Most sizeable conferences provide opportunities for breakout sessions – breaking up the attendees into smaller groups for the purpose of discussing a specific topic. In a jam-packed conference setting full of content options, breakouts need to add real value in order to compete with face-to-face networking and a myriad of other conference activities.
So how do you engage the attendees in order for them to get the most out of your session? Think about the basics – do you like to be lectured too, listening to the same monotone voice, looking at the same presenter in the same room and at the same PowerPoint for an hour? No. To be memorable you’ve got to stand out, think differently from the norm and spend nearly as much time planning how you’ll conduct your session as planning the actual content itself. You spend time concentrating on the event logistics, so why not spend the same time on the actual content.
Teaching is an art form. Great teachers hold our attention, make us laugh, help us to fully understand the complex subject matter and, most of all, inspire us. Here’s some tips on how to maximise engagement in your breakout session.
1. Accommodation different learning styles
Everyone learns in different ways. Personally, I learn visually, by seeing words written down or images with diagrams, however others learn verbally, by being told information out loud. Some learn best through video, music, physical activities etc. Do your best to combine different teaching methods, combining your presentation to include audio and visual presentations, written handouts, interactive tasks, and group work.
2. Don’t waffle
Try not to overload your audience with too much information. In today’s world attention spans are short, so chatting on too long simply makes the brain switch off. If your session is over an hour, try taking a 5-minute comfort breaks to allow delegates to refresh before continuing the second half.
3. Make your slides memorable
Too many words on a slide and I can guarantee most won’t read it – they’ll just listen. Its proven science people associate images with information, so try using pictures to demonstrate your points, rather than loads of size 8 text! Integrate Case Studies as examples, providing real-life evidence to your information.
4. Provide recognition or competition
Make it be known at the beginning of your session that there will be a small prize or competition run at the end of the syndicate. Structure your content as appropriate, integrating the competition throughout. An element of good-natured competition can keep the attention of those attendees with a competitive streak!
5. Keep it fresh and current
Believe it or not, your attendees could be using their time for a lot of other things rather than sitting and watching someone speak for an hour. You can easily re-energise the room with some fun media displays. Take the latest viral video, or a hilarious photo or chart song that can help drive your message home. The idea is to make your point in the most engaging way possible.
6. Interaction is key
All too often we find syndicate sessions involving one-way communication only. I understand the presenter is the one with the knowledge and content, but keep attention spans fresh by asking questions, getting input, asking for feedback, opening up debate or discussions in small teams. Two way communication makes for a better outcome for both the presenter and the attendees.
Chances are if attendees remember the session, they’ll remember the content. Presentations are as much about entertaining your audience as informing them. Consider the above next time you have a conference breakout session to run and see if the feedback you receive is better than you’ve had before.
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