Hybrid Meetings Are The New Normal - Learn the Rules of Engagement

30 Years.

For the last 30 years, I have been hosting live in-person and virtual meetings. I have had the opportunity to work with huge celebrities, CEO's, and some really big animals (Shamu...a total diva!) So, I've seen a lot when it comes to communicating a message to a group of people. I've seen what works and what doesn't work. But what always kills me is when organizations ignore some of the most common "Rules of Engagement" when communicating their message, vision, mission, strategy, or big plan for the coming year.

The one meeting that always sticks in my mind is when a large chemical company let 50% of their attendees go, literally gave them a pink slip, in the middle of a meeting in Las Vegas. Shy of that incredibly awkward event, most companies fall into the category of following the rules of politics as opposed to the Rules of Engagement.

Rule #1: The brain won't remember what the ass can't handle. In other words, if your audience is seated for super long periods of time, their focus will drift. It's natural. And if your expectation is that your content is so important that they'll pay attention, do a little test on yourself. Wake up in the morning and don't go to the bathroom. Instead, watch the last presidential address or a nature documentary. Buckle in and don't move for two hours. Tough, right? Now think about your audience going through the same thing. Are they focused? No.

Rule #2: Hire A Host. (I know, I know this seems self-serving but here's the reason) Your executives should be laser-focused on telling the best story on stage that they can and not on remembering who's speaking next or where attendees have to go for lunch or if the polling is working right for the virtual audience or ...or...or...you get the point. When you use your executives as entertainers it's a bit like when actors try to be funny on the Oscars. Sure, they're communicators but this isn't their strong point. Leave it to the professionals. You don't have the CEO drive the bus to the offsite event, right? They might be able to learn how or even have a natural gift for driving but is that the best idea? No. You hire a driver who has the experience, right? Same here. (Also, don't confuse a comedian with a professional host. There are some who can do both but most specialize in one or the other.)

Rule #3: Tell A Great Story: Storytelling has been the one tool that has stayed pretty much the same from our time in caves. We keep using it as a tool because it works. It's so easy to throw numbers on the ppt and read from slides. In fact, it's too easy. It's the Staples easy button of presenting. The problem is that the easy button is a myth. Telling a good story takes a little work. Sometimes a lot of work. But that's also what makes it compelling. Much more compelling than a bunch of graphs on a slide. Do the work. Tell a great that shares your vision instead of data that exhausts your audience.

There are many more "Rules of Engagement" but when you implement these three you'll have much more success across every platform.

If you'd like to talk with Jeff about having a great event with your team, schedule a 15-minute call to determine how he can help you.

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