Home

Innovation
University

Speakers
& Consultants

Membership

Conferences

Best
Practices

Products

Brain
Wake-Ups

About
Innovation Network

- P e r s o n a l _ C r e a t i v i t y -

My experience has taught me that the more involved an audience is, the more they enjoy the presentation ... and, assuming the material is relevant and timely, the more they learn. In the past several years I've become known as the "hoola hoop man" or the "crayon man" and received several speaking contracts because of the audience involvement exercises I use.

The very word audience may need to be replaced as it seems to relate only to "audio." Perhaps participant is better with its sense of "taking part." Participant involvement exercises also build a sense of community or belong- ing to the group which increases intention and attention, reduces pretention, and, therefore leads to greater retention and learning.

My fascination with audience involvement techniques prompted the recent survey.

Over half of the survey respondents use some form of participation exercises, including keynote speakers working with large groups. Here are some of the key points from the survey:

• There are a potentially unlimited number of exercises and techniques that can be used.
• The type of exercise or technique depends on the speaker/trainer, topic, and participants involved.
• Participation of everyone in the group is desired.
• Participation increases energy and the flow of programs or presentations.
• Having fun is a valid way to learn.
• Participation exercises help create memory hooks.
• A mixture of exercises is beneficial.
• The most effective exercises are those specifically designed and personalized by the presenter.
• The more senses involved, the more effective the exercise.
• Repetition of points through a mixed variety of exercises increases retention.

Here are some of the responses to the question of why audience involvementexercises are used:

• break the ice
• bond the participants together
• bond with the participants: individually and as a total group
• gather information about them
• set the stage for key points and learnings
• increase or reintroduce energy
• collect data about the topic during the program
• improve attention and retention
• demonstrate or reinforce key points
• tap natural humor of the group
• generate discussion
• create memories/history of program

Participation exercises can be used any time and in any place:

• before the program starts
• at the beginning
• during the program
• as a closing
• after the program finishes
• in seats for theater-style settings
• at tables
• on the stage or at the front of room; at the sides or rear of room
• outside of the room
• at the entrance doors
• in the hallway
• at the client's location

Next time you plan a meeting, design a relevant audience participation exercise and check the evaluations afterward. You should see a significant difference. The more people take part, the more they commit, the more they get involved, the more they learn and enjoy the experience. Help the participants become an active, highly interactive part of each meeting ... they will have fun and learn more ... and they'll think you're brilliant.

Robert Alan Black, Ph.D. is the President of Creative Leadership Services and can be reached at 706-353-3387 or online at merrybeing@athens.net.