Are all webinars starting to sound the same, with AI-generated content making everything a little too perfect, and a lot less human? This episode of the TWH Podcast, we speak with Taru Sirkia from Webinar Geek to explore why authenticity, humor and a little imperfection might be your secret weapons for memorable online events.

Taru reveals exclusive insights from the “under the hood” of a leading webinar platform: the real impact of AI tools, what features actually boost engagement, and why your response to technical glitches could make or break your webinar’s success. Discover actionable tips for marketers, business leaders, and anyone wanting to stand out in the age of digital sameness.

Tune in for expert strategies on leveraging new technology without losing your personal touch; plus, some funny true stories from behind the scenes you won’t want to miss!

00:00 — Intro: Welcoming Taru from Webinar Geek

01:00 — The AI Deluge: Is Content Becoming Too Generic?

03:30 — Creativity vs. AI: What’s Getting Lost

07:10 — Why Mistakes and Humor Matter in Webinars

10:00 — What Makes a Webinar Truly Successful?

13:15 — Must-Have Features for Webinar Platforms

16:00 — Fun Stories: Can Weather Affect Webinar Success?

18:00 — Top Tips for Engagement: Reminders, Polls & More

19:40 — The Value of Authenticity in Online Events

21:00 — Lightning Round: Taru’s Webinar Success and Fail Moments

23:00 — Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways and What’s Next

#WebinarTips #DigitalMarketing #AIinMarketing #VirtualEvents #AuthenticityMatters #WebinarHacker #BusinessCommunication #WebinarStrategy

Master the art of virtual credibility in your next webinar, In this episode of the TWH Podcast, we welcome media and marketing legend Rebecca Umberger for a deep dive into what makes a presenter credible on video. Discover actionable tips to protect your authenticity, own your material, read audience cues, and get physically ready for any live online engagement, from boardrooms to webinars and on-stage presentations. If you struggle with connecting authentically on-screen, or want to polish your professional presence for your next high-stakes digital appearance, this episode is your new toolkit.

Rebecca shares practical stories and high-impact strategies covering:

• Why authenticity always trumps over-polished scripts (and how to avoid sounding like an AI).
• The art of prepping for credibility—even if you’re new to video.
• How to read (and recover from) disengaged audience cues.
• Creating an effective “on-camera character” without losing yourself.
• The secret power of breathing and physical readiness before you present.

Whether you're a C-suite executive, consultant, or communications coach, this episode has everything you need to leave a lasting impression online.

Don’t just appear—own the screen.

00:00 – Introduction: Establishing Credibility On Video

02:17 – Authenticity vs. Over-Preparation: Finding the Balance

05:53 – First Steps for On-Camera Newcomers10:12 – Surviving AI Scripts & Being “Human”

13:35 – Sharpening Your Key Message For Virtual Audiences

17:05 – Audience Cues: Signs You're Losing Engagement (and Recovery Tactics)

21:40 – Building Your On-Camera Persona Without “Faking It”

27:02 – Pre-Show Rituals: Breathing, Readiness, and Relaxation

30:15 – Final Tips For Powerful Presence and Q&A

33:45 – Wrap Up: Owning Your Material & Consistent Practice

#WebinarTips #VirtualPresentations #AuthenticLeadership #PublicSpeaking #DigitalCredibility

Are you struggling to reach the right audience with your webinars, especially in government, military, or highly specialized B2B sectors? In this episode of the TWH Podcast, we speak with Rachel Lilly, Director of Advertising Strategies at AFCEA, to unpack the secrets to effective audience targeting, lead generation and content strategy for high-stakes webinars and online marketing events.

Rachel reveals actionable strategies for getting in front of decision-makers, leveraging exclusive databases, maximizing webinar ROI, and the surprising power of continuing education credits. Whether you’re a marketer, executive or educator in tech, defense or federal sectors; discover proven methods to boost registration, increase engagement, and transform your webinar into a long-term lead engine.

Learn about audience segmentation, CEU (continuing education unit) integration, advanced post-webinar tactics, and more. Plus, hear Rachel’s top innovations in the evolving world of virtual events.

#WebinarMarketing #DigitalEngagement #FederalMarketing #LeadGeneration #VirtualEvents #WebinarHacker #DiegoLaje #AFCEA #ContentStrategy #CEUCredits #AudienceTargeting #B2BMarketing #ThoughtLeadership

Timed List of Topics (Timestamps):

00:00 – Intro & WelcomeDiego introduces Rachel Lilly and sets the stage for audience building in webinars.

01:12 – Can You Really “Buy” a Webinar Audience?Rachel explains the realities and ethics of targeting versus “buying” an audience.

03:35 – Niche Access: Reaching Defense & Federal Decision MakersChallenges and solutions for ultra-specific sectors.

05:30 – The Power of Data & Databases in TargetingUsing proprietary lists for hyper-targeted reach.

07:15 – Webinar Creation 101: From Ideation to LaunchRachel’s step-by-step for first-timers and pros alike.

10:20 – Custom Audience Building: Tailoring the List Every TimeWhy no two webinar audiences should be the same.

12:00 – Live Event Support & Expert ModerationThe role of Signal Media journalists in elevating the conversation.

14:10 – Tech Checks, Formats & Full-Service Webinar SupportEnsuring presenters are comfortable and events run smoothly.

15:50 – Post-Webinar Marketing: Extending Value & Lead GenTurning a single event into a content engine.

18:25 – Maximizing Your Content With AI & Evergreen ValueHow to leverage recordings for months after an event.

20:00 – Q&A, Polling, and Engagement During the WebinarDriving real-time and asynchronous interaction.

22:00 – Continuing Education Credits: The Secret Webinar BoosterHow offering CEUs drives higher, more qualified attendance.

25:10 – Content Strategy: Promotional vs. Educational ValueStriking the right balance for engagement and compliance.

27:00 – Audience Segmentation & Database GranularityHow granular can AFCEA get in targeting your ideal viewers?

29:30 – The Nine-Touch Rule: Maximizing Prospect ImpressionsRachel’s strategies for multi-touch campaigns.

32:05 – Success Story: From Awareness to ActionA case study of full-funnel webinar and digital campaigns.

34:50 – Proven ROI in Difficult TimesWhy webinars thrive even during budget uncertainties.

37:20 – Innovations in Webinars: New Formats & Small Biz ChannelsRachel’s top new offerings and reflections on change.

40:00 – Final Takeaways & FarewellRachel’s advice and Diego’s closing thoughts.

#WebinarMarketing #LeadGen #VirtualEvents #FederalMarketing #DigitalStrategy #AFCEA #CEUCredit #ContentRepurposing #AudienceSegmentation #WebinarSuccess #ThoughtLeadership #DiegoLaje #WebinarHacker