We’ve all been there. That moment during an important business meeting when you realize that your monotone ramblings have left the eyes of your peers glazed and droopy. Despite your extensive planning, your meeting has somehow gone flat, and the big boss in the back of the room is offering her feedback through a jaded yawn. It’s okay. It’s happened to all of us. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can keep up your sleeve to make sure it never happens again. So, without further ado, here are three ways to give CPR to your dying meeting.
Lose The Powerpoint
Powerpoints are a great way to lose your audience despite their use of visual aids. More often than not, the speaker will end up reading the slides verbatim. Meanwhile, everyone in the meeting mentally drifts off and begins thinking about their lunch plans. Powerpoints may help the presenter organize their thoughts in a structured manner, but due to stagnant deliveries, a disconnect occurs within the speaker-listener relationship. Rather than reading off a powerpoint, approach the meeting in a more organic manner. Memorize the key points of your presentation and let the meeting flow in a more conversational direction. In the long run, your audience will retain the information better and feel more engaged.
Take A Walk
Walking not only has its health benefits, it’s a great way to stimulate the mind and give your colleagues a change of scenery. Boardrooms are obviously the preferred space for a professional meeting, but for small, informal meetings, consider taking a brisk walk around town. Also, people are often inspired by their surroundings. By having a meeting on the go, your peers will be more likely to contribute with greater insights.
Offer Some Brain Food
Let’s face it, everyone loves a good snack. And by giving your colleagues a few healthy bites to munch on, they might perk up a bit more. Meetings can grow stale pretty quick. With some finger foods nearby, everyone might feel a little less drowsy-eyed. If it’s a mid-day formal meeting, consider having lunch catered. Meetings feel a lot less stiff when everyone is munching on a delicious sandwich.
No matter the type of meeting, at Versa Creative, we try to keep each gathering fresh and stimulating to promote a proper creative environment. Whether that means ditching the powerpoint and speaking from the heart or taking a brisk walk through the park, we try our best to cultivate inclusive and vibrant energy. Although, meetings aren’t the only thing we can liven up. Visit our website today to learn more about the many different ways we can revive your brand through strategic creative marketing and digital services.
