Audience Driven
Give them what they want.
If these two tips for audience interaction (virtual or in-person) are going to work — you must take a deep breath and surrender your need to have control. Keep reading if you’re ready for a fun shift of expectations.
The online experience has become all too familiar. Sixty minutes that includes an introduction, a set up of the problem, a pitch of an idea for the solution, and maybe some Q & A towards the end. All of this, of course, has been driven by a carefully laid out linear powerpoint that served mostly as the talking points for the speaker. The presenter is in the proverbial drivers seat. The audience is just along for the ride.
What if you flipped things around and let the audience drive?
Get them involved from the very beginning by giving them the opportunity to shape the conversation. Here are two specific ideas that will help you create a memorable experience:
1) The PICK A PATH method.
Let the audience choose the priority of your presentation’s delivery. This strategy works very well if you have no more than 3-4 points to cover and they are not dependent upon a specific order. Start the program with a brief overview of your topic and instruct the audience that you are going to let them decide where to start. You can show a ppt slide that has the 3 or 4 keyword points you plan to cover and ask them to vote on their preference via chat. Or better yet — use a poll to get a quicker and more accurate response. Then follow their lead and navigate through the content. ONE BONUS TIP: If you’re concerned that people might check out as you present from the highest to lowest interests — save one BIG idea related to that highest priority and tell them that you’re going to share it at the very end of the program.
One caveat: this method will only work well if you are well-versed and truly knowledgable on your topic.
2) The AMA format.
Throw out the ppt slides and your strategic outline of the typical presentation. Give your audience complete control of the agenda by offering the ASK ME ANYTHING format.
This is another of those methods that it helps for you to be comfortable and confident in your role and/or subject. There should be some ground rules that help to guide the interaction. For example: ask questions that are relevant to the topic/situation (not silly things like — how heavy is the pink elephant in the room?).
Also make sure that you have a moderator or host that is fielding the questions. You want to make sure that you are focused on the audience and your responses — not distracted by the juggling of a virtual platform.
Go ahead — give the audience more “say so” before you start “telling them so.”
Our Free “Engage Your Virtual Audience Workshop” Is Coming Soon