Conducting Seminars

Seminars and conferences are considered to be some of the most effective forms of presentation of information. They are visually more appealing and can also effectively represent a point better than written guides and presentations.

The benefits of seminars and conferences

  • They can be interactive and more efficient because they engage the people
  • They can be more appealing visually because the participants get to hear the presentation of the topics in an organized, clear manner.
  • Seminars and conferences are also conducted in a particular location and have a set of target audience – this helps bring the topics into clearer focus.
  • Conducting seminars are helpful in increasing the confidence levels of the attendees and the organisers, and this can also be used as a platform to increase the rapport between the people.
  • Seminars and conferences include a variety of things including power point presentations and audio video clips which can be more helpful  than written material.

Conducting seminars efficiently

There are many steps to conducting seminars efficiently. They are

Choosing the best topic

The first and foremost requisite is to identify and finalize a topic for the seminar. This is the basic point from where the other points of the seminar can be taken forward. Choosing a topic has to be done taking into account the target audience. Once the topic is chosen, the preparations for the presentation can be done.

The topic of the seminar must be relevant and useful   in order to be able to engage the listeners. The seminar can have topics that would make the listeners feel that it is worth their time.

Analyze what your target points are

Seminars are not restricted with the topic alone. They need to have a set of sub topics that are covered over the course of the seminar. Introducing the important or basic points of the topic is what the presenter needs to convey to get the seminar on track.  From there the concepts to be covered can be decided and the seminar can be built around the information.

Understanding the target audience

 Seminars are usually conducted for a particular target audience. For example, a seminar on the latest developments in computer science is not fit for a group of chemistry experts. Knowing the age and demographics of the target audience helps in the presentation of the chosen topic in a much better manner. The seminar could be structured around the chosen topic and the presentation matter can be chosen based on the best way to engage the target audience. This helps in getting the audience to connect with the topic.

Planning the time slots of the seminar

Choosing a topic and content for conducting the seminar must also contain this step. It is important to allot the time slots for each of the concepts that must be covered. Doing this helps in organizing the seminar more effectively and making sure that no points are missed. The concepts that are more important can be given more importance while the lesser topics can be covered with shorter time slots

Timing the seminar

The seminar has to be timed based on the current events and the current requirement of the market you belong to. Noting the trends and choosing topics based on that will help in bringing in more audience to the seminar. The seminars must also be conducted on the days that more people can actually make it to the event. In order to be more effective, seminars need to be able to engage more audience.

Choosing the location

The location where the seminar is to be conducted must be accessible more to the attendees than the organisers. The location of the seminar must also be able to seat a large number of audience comfortably. The days of conducting seminars and conferences in stuffy office rooms are passe. Now seminars are conducted in specially organized auditoriums or hotel conference rooms. There are also special centers for conferences and seminars which are well equipped for such events.

Effective interaction with the audience

The main aim of a seminar is to engage the audience and interact with them. The presenter must be proficient in the topic and must be able to deal with the topic with confidence and ease. There might be questions and counter arguments to the presenter and they must not be floundering when the audience challenge or ask questions. Being prepared means being able to answer the questions effectively. This will give a better impression about the presenter and the organization they represent.

Special training for conducting seminars and conferences can be had from EnglishExpertIndia.com. Dr. Mitalee Shome is a top English Language Expert, based in Mumbai, India. Dr. Mitalee is a PhD in English literature, with over 30 years of rich and varied teaching experience. For all your seminar conducting requirements, please contact us at English Expert India.