Presentation skills - Set your meeting room for success

That sabotages your speech before you even start? What causes the audience to tune out? That creates a huge obstacle for a great speaker? The answer is the wrong meeting room setup.

Different room layouts to create different group dynamics. Choose the right format and have a successful speech or training session. Here are the recommended settings room for groups of different sizes and types of presentation.

For an interactive training session with 10-30 people:

Use several round tables with 3-5 people each. I use this layout of the room when I need maximum interactivity. It 's ideal for exercises, role plays and simulations.

It allows participants to the network with the other. It builds relationships and increases morale. When I was training managers to train their employees, this layout built on teamwork and trust in the group.

For a brainstorming session or focus group of 6 - 12 people:

Use a meeting room setup with a single table surrounded by chairs. When I was in charge of training at Telus Mobility, I used this configuration space to schedule. This layout encourages group discussion.

It 's ideal for short (less than 2 hours long) meetings. Keep in mind that some places (like the head of the table) to collect more "power" and give it a higher status. Make sure you are sitting in one of these "places of power" if you are the leaders debate.

For a speech to an audience of 30 + persons:

Use a setup "theater" style with a surface shape of a "V". This is a classic setup for a large audience. It concentrates the audience's attention on you as a speaker. Have the chairs arranged in a slight form inverted "V". You want both arms of the "V" on the stage tilted toward you. This makes it easier for people sitting on the side of the room to see you. Otherwise, they would have had to turn his head awkwardly to see you on stage.

This layout works well for short (45 minute) lessons. However, limits the ability to run interactive exercises and role plays. And 'more suited to training sessions rather than lectures.

So, choosing the right installation meeting room and maximize the chances of a successful speech or training session.

Reflective Keynotes Inc., Toronto, Canada ......