There are two kinds of webinars you end up attending.

The first is a broadcast.
Someone talks. You listen. The chat might get read, or it might not.

The second is a participatory session.
The chat is active and the learning comes from the discussion, not just the slides.

Most people show up the same way to both.
That’s why it often feels like nothing happens.

The key is to match how YOU show up to the type of session you’re in.

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If it’s a Broadcast Webinar

Your goal is to land one useful thought for yourself.

Watch for:

• A shift in definition
• A useful question
• A clearer way to describe something you already know

Drop one short comment if the chat is open.
Not to be seen.
But to make the idea clearer for yourself.

Then stop.
No need to perform.

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If it’s a Participatory Webinar

Your goal is to help the room think.

Share:

• What the point made reminds you of
• A pattern you’ve noticed in real work
• A question you’re genuinely sitting with

You’re not trying to impress.
You’re contributing to the sense-making.

The learning is happening in the chat, not just on the slides.

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The Difference

Webinar type	Your purpose	How to show up
Broadcast	Take one useful idea	Comment once with clarity, then listen
Participatory	Think together	Use the chat to help the room make meaning

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In short

Webinars aren’t passive, but not all webinars are the same. Notice the room you’re in, decide how you want to participate, and be intentional.

You’ll get far more out of the time you spend there.