A presenter’s dream is a fully engaged audience.
And that starts by treating participants like adults. Helping them to feel comfortable – not with childish welcome signs, silly ice-breakers or games trainers like to play - but by considering the things that matter to adults.
-Making sure the content matters to them. By asking the question: What do you need to learn to make your time worthwhile? and then modifying your presentation to answer their questions. I work with sales people. Usually what matters to them is how to help people to buy from them; how to make it easy to choose them over all the other choices. Doesn’t matter the topic… if I can’t connect my content with their needs, my content won’t matter.
-Setting the room so that it feels like a learning environment for adults. “Classroom” style is based on a hierarchal method of instruction. It diminishes interaction and synergy. Try crescent rounds so people sitting at tables can more easily collaborate.
-Making it easy for them to stay in touch. Encouraging them to use their mobile devices to answer email while you talk. And more… to dialogue with you, the instructor.
- Incorporating technology into the presentation. Even twitter. I hope this post gets you as excited as it did me: 8 things I learnt about using twitter as a participant tool.
What an exciting time to be a presenter!
What else do you do to honor and respect your attendees?
Tags: public speaking, sales skills
Nice post – thanks Sue! I look forward to my first tweeted preso with a little trepidation, but it’s time for another stretch. It raises the bar on presentation spaces also – have wireless connections or lose the booking!
Ken
Thanks Ken. One thing I’ve noticed about telling attendees it’s okay to leave their PDA’s on is that they check, they work, and they’re happy! Breaks become less significant too. Please let me know how it goes for you. All the best-Sue