Passive has its place for those that want to be entertained, motivated, inspired or just “check out.” I agree that you should offer a mix of both passive and participatory learning experiences and allow pepole to make a choice, especially in breakout sessions.

Creating active, participatory learning experiences is about creating safe places where even shy and introverted people want to engage. Participatory experiences can be as easy as “Talk to your neighbor.” It doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is going to be put on stage and everyone else watches. And bottom line, the research and science is clear, if people really want to learn, they must be active, involved and participate not just listen. Sitting and listening to a talking head has the lowest form of ROI for learning possible.

Instead of deciding that passive is bad, you should respond to the desires of a passive audience and offer learning opportunities they will welcome.

Just because you like to participate doesn’t mean that everybody else does, too.

@Midori – Thanks for the great tip about introductions in small group activity. It helps for sure.

@Scott – Thanks for being a faithful reader and commenter. And, you have every right to get on my case if I ever end a blog post with just “What do you think?” (See I’m a faithful reader of your stuff too!)

@Dave – Great question: “Do you think any of this could be applied to driving more good questions at the end of more traditional presentations and webinars?” Short answer – YES! Longer version, I actually think helping people have clarity about the why, how and what is always a good thing. Typically when I do presentations or webinars, I take questions through out the entire presentation. Sometimes those questions lead to great discussions and are signals that many people need me to explain again with a different approach or adjust my presentation to meet the attendees’ needs. Afterall, the presentation is for the attendee.

When a conference speaker starts with “I’m going to divide you into small groups,” people immediately start looking for others to join in safety – and the presenter’s intention for active learning has already failed, says Jeff Hurt. “Ultimately, att…

Do you think any of this could be applied to driving more good questions at the end of more traditional presentations and webinars?

Love this. This mirrors a lot of the basics of good communication and also good change management.

I have to say, I hate the being “split into groups” – I always feel like it hasn’t been thought through and is a quick way to get people talking. But when the above steps are taken, I feel like I have been prepared for and that someone has thought through how I will get the most out of participating.

I am listening to you!!!

Best, Scott