To interact or not to interact?

To interact or not to interact, that is the question. But is it? Is it really a question when we present in front of an audience. Nowadays nobody wants to listen to a “talking head.” Our audiences want to be involved, and rightfully so. Only 7% – 8% of information is transmitted verbally the rest of the information is transmitted through vocal variety and body language. However the most importantly activities and interactions serve as very good anchors when we make a point. Our audiences may not remember what we said but they will remember the activity or how it made them feel or what it made them think and they will remember our point. There is a great variety of interactions. Asking a rhetorical question or asking question that actually require an answer. Raising hands (please do not overdo this one) I have seen people simply getting annoyed raising hands gazillion times. Audience can repeat a phrase or a word after you. Giving feedback on what they heard and learned so far. And the best interaction of them all, an activity. The activity can be also very different. The most important consideration is that it must be relevant. There should not be a question in your audience mind “Why are we doing this? What is the purpose of this?” Activity may be as simple as writing something in the notebook or as complicated as multistep one involving one or many participants in a group. Please make sure you thoroughly explain what exactly you want your audience to do, then ask if there are any questions. If there are questions please address all of them. Do not expect your audience to figure out what they need to do. They simply do not know what you have in mind and they cannot read your mind, so be mindful of this and explain what needs to be done in great details preferably step by step. And do not forget to let your audience know how much time there is for each activity.
Go ahead and interact with your audience and have fun doing it. Make sure your audience has fun interacting with you. If this is the case you will have a great presentation and your audience will have a great experience.