#87: Soft Start – Ideas for Engaging Participants Before Your Program Begins
May 22, 2024
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Mark Collard, an author known for his insights on engagement, and Priya Parker, an expert in community building, join the discussion about the 'soft start'—a crucial moment before programs officially begin. They highlight creative strategies for boosting interaction among participants as they arrive, such as using name tags as conversation starters and employing innovative icebreakers like 'adventure slips.' The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere to enhance comfort and connection, setting the stage for a successful gathering.
Creating an inviting atmosphere before a program, through warm greetings and engaging activities, fosters connection and enhances participant experience.
Using interactive name tags with questions encourages meaningful conversations among participants, transforming a simple introduction into an engaging icebreaker.
Deep dives
Creating Engaging Threshold Moments
Engaging participants as they enter a space is essential for fostering connection and setting a positive tone for the program. Techniques such as greeting attendees warmly, playing inviting music, and providing engaging activities, like conversation starter buttons, can make a significant impact. For example, using Jen Stanchfield's buttons allows individuals to choose a humorous saying that can serve as an icebreaker for conversations. These deliberate actions create an inviting atmosphere and help participants feel welcomed before the formal program begins.
Utilizing Interactive Name Tags
Name tags and cards can be powerful tools to facilitate interaction among participants. Instead of standard name badges, incorporating questions or prompts on the badges can encourage attendees to share and talk with each other. For instance, Chad Littlefield's approach utilizes pre-printed questions on name tags, prompting discussions based on personal responses. This technique effectively transforms a simple name tag into an engaging conversation starter, helping to break the ice among participants.
Innovative Pre-Program Activities
Incorporating creative pre-program activities can set the stage for meaningful connections in large groups. One effective method involves providing participants with 'adventure slips' that suggest interactive tasks, like finding someone new to play games or start a conversation. This strategy encourages attendees to engage with one another and helps cultivate a sense of community even before the main event begins. By prioritizing these warm-up activities, facilitators can create a welcoming environment that promotes interaction and rapport-building.
Michelle and Chris call it the "Soft Start." Mark Collard, author of Serious FUN calls it an "Unofficial Start." Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering calls it a "Threshold Moment." These are all terms for the valuable time we have between when our participants arrive to (or start trickling into) our program space up to when we officially begin the program (e.g., 8 a.m. sharp). Michelle and Chris discuss some interactive ways to connect with and encourage participants to interact with each other before you're "on the clock," and why it brings value to your participants experience.