UStream is an amazing technology isn't it? Suddenly, anyone from anywhere can create a "show" to share with the general public. The simplicity is rather astounding - within a few minutes I was up and running and ready to and broadcast a live show. Wow.

I've been learning about UStream and what I have found most daunting is the idea of being live in front of the camera - I never aspired to be a movie star! But I'm getting ready to use it to create a presentation for my MasterMind group and I'll transform from the student to the teacher. I know from experience that if I need to present information to others, I will learn it more completely for myself.

UStream has tremendous potential for training purposes and it is a no cost alternative to other webinar or teleseminar platforms. It's limited by the fact that verbal communication is one-way (from me to the viewers), but written communication comes back in the form of a chat box. Depending on the number of viewers, the chat feature can scroll by pretty quickly, so multi-tasking is vital - I have to be able to think, speak and read at the same time.

The technology is a bit novel and fun, but the ability to communicate real-time with viewers and have interaction with them is highly useful in a training or information-sharing situation. And after a short-time, you forget you are "on camera" and you can relax and enjoy the show.