How do I create a 'second screen' focus system for lengthy webinars?

Lengthy webinars and training sessions are a staple of remote work, but maintaining focus during these passive listening events is challenging. Many professionals find their attention wandering after 15-20 minutes, especially when they're expected to absorb information without actively participating. A well-designed "second screen" focus system can significantly improve your ability to stay engaged and retain information during these extended sessions.

The psychology of dual-channel engagement

Our brains are naturally drawn to novelty and interaction. During passive listening situations, providing a secondary channel for engagement can actually improve focus on the primary content. The key is creating the right type of secondary activity – one that occupies your hands and part of your attention without competing with the verbal processing needed to follow the webinar.

The ideal second screen setup creates what psychologists call "complementary cognitive engagement" – where your secondary activity supports rather than competes with your primary focus. This is different from multitasking, which attempts to process two competing streams of similar information simultaneously.

Physical setup and tools

Position your primary screen (the webinar) at eye level directly in front of you. Your secondary engagement station should be positioned slightly lower and to your dominant-hand side. This physical arrangement supports your attention hierarchy – primary content remains visually dominant while your secondary activity stays within easy reach but out of your primary field of vision.

On your secondary station, prepare simple, tactile tools that keep your hands occupied without requiring significant mental processing. The Handheld Roller Fidget Toy or other silent fidget tools provide just enough physical stimulation to maintain alertness without creating noise that might be picked up if you need to unmute. Other great options include the Infinity Cube Fidget Toy, Tangle Fidget Toy Set, and Mesh & Marble Fidget Set of 10. Having 2-3 different options allows you to switch between them when one loses its novelty effect.

For visual learners, a sketchpad for simple doodling or mind-mapping can significantly enhance information retention. The key is maintaining simple, repetitive patterns rather than creating detailed drawings that would require creative attention away from the webinar content.

Digital tools and techniques

For webinars that include significant technical content, consider setting up a digital note-taking template in advance. Using bullet points or a mind-map structure creates just enough engagement to maintain focus without requiring complex sentence formation that would compete with listening.

Use your device's "do not disturb" settings during the webinar, but consider setting up a specialized focus timer that vibrates at 10-minute intervals. These regular micro-prompts help prevent attention drift and give you a chance to quickly assess if you're still engaged with the content.

For extremely long sessions (over 90 minutes), having a webinar "focus kit" prepared in advance can help. This might include a water bottle, a silent busy light set to "do not disturb" mode to prevent household interruptions, and a small variety of fidget tools to rotate between as your attention needs change throughout the session. Consider the Kuando Busylight UC Alpha, Kuando Busylight UC Omega, Luxafor Flag Busy Light, or Embrava Blynclight for different workspace needs.

The ideal second screen system creates just enough engagement to keep your brain alert without creating competing demands on your attention. With the right setup, you can transform passive webinars from attention challenges into valuable learning opportunities.

See also

• What are hidden focus techniques for hour-long Zoom calls?
• What are the best tools to help focus?