From March 2020 to present day, remote productions for virtual events and live streams have been the norm. Everybody seems to be doing remote productions in some form or another.

Obviously, if you’re a producer for something like this, you need to make sure your technical setup is solid. But equally as important are your guest speakers’ setups. Their audio, video and internet connection need to be optimal so they, as the subject matter experts, can get their message across clearly to the audience.

Over the last year, I’ve produced hundreds of remote live streams featuring guest speakers from all over the world. Every stream has new challenges, but I’ve been able to develop a list of some best practices and tips that I give my guests before every production to help set them up for success.

And if you’re guest speakers are set up for success, your event will likely be as well.

First, I always try to schedule a tech check or brief rehearsal. It is essential to set up time with your guests ahead of the event to run through all the technical pieces so you’re not scrambling last-minute.

In the calendar invite for the tech check, here’s what I include. Keep in mind, I use Switcher Studio for my full time remote production work. However, these can be applied to pretty much any streaming platform that allows for remote guests.

Where will the link work?

Most streaming platforms allow you as the producer to send your guest speakers a URL that they can click on to join a video chat room. I’ve found, especially when working with government clients, it’s best to let them know up front which browsers the link works on.

For example, a lot of government computers automatically default to Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, most streaming platforms only work on Firefox, Chrome or Safari. Let your guests know that up front.

Connect to Ethernet or get really close to the WiFi router

To enable the best internet connection, you’ll want your speakers to be connected via Ethernet. If that’s not possible, ask that they get as close to the WiFi router as possible, or wherever the signal is the strongest in their house or workspace.

Close everything else

To get optimal performance from their device, whether it be a desktop, laptop or mobile device, ask that they close all other programs or applications not in use during the event. This will help their device work at top speed.

No VPNs if possible

If your speakers use any sort of Virtual Private Network, or VPN, for work, have them log out of that before trying to connect to your event. I’m not sure if this is specific to government employees, but I’ve noticed that more often than not, if someone is logged into a VPN, it blocks the video feed in Switcher. Sometimes I’m able to hear them but not see them.

We typically have better luck, especially on work-issued devices, if the guests get off VPN before trying to jump into Switcher.

This isn’t to say that being on a VPN will hinder the experience for everyone. Some people have to be logged into one just to access the internet, and with some of those folks it has never been an issue. But I would say more often than not, no VPN is the way to go if you can.

Try to find a quiet space free from distraction

I know this may seem like it should go without saying, but be clear that there can be no background noise that will get in the way of their presentation. Some folks have never gotten feedback on what their audio sounds like. They may not know that you can hear a fan running in the background or the mic is picking up sound from the washing machine.

With audio being such a key element to any virtual production, this has to be top of mind.

Of course, sometimes the quietest spot in the house may not be where there’s optimal internet connection, so that’s something you can troubleshoot during the tech check.

Think about where the windows are

Your speakers should avoid having large windows in the background of their shot. Rather have them face a window if possible to take advantage of natural light, depending on what time of day the event is happening.

Lighting can be tough, so do what you can, but pay more attention to the audio.

Headphones are a good idea

Encourage your guests to use headphones or earbuds with built-in microphones if they have them. This eliminates the chances for audio feedback that can sometimes be overbearing, especially if you’re producing a panel discussion and people are going back and forth on a topic.

Headphones and earbuds dramatically reduce the extra noise that can sometimes be distracting during a remote production.

Of course things can happen last minute. No one knows this more than any event producer, virtual or in-person. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches. You’re not always going to have the time to ensure that everything laid out above is perfect.

But if you can, you want to prepare your guest speakers as much as possible with the tips and guidance I’ve provided. Well-prepared guests mean a well-organized and higher quality production.

Be sure to checkout episode 11 of the K-Stream podcast where I spoke about this topic in a little more detail.

Be sure to pre-order Going Live: Live Stream Your Podcast to Reach More People by Christoph Trappe. Contributions by Max Branstetter and me, Jeff Koslofsky. Comes out March 10, 2021!