Did you know that a simple survey can pump up the volume in your workshop regardless of the topic? Plus, the questionnaire will help you stay focused on your presentation outline.
I have found that a questionnaire given prior to the presentation can provide a strategic outline. The number of questions should be based on the amount of time that will be spent on the session. The order of the questions should reflect the order of the intended presentation.
As the answers are reviewed for each question additional material is provided, if needed. Incentives for each correct answer and encouragement for the efforts are critical for this technique.
How many questions are required?
The number of questions will depend upon the time you have to conduct the workshop. I would suggest using five questions if you only have one hour. If you have more than an hour to conduct the presentation consider using 10 questions.
What things are important to remember in the questionnaire development?
• Construct TRUE OR FALSE questions rather than open-ended or multiple choice. This will enable the respondents to answer the questions quickly.
• Arrange the questions in the order of your presentation. For example, if you plan to cover the definition of Brain Injury at the beginning of your presentation then develop a question related to a popular myth regarding the subject. Note: Each question should relate to a topic on your presentation outline.
• Construct questions that will enable you to transition to a prop, demonstration, video or lecture.
• Use “audience friendly words” in your questionnaire. These are words that will be understood by your audience. They may have a technical term but that term can be used to introduce a definition. For example, blogging means….true or false?
• Decide on the supporting handouts and materials that will reinforce your topic point related to the question.
What are some suggestions for making the process engaging?
• Offer a grand prize for anyone who gets all of the questions correct. This will instill in each person the desire to hear the entire presentation to assess if they have won the prize.
• Use the honor system and allow people to provide the correct answer verbally while keeping their papers. This will encourage involvement.
• Ask, “How many of you said true?” How many said false?” Then give the correct answer. Ask someone to share their reasoning for the answer.
• Provide a prize for people who have a good answer. Note: Prizes can be those incentives related to your topic that you were planning to distribute. For example, if you give out pins with your blog site message on it then provide it at selected times during your presentation. Be sure that every participant receives the pen before they leave the presentation.
• Acknowledge everyone by giving them a prize. If you have given a prize to all the people who say they have gotten all the answers right then also give a different prize to those who have less that perfect scores.
The questionnaire strategy not only gives you an opportunity to present your material in a creative way but it will increase the involvement of your audience.
