WIIFM?
I was camping with my son's Boy Scout troop this weekend. On Saturday we went orienteering which included a 3 mile hike. Judging from the comments, I assume that all scout masters hear these words from Pre-teens "My legs are sore", "why is it so far", "when is lunch?".
After we returned to our cabin, after the "gruelling" 3 miles (judging from the complaints), our boys went to play at the nearby stream. Scout leaders took a short break, then began afternoon activities which includes gathering wood for the evening fire. Scouts were asked to help gather wood, and the scouts half-heartedly dragged a few branches closer. The leaders were left to gather the required wood, if we were to have a fire of any substance.
After sufficient moans and groans from the scouts, the leaders let them off to go an play further. Then a miracle occurred. The scouts were magically cured of all aches and pains. One scout suggested building a dam in the stream. Others agreed and within minutes all the scouts were dragging logs, tree limbs and boulders to the construction site. Without adult intervention, the scouts formed an effective and functioning team. A dam wall took shape and after an hour, it was interrupting the flow of water in the stream.
Scout leaders watching were amazed at the transformation. Firstly, these boys were "exhausted" while hiking this morning, yet fully energized this afternoon. Secondly, when asked to gather firewood for the evening bonfire, these scouts were too tired and claimed there was no good nearby.
What happened? The WIIFM factor kicked in. The scouts did not see the value of the hike, or of collecting firewood. They saw the value of building their own dam wall and realized that "many hands make light work".
WIIFM in your presentation? Do you explain to your audience near the start of the presentation what they will get out of your presentation? Do you show them the benefits of listening to your presentation versus getting root canal to pass the time? Remember that you are there for the benefit of your audience. Help them to understand it by addressing the WIIFM factor early in your presentation.
By the way, I assume that you know "WIIFM" stands for "What's In It For Me?"
After we returned to our cabin, after the "gruelling" 3 miles (judging from the complaints), our boys went to play at the nearby stream. Scout leaders took a short break, then began afternoon activities which includes gathering wood for the evening fire. Scouts were asked to help gather wood, and the scouts half-heartedly dragged a few branches closer. The leaders were left to gather the required wood, if we were to have a fire of any substance.
After sufficient moans and groans from the scouts, the leaders let them off to go an play further. Then a miracle occurred. The scouts were magically cured of all aches and pains. One scout suggested building a dam in the stream. Others agreed and within minutes all the scouts were dragging logs, tree limbs and boulders to the construction site. Without adult intervention, the scouts formed an effective and functioning team. A dam wall took shape and after an hour, it was interrupting the flow of water in the stream.
Scout leaders watching were amazed at the transformation. Firstly, these boys were "exhausted" while hiking this morning, yet fully energized this afternoon. Secondly, when asked to gather firewood for the evening bonfire, these scouts were too tired and claimed there was no good nearby.
What happened? The WIIFM factor kicked in. The scouts did not see the value of the hike, or of collecting firewood. They saw the value of building their own dam wall and realized that "many hands make light work".
WIIFM in your presentation? Do you explain to your audience near the start of the presentation what they will get out of your presentation? Do you show them the benefits of listening to your presentation versus getting root canal to pass the time? Remember that you are there for the benefit of your audience. Help them to understand it by addressing the WIIFM factor early in your presentation.
By the way, I assume that you know "WIIFM" stands for "What's In It For Me?"
Labels: Presentations
posted by Wayne Botha @ 6:33 PM
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