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Have you heard of text-enabled events? You may be thinking that allowing the audience to text questions during a presentation would be distracting, and would disrupt the flow of the conference, meeting or seminar that you worked so hard to set up. That is a common concern, so here we will address that and four more questions people often have about this unique service.

Five Concerns About Texting Questions During Presentations:

Wouldn’t the audience members have to learn how to use the handhelds or clickers?
No! It is true that some audience response systems use complicated equipment or clickers to record responses from event-goers. With simple-to-use event text messaging software, there is no learning curve, as people use technology they already know: their cell phone. Your members do not have to be tech-savvy, and you do not incur the cost of renting expensive equipment.

Would I have to worry about training some of my staff to use the technology? I have enough to worry about the day-to-day operations of my company to have one more training session to plan!
No specialized training is needed. The best audience texting software requires only a laptop and an internet connection. Setup is super easy, too, and support is available to guide you every step of the way should you need some assistance.

Is it available in the app store for Android or iPhone, and how much will it cost for attendees? I am sure they will groan at having to download something else that takes up precious space, and highly doubt they will pay for it.
Our system is cloud-based, and does not require downloading any applications. In fact, smartphones are not necessary at all! As long as the mobile phone allows SMS text messaging, users have all they need to begin participating. This functionality is available in 99 percent of the phones on the market today, so chances are, most everyone will be able to join in.

How is texting questions better than people just asking them at a microphone?
It is true that you could make sure you have a couple of extra microphones on stands strategically placed around the hall or even have staff members ready to reach questioners when they stand to speak. However, microphones fail, batteries die and electrical cords can trip people up. You certainly do not want the audio going out during a question and answer session.

People can also be genuinely afraid to speak up. When you give them the opportunity to ask questions through text – something they do daily – you remove that fear. People are more willing to ask the burning questions they have when they have the safety of anonymity.

Won’t texting questions during a presentation be distracting to the presenters?
Quite the contrary! The inquiries will show up on the laptop screen, so there are no instances when those on stage cannot hear what an attendee is saying. They simply read them on the screen. The text can also be displayed on a large screen so that everyone in the crowd can see them as well. Any inappropriate questions or comments can be audited out, and all of them are available for exporting to a spreadsheet for review once the event is over.

If you have any concerns about texting questions during presentations that we have not addressed here, let us know!

For more information about Mosio for Events pricing and plans, visit: http://www.mosio.com/eventsplans