Learning is a fragile thing. It is a biological process that happens in the brain. Provide the wrong stimulus and the brain responds by shutting down the learning process and instead protecting the human body. In order for people to learn something, their basic needs have to be met first. They must feel like the learning environment is safe and that they won't be threatened or embarrassed. If not, they cannot learn. When Learning Can't Occur In the 1990s I worked for Keep America … [Read more...]
Why Risky Conference Speakers Can Lead To Failed Learning
What do well-informed town halls and WWE's "Friday Night SmackDown" have in common? A lot more than you would think. In 2009, both Friday Night SmackDown and healthcare town halls were sold out. Both witnessed a staged, well-rehearsed, public feud that was more about sensationalism than fact. During those healthcare town halls, two opposing sides gathered to share their views. One side clearly had low trust in public, political officials. Their emotions were high as evidenced by some … [Read more...]
Why Do We Start Conferences With General Sessions?
Most conferences kickoff with an opening general session. Why? What's the point? What's the purpose of a general session? Back To Presentation Basics What' the purpose of a speaker for any presentation? Nancy Duarte, author of Resonate says it best, Presentations are most commonly delivered to persuade an audience to change their minds or behavior. At its basic level, presentations are to persuade. Some may say that presentations are to inform. I typically respond with, "Inform for … [Read more...]
Leveraging Professional Speakers For Conference Impact
Most conference expense budgets are tight and limiting. Technology innovations, including Skype, Snagit, DIY screen capture and affordable video editing tools, can help you bring more thought leaders to your conference experience. Increasing Conference Value With Professional Speakers Professional speakers are often the most remembered, valued and polished elements of a conference. Typically they are reserved for general sessions. What if you could add a dose of their thought leadership to … [Read more...]
Things I Despise About Speaker Marketing Videos
You've probably heard the saying, "If you've seen one, you've seen them all." In the case of the majority of speaker marketing videos, it's true! According to research by VCC and Tagoras, meeting professionals consider the speaker marketing video the most important sales tool available. More than a book, social media presence, blog or one sheet. Note: this post is about meeting professionals using speaker marketing videos to hire that speaker. Not videos used to market the conference or … [Read more...]
Fostering Hot And Spicy Audiences
Imagine for a moment that you're preparing for a presentation for an upcoming conference. Close your eyes and visualize that your audience appears to be actually sizzling in their seats with enthusiasm. They are on fire for your words. Creating Audience Combustible Motivation Now imagine you have that same experience every time you present. This vision is not unrealistic. You can create experiences that foster combustible motivation in your audience! How? By eliminating the two primary … [Read more...]
Conference Organizers Top 15 Professional Speaker Pet Peeves
Recently, Velvet Chainsaw partnered with Tagoras, Inc., a leading continuing education company, to survey conference professionals about their use of speakers. One question asked respondents to share their biggest pet peeves regarding professional speakers. 15 Guaranteed Ways Speakers Destroy Their Marketing Strategy Here are their top 15 most disliked pet peeves about professional speakers. 1. Arrogant, prima dona or diva-like behavior. Unconventional requests from professional speakers or … [Read more...]
Three Infographics On Conference Content And Delivery
Dare to color outside the lines. Have the courage to take risks. Let go of outdated, dead sacred cows. These were just a few of the overarching themes from Experient's e4 2011 Conference "Outside the Lines." Bye, Bye Breakouts! Hello Innovation Labs! The Experient team always delivers a stellar conference that's engaging. They are willing to take risks, experiment and push the boundaries. It's one of the best planned experiences both logistically and strategically. This year they created a … [Read more...]
