We’ve all seen people flop when looking for audience participation. It is a horrible sight to see. The presenter comes out full of energy, springs into their presentation, and when their internal clock says the time is right they request participation.
The moment between a speaker requesting participation and his or her realization that none will be given is unmistakeably awkward. Rejection at the onset of a presentation deals a crushing blow to the atmosphere and will render a session useless.
Situations like that don’t have to occur. In fact they are easily avoidable. If you are hosting an interactive speech, seminar, or information session use the following methods to entice participation.
Story Telling
Personal stories are remarkably powerful. They break barriers, introduce humor, and give people the opportunity to see you as a normal human being. Telling a personal story and gently requesting a short story from a member of the audience (preferably one who enjoyed your story) is a great way to encourage attendance. By telling your own story first you set the mood, you transmit positive energy into the group, and you communicate the message that interaction is desired.
Games
I challenge you to find one person who doesn’t enjoy a quick game. Games provide the opportunity to relax, be creative, and be silly (all cherished commodities in a world focused on work). When you blast open the door to this commodity you will be rewarded with goodwill from your audience. That goodwill permeates a room and creates an environment where people are eager to participate in the discussion. Leverage this idea and that energy to gain audience participation.
Prizes
Want to know a secret? People (present company included) love prizes. People adore prizes. People sit through painstaking presentations that they have zero interest in for the opportunity to win the unknown prize behind door number 2.
The age of the person is insignificant. I’ve seen respectable 40 year old men trample 6 year old kids on their path to a prize. The prize can be relatively insignificant or monumental. Obviously, monumental prizes drive better participation. To press participation levels to the max sprinkle small prizes into your presentation, hint at larger prizes to come, and reward the grand daddy at the end.
Do this and you won’t be able to utter a word without a hand going up.
Conclusion
Persuading an audience to participate isn’t difficult. Walking into a room and meekly requesting a volunteer is a weak strategy. Instead of doing that, use the 3 powerful methods I have shared.
You will never have to worry about a lack of participation again.
Period.
Thanks for reading. Please pass this information to anyone who can make good use of it.
To view a list of services click here .
Bookmark this page or follow this link to RSS subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.
No related posts.
February 19th, 2009 at 3:12 am
I’ve always found that the situation changes greatly who will participate. For example whenever I’ve done a seminar or keynote talk, I’ve had no problem with participation. But when it’s a specific learning experience I have to get very creative with participation or no one does. I think it has to do with fear of being wrong. In the first instance no one cares and they join in the fun. In the second, they feel that they are going to get it wrong and so say nothing.