Choosing and Arranging the Room


Are you giving a live presentation? The choice of room-and its arrangement-can make a big difference in your success. If you have any say in it, make sure that you get an appropriate size of room for the presentation. For example, a room that is too small makes people feel uncomfortable and seems crowded, whereas a room that is too large can create a false formality and distance that can cause people to lose focus. You also don't want to have to shout to be heard.

Caution 

To avoid having to shout during your presentation, make sure that there is a working sound system, with a microphone and amplifier available, if necessary. If possible, check this detail a few days ahead of time, to avoid scrambling for one at the last minute.

Next, make sure that tables and chairs are set up appropriately. Figures 2.2 through 2.5 illustrate several setups, each of which is appropriate for a certain kind of presentation:

  • For a classroom setting where the audience will take a lot of notes, give them something to write on, as in Figure 2.2. This arrangement works well when the audience will be listening to and interacting with you, but not with one another.

  • If the audience is not expected to take notes while you are giving the speech, consider an auditorium setup, as in Figure 2.3. This arrangement is also good for fitting a lot of people into a small room. (This is also known as theater-style seating.)

  • If you want the audience to interact in small groups, you should set up groups where people can see each other and still see you. Figure 2.4 shows a small-group arrangement.

  • To make it easier for the entire group to interact with one another as a whole, use a U-shape, as in Figure 2.5.

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Figure 2.2: In a classroom arrangement, each audience member has plenty of room to write and work.

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Figure 2.3: An auditorium setup (or theater-style seating) fits a lot of people into a small space; it's great for large company meetings.

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Figure 2.4: Having small groups clustered around tables encourages discussion and works well for presentations that incorporate hands-on activities.

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Figure 2.5: Arrange the room in a U-shape if you want participants to have discussions as a large group.




Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 Bible
Microsoft Powerpoint 2007 Bible
ISBN: 0470144939
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2007
Pages: 268
Authors: Faithe Wempen

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