| What sabotages your speech before you even | | | | group discussions. |
| start? What causes your audience to tune you | | | | It is great for short (less than 2-hour long) |
| out? What creates a huge obstacle for even a | | | | meetings. Keep in mind that certain seats (such as |
| great speaker? The answer is: the wrong meeting | | | | the head of the table) garner more "power" and |
| room setup. | | | | confer a higher status. Make sure you are sitting |
| Different room layouts create different group | | | | in one of these "power seats" if you are the |
| dynamics. Choose the right layout and have a | | | | discussion leader. |
| successful speech or training session. Here are the | | | | For a keynote speech with audiences of 30+ |
| recommended room setups for various group | | | | people: |
| sizes and presentation types. | | | | Use a "theater" style setup with a shallow "V" |
| For an interactive training session with 10-30 | | | | shape. This is a classic setup for large audiences. |
| people: | | | | It focuses all the audience attention upon you as |
| Use several small round tables with 3-5 people | | | | the speaker. Have the chairs arranged in a slight |
| each. I use this room layout when I need | | | | inverted "V" shape. You want both arms of the |
| maximum interactivity. It is great for exercises, | | | | "V" angled toward you onstage. That makes it |
| role-plays and simulations. | | | | easier for people sitting at the side of the room |
| It allows participants to network with each other. | | | | to see you. Otherwise, they would have to turn |
| It builds relationships and boosts morale. When I | | | | their heads awkwardly to see you onstage. |
| was training managers to coach their employees, | | | | This layout works well for short (45 minute) |
| this layout built teamwork and trust in the group. | | | | lectures. However, it limits your ability to run |
| For a brainstorming session or focus group of 6- | | | | interactive exercises or role-plays. It is better |
| 12 people: | | | | suited to lectures rather than training sessions. |
| Use a boardroom setup with a single table | | | | So, choose the right meeting room setup and |
| surrounded by chairs. When I was Manager of | | | | maximize your chances of a successful speech or |
| Training at Telus Mobility, I used this room setup | | | | training session. |
| for planning sessions. This layout encourages | | | | © 2008 Reflective Keynotes Inc. |