Make Sure Your Panel Discussion Includes Some DISCUSSION

October 30, 2017 by Alexander Kipp in audience, content, technique

When running a panel discussion, it's usually a good idea to have some DISCUSSION. If you are a moderator, you need to constantly be looking for ways to keep the audience interested. Try to listen to your speakers with the ears of an uninitiated audience member: What context does the audience need? What about the topic is most interesting to the audience?

Call-outs

October 27, 2017 by Alexander Kipp in audience, content, technique

Instead of thinking of your adult audience members in your presentation as “students”, you should think of them as “participants”. Instead of thinking of yourself as a “teacher”, think of yourself as a “facilitator”. Your job is to draw out your participants' expertise and interest by establishing an environment that invites their ideas, opinions, and experiences.

Knowing Your Audience →

October 14, 2017 by Alexander Kipp in audience

This great article on Audience Analysis by Andrew Dlugan goes into a lot of detail about the kinds of questions to ask and answer that can help you hone your message in ways that fit your specific audience's expectations and needs. It's one of a series that explores the topic.

Building Bridges: Your Approach to Your Audience

February 27, 2017 by Alexander Kipp in audience

Your approach to your audience can have many shapes, but in general it will fall into one of three types: concave, convex, or somewhere in-between. The one that works best for you can depend on many factors: your subject matter, your audience, and where you feel most comfortable.