How do you keep someone engaged, or interested in what you have to say? These past four weeks I have been providing workshops for managers. While I have done this for many, many years, the skill of voice, tone, storytelling, humor, and rhythm are only as effective as the ability to make what I have to say relevant. Maybe that is the magic bean or the secret sauce.
One obvious reality (according to me) is that one’s passion and genuine concern for the subject and the audience (particularly your concern for their success) trumps topic. That is what makes the moment great or special or cool. But it it is even more than that. As a teacher and facilitator of management skills, my challenge and ultimate concern is what the audience does after the session concludes. That is where relevance takes a heftier role. My training philosophy is to answer a learners question “So, what do you want me to do tomorrow?” Passion and enthusiasm produce the message; relevance attaches it to future behavioral choice.
Am I off topic? The title is engagement, right? I like to tell stories in my sessions. This provides context; which leads to reflection. I use humor; which makes the session light and comfortable. I practice the art and science of voice mechanics; which makes me somewhat easy on the ears. I walk around and stand in one place; which causes the learners to physically change their line of sight and listening skills). Yeah, my secrets for getting someone engaged. All these particles are practiced and refined based on the needs of the audience. I have to think on my feet and be improvisational to meet unique needs. Every audience is different and engagement choices depend on their dynamic, not just my skills.
So what can a store manager learn from my engagement realities form the last four weeks?
Enthusiastically care about what you have to say, be acutely aware of those around you and make whatever your point may be incredibly and clearly relevant. You’ll have my attention.
Cheers