Many of you have had to switch to working from home and conducting meetings & events virtually. This guide reviews some of the online meeting software options that you can use to conduct virtual meetings, seminars, webinars, lectures, etc. 

If you’re running interactive PowerPoint presentations using ParticiPoll, simply use the share screen option on your video conference platform and conduct your polling session as normal.

All Participoll functions remain the same. The audience will continue to use their mobile devices to participate with polling etc. as normal.

These virtual meeting platforms have been reviewed and selected as they meet the following criteria:  

• Easy to install and use, for both host and participants
• Allow screen share of a live Powerpoint presentation
• Provide useful host features

Zoom is an easy to use, reliable cloud platform for video/audio conferencing and webinars. Zoom offers high definition audio and video. Connection is via web and app, although the installed app gives an overall better experience. You can schedule meetings, and send meeting codes in advance so your audience can join on time and quickly. Your meetings can be custom branded and you can broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube. Screen sharing is easy and you can stream specific applications e.g. Powerpoint or share your entire screen.  Zoom allows you the option of viewing your audience in a gallery style if you should choose to (a second monitor would be required). Zoom can be used with larger audiences. You have the ability to chat, annotate your screen, record live meetings or download transcripts of calls for future reference.

Zoom is compatible with interactive Powerpoint, view our step-by-step guide on how to share a powerpoint presentation in Zoom. 

 

Clickmeeting is webinar software with a simple to use interface. As a host you can create your own meeting URL and it’s easy to invite participants. A virtual waiting room is available for participants to hang out in until the presenter arrives which has “hold music” or can be muted.  There is a lock option which denies participants who are late from joining. You can share your Powerpoint presentation using the share screen button. You can schedule, share and even record live meetings to share later. Clickmeeting allows you to automatically send thank you emails following your meeting. Overall, very user friendly and versatile. Clickmeeting is compatible with interactive Powerpoint, simply press the share screen button and the ParticiPoll features in your Powerpoint presentation remain and function the same as normal.

Clickmeeting is compatible with interactive Powerpoint, view our step-by-step guide on how to share a powerpoint presentation in Clickmeeting. 

 

Whereby enables you to run easy video meetings with screen sharing requiring no login or downloads. As a presenter you can simply click on the share screen and run a presentation webinar quickly and efficiently. Whereby offers a gallery should you wish to see everyone attending your meeting. As a presenter you can  create your meeting room, and hold your participants before allowing them into the room. Whereby is incredibly quick to set up. Ideal for running smaller group sessions. Whereby is compatible with interactive Powerpoint, simply press the share screen button and all your ParticiPoll features in your Powerpoint presentation remain and function the same as normal.

Whereby is compatible with interactive Powerpoint, view our step-by-step guide on how to share a powerpoint presentation in Whereby. 

 

Cisco Webex is the leading enterprise solution for video conferencing, online meetings, screen share, and webinars. It has a simple user interface that exactly conveys what needs to be done. Screen sharing is easy and you can stream specific applications, documents or share your entire screen. Webex offers annotation tools so you can visually focus on various points in your presentation or brainstorm with participants. There is a chat option. You can allow other speakers to access your system whilst sharing as well. Webex is compatible with interactive Powerpoint, simply use the share screen feature and all ParticiPoll features in your Powerpoint presentation remain and function the same as normal.

Webex is compatible with interactive Powerpoint, view our step-by-step guide on how to share a powerpoint presentation in Webex. 

 

Gotomeeting is an online meeting and web conferencing tool that enables businesses to collaborate with customers, clients or colleagues via the Internet in real time. Gotomeeting is easy to use, allowing users to create and schedule webinars with a simple user friendly interface. It offers simple navigation, ease of invitation to join a meeting and simple functional design. It has HD, screen sharing and meeting time is unlimited. Meetings can be recorded for reference. Controls can be shared with other presenters. Go to Meeting is ideal for configuring remote interviews, conference calls, and any type of meeting organised with good quality audio and sound. Can be used for larger audiences. Clickmeeting is compatible with interactive Powerpoint using the share screen feature. All ParticiPoll features in your Powerpoint presentation remain and function the same as normal.

Gotomeeting is compatible with interactive Powerpoint, view our step-by-step guide on how to share a powerpoint presentation in Gotomeeting. 

 

There are many options for virtual meeting software on the market, these are just a few that have been reviewed for their compatibility with Powerpoint. Let us know if there others we should feature!

When using ParticiPoll and Powerpoint remember the screen share feature is what you need to use to share your presentation, all ParticiPoll functionality remains the same. 

If you have any questions or wish to share your experiences we’d love to hear from you!