>>I know strategy workshops are boring. Somebody stands there waffling on about an impenetrable subject and you are pretending to take notes and actively listening. I can’t stand looking at one more powerpoint slide! Somebody accidentally switch off that projector or, even better, let me out of here!<<

Why is it such an art to involve people in a workshop or presentation? Apart from the skills of an entertaining, informative and skilled presenter/facilitator, what makes people go: ‘Ah, I get it!‘.

The magic connection is emotional involvement. What increases my care factor, increases the attention span. Business bigs like Steve Jobs don’t just have an easy presentation audience because they pull out gadgets that everybody wants.

Why do I want them in the first place? Because I want to believe, the presenter will be giving me emotional satisfaction on top of information.

So what would be my list of things to consider for keeping me interested?

The Consensio presentation wish list:

• In long workshops his or her presentation style keeps me interested by getting me to do things. If I can get up, walk around, contribute on the white board or sit in an informal circle, I want to be there.
• In a short presentation, I get to see a maximum of 5 well designed slides or a short movie, or no pictures, but a whiteboard drawing.
• Samples and materials are passed around. If it’s pleasant enough, I get to touch and smell what is being described.
• I don’t want handouts before a presentation. Instead I get a URL at the end, where I can download what I want.
• If it’s a long workshop, open the windows, or release people from the aircon room at least every 2 hours for a few minutes.
• Facilitate people’s comments, don’t censor them, but don’t encourage the pesky guy who has to relieve himself of his 10 million superfluous questions while I sit there and get you.
• I like funny clever. But please don’t try to make me laugh.