Create Comfort
Create Comfort
No-pressure
The way you approach your audience can also make them feel at home, safe and comfortable. Some people are shy. Some people need time. Create a no-pressure atmosphere. In some ways this links back to the suggestion to use playful elements. However, this point speaks more broadly to the need to not overly direct how participants engage in an event. Avoid creating situations where attendees feel put-on-the-spot.
Personal (but not too personal)
Addressing people directly can make online interactions awkward. At the same time anonymous interaction can be alienating. Make it personal (but not too personal).
Low-visibility-interaction
People that prefer a more laid-back or anonymous kind of participation will feel more invited to join if you offer Low-visibility interaction modes. Consider working with avatars, virtual masks, text-based interactions, et cetera.
Mimic the familiar
Offer settings that look and feel familiar, that people understand immediately and that are easy or even fun to navigate. This can be done by having front-of-house hosts that welcome your guests as they would be welcomed at a physical space, or by using visual metaphors to structure your online environments.