Public Speaking : SEATING TIPS

[tonatiuh8]

=> People prefer to sit by aisles. Avoid chairs next to walls. Audience members will feel trapped.

=> Aisles should get bigger as they get nearer the exits because they must accommodate more people.

=> Seat for least distraction and best focus on presentation. Turn off wall sconces behind the presentation. Set away from open windows, clocks, and entry doors.

=> Even after you have pre-set the seats perfectly, suggest to audience members, that they adjust their seating slightly for comfort.

=> Encourage seating in the front of the room by cordoning off back rows with masking tape, rope, or string, or placing reserved signs on back tables.

=> Avoid reserving seats through tipping chairs up against tables. The jutting legs tend to bruise shin bones and trip audience members.

Trick: Only put out 50-75 percent of the chairs for the expected number of participants and you will almost always have a packed house. Stack the rest of the chairs in the back corner of the room for easy access if needed.

Trick: When you have a choice, opt for a smaller room. This again gives you a better chance for a packed house.

[Elyts]

honestly, I never thought about all this shit...and yet it makes so much fucking sense...this is actually way more useful and fun to read than I thought it would be, wow im pleasantly surprised

[Daniel Becerra]

Thanks for this, man! I'm in charge of helping to run meetings, so this has been very helpful!