How to activate your participants.
At the beginning of a seminar, the same participants usually always respond. This is because everything is still new and the group has not yet found each other. That doesn't have to be the case! Why not start with a completely different seminar introduction that activates and motivates everyone equally?
Take some time to prepare and think: "What aspects of my topic would I like to talk about at the beginning?" Write down these terms as keywords on oval moderation cards (e.g. for the topic "learning" the terms: "learning types", "relaxation", "brain-friendly" etc.). Now take the same number of cards in a different color and write the name of a participant on each card.
Now spread these cards out face down on a table in front of the participants. Now ask those present to stand around the table (a little movement is always good) and begin your explanations: "To introduce our topic of 'learning', I would like to present experts who are true luminaries in this field. No matter where you meet these people and talk to them about their subject area - they are immediately in the thick of it. I will introduce you to a specialist (with these words you turn over one of the name cards) and they will say what spontaneously comes to mind on the topic (now turn over one of the topic cards)."
Turn the participants in your seminars into experts
The person addressed will be a little surprised at first, but then they will certainly come up with something about the card that has been turned over. If not, give them a suggestion or let them ask around. As soon as the person has mentioned their idea, association, experience or similar, the game continues: they can turn over the next name card and the next topic card. In this way, the blank backs gradually disappear.
The professional version
Proceed as above and now print the moderation cards with a legible font (e.g. Neuland moderation font). Cut out an inspiring picture/motif and stick it on the back of the card. This creates a theme card with a picture and term. You can also add a picture to the back of the name card.
The next step is to laminate the cards to make them durable and of high quality. If you are now preparing for the seminar, simply write the participants' names on the name cards using a washable overhead projector pen: done! Now you can inspire the participants to come up with completely different ideas by selecting images and terms.
Experience Axel Rachow at the next moderation market.
