A quick guide to attending an online talk

Online talks (also known as webinars) are easy to attend. We are using the Zoom platform to host these until talks in lecture theatres can safely resume.

Such talks do not involve the listeners being seen or heard, as the OCS organizers will ensure that all web cameras and microphones are switched off.

Anyone with a personal computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone can attend a webinar. Registration is required, and there are three ways to do this:

• Members can follow the link(s) that will be sent in the regular Member’s Bulletin email. Register for the presentation(s) you want to attend. An email will be sent with a link, which you can then use to watch the presentation.
• The online talks are also listed on Eventbrite and both members and non-members can register through that system. You will get an email reminder a few days before the event, and a second email during the afternoon of the day of the talk with the link you will need to join the meeting
• Alternatively,  non-members may email events@oxcivicsoc.org.uk to request the link.

Each Zoom webinar consists of one or more speakers sharing a presentation from their computer. The speaker(s) will be introduced by a member of the OCS team.

Questions will be encouraged via either the Chat or the Raise Hand function. Both options can be found at the bottom of the Zoom screen. During the talk you can type a question in Chat, which the speaker will answer at the end of their presentation. In some talks, participants may also be invited to use the Raise Hand option. The chairperson will then select a questioner, unmute their microphone and invite them to ask their question.

Presentations will also usually be recorded and will be watchable afterwards via the OCS website.