Belinda Sanders © Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved

Have you ever attended a lackluster meeting?! Think about the energy – or lack of it – at those meetings. What was your participation level? Did you participate more - or less? What can you think of that would have made the meeting interesting and exciting for you? What could the meeting planner have done to make it memorable for you?

Stimulate with Interaction

When meetings are interactive and high-spirited they stimulate and energize attendees. These meetings and the things that happen during the meetings are memorable and, typically talked about with enthusiasm throughout the office, neighborhood and social groups.

Adults are Receptive

Retention and receptivity to new ideas, thoughts, and information is greatly enhanced in adults when they are enjoying themselves. No matter the reason for attending a meeting, adults – like kids and teens – just want to have a great time!

Increase the Energy at Meetings

At a recent meeting, the facilitator wanted to increase the energy and enthusiasm. The facilitator came to the meeting prepared for a multitude of activities to make it a great event. The media coverage that week was focused on devastating terrorism on American soil, loss of life and opportunities. The facilitator wanted all attending the meeting to feel uplifted and thankful that they still had their lives to live -- with joyfulness. They received brief instructions…

Then…….the room fell silent as the adult attendees respectfully circled the American flag. All were standing in a wavering line that weaved through -- and around -- the room and closed at the ends.

Glancing down, I noticed many were clasping the hands on either side of them. Interesting….that wasn’t part of the instructions given by the facilitator. And, then boldly – yes, boldly, with joy and pride – the room was filled with "Oh, Say Can You See, By the Dawn’s Early Light." Everyone was singing!

This amazing a cappella activity had never occurred at meetings I had attended or facilitated. Occasionally, depending on the group that was gathering, we saluted our flag. We never sang; never in an intimate, family-type manner. Wow….it was powerful!

Event Outcome is a Result of Event Energy

Implementing that one activity during the meeting, the facilitator managed to shift the energy of the whole meeting! Attendees were energized, relaxed, attentive, bright-eyed and committed to the meeting’s outcome. Positive, interesting comments after the meeting were abundant. The participants wanted MORE!

Meetings Need Energy Shifting

The above story is an example of shifting the energy at a meeting. I’ve facilitated many meetings and classes for various occasions and age groups through the years. The meetings have been business meetings, non-profit and neighborhood meetings, meetings with colleagues, partners and collaborators, marketing and mastermind meetings, client meetings, adult education meetings, mediation or negotiation meetings….and the list goes on.

Learning is Enhanced

Adults perk up at meetings when new activities are introduced at meetings. Experience has taught me that it’s important to alternate activities and bring renewed energy to meetings to enhance learning. Renewed energy, interest and commitment to outcome are ingredients for memorable meetings!

Why People Attend Meetings

The majority of adults attend meetings voluntarily for certain reasons:

-- Information: To solve a current problem, concern or to support anticipated future needs.

-- Education: To participate in the learning of new information, techniques or self-growth.

-- Networking: To build business relationships or expand professional or personal social/emotional support systems.

Plan for Top Results

It is essential to take time and energy to create opportunities during meetings for attendees to laugh, share, sing, play, interact or enjoy themselves. Creating these opportunities is best done in advance of the meeting, and will become habit when consistently performed as a function of coordinating and organizing your events.

Information presented at meetings that are fun, interactive and high-energy will be easily remembered and will be recalled enthusiastically by participants. Copyright BELINDA SANDERS 2007.