Since WebEx has to be so many things to so many people, the opening screen we provide is very neutral (click on the images to enlarge).
For me, arriving at a meeting with a big white screen is almost disappointing. I sit there waiting for someone to share their desktop or switch to video chat – I am inspired by visuals and once I have something to see, I am engaged.
Adding color to your WebEx is very easy.
Maybe the fastest way to establish visual engagement is to load an image into your meeting as soon as you start it. I usually fire up the WebEx a minute early and import a picture to set the mood. Here’s how it looks:
To import the image simply go to Share > File > From My Computer and then upload an image file.
If I want to stimulate pre-meeting conversation as folks arrive, I choose a provocative image. If I just want folks to relax and focus on what I want to talk about, I choose something soothing – very non-office like.
I use PowerPoint to rapidly edit an image by adding an agenda (a text box) to the image. Then PowerPoint will let you save a slide as a .jpg that can be easily imported into WebEx. The type is a little bit pixilated but it's easy and fast.
Don’t have much time? Simply share!
The other easy way to set the mood – or even “brand” your meeting – is to immediately share your desktop and use an internet page as your background. Loading your company webpage as the visual can be a fast way to let people know they’ve come to the right place without requiring a lot of extra work on your part.
Just click “Share Desktop” as soon as your meeting loads.
Be sure to open the participant list so you can see who is arriving at your meeting while you're sharing your desktop (see top of the image above). And also make sure email, IM, chat or anything else that might be an unexpected surprise is turned off.
You can get a free trial of WebEx and host your own online meeting easily. Give it a try - and have some fun creating a great setting for your next meeting.