by The Open University
Available in 42 free installments
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You can have different types of audience. They may be in the form of:
small group work
large lecture theatre
discussion group
formal meeting.
The best choice for the small group work would be the star shapes (D), often called café style, in groups of four (though of course this could be adapted with different group sizes). A presentation where the audience have to interact closely with each other whilst doing some sort of activity (e.g. a problem-solving activity on a staff development training day) would be most suited to this arrangement. The audience might start in one of the more formal arrangements, and then move the seating to carry out the activity later on. This arrangement allows the presenter to move easily between groups to provide help where needed.
Large lecture theatre audiences are most likely to be arranged in rows as in (B) (though some lecture theatres have curved seating (C)). This suits a formal presentation where limited audience interaction is expected, although questions may be encouraged at the end. One of the problems with questions in this arrangement is the fact that most of the rest of the audience can't hear what the questioner is saying. So, a good strategy if you are presenting to this type of audience is to remember to repeat the question for the benefit of the rest of the audience. You can thereby ensure that you have understood the question, and give yourself a little more time to compose a sensible response!
You may have allocated the discussion group to either the rectangular shape (A) or the U shape (E), the important aspect being that the participants need to be able to see each other. If you had chosen the curved shape (C), someone on the front row replying to a point from someone on the back row would have to turn round.
In a formal meeting the participants would also need to see each other to contribute, so the rectangular shape (A) would probably be the most suitable (though E would also work). People usually like to observe each other when they talk, as body language can be an important part of the dialogue. As we will see, use of body language (hands gestures, facial expressions, physical stance, etc.) has a role to play in an effective presentation.
If you cannot visit the venue beforehand, you may still be able to get useful information from the organisers or local caretakers.
The location of your presentation might seem like a matter of simple common sense, but it can have significant implications for how you plan your content and organise yourself.
If you have access to the venue, it might help to pay an early visit. The aspects you might want to check include:
type and size of room
seating arrangements ? fixed or movable?
lighting ? artificial or natural?
acoustics (especially if using amplification)
equipment available, e.g. whiteboard, projector, OHP
location of power points
position of speaker (you!)
facilities for special needs ? e.g. induction loop, wheelchair access
safety features ? e.g. fire exits.
You might try sitting in the audience area to see how it feels to be one of them. Can they see clearly? You could take along some of your planned visual aids and check they are visible from all parts.
