic and human

4 Acknowledge and appreciate

5 Follow up and follow through

6 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

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How do you build rapport with online event attendees?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Use interactive features

3 Be authentic and human

4 Acknowledge and appreciate

5 Follow up and follow through

6 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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