It's no secret that people generally consider that time spent in meetings is unproductive, and find it difficult to summon up a great deal of interest in their subject matter.
That's largely because the subject matter presented to them is, literally, flat and static. Much of it is presented on a plain white screen, and consists of words and images which do not move.
In these instances, it can then be solely down to the skill of the person giving the presentation to make themselves the focal point. And as speaking in public is one of the widest-held phobias, it isn't surprising that this rarely happens.
The least successful types of presentation are those where people feel they are being talked at, rather than engaged in a two-way process of fact-finding and learning.
A great starting point, therefore, to making a successful presentation is to give all participants a chance to get involved. And that's what using an interactive whiteboard makes possible.
An interactive whiteboard is akin to a cross between a standard whiteboard and a projector. Images, charts and visuals can be created which make it far easier to get across almost any kind of message or concept, while the participants in a presentation can also offer feedback and share the benefit of their own knowledge. If they feel so inclined, they can also express their feelings about the topics being discussed,
Rather than the presentation then just being a matter of one person standing up and addressing a whole room, those invisible barriers between presenter and audience are broken down. Individuals can be invited to play a role in helping get the information or message across, or can bring the benefit of their own knowledge and experience into the room, where it can be shared by others, possibly stimulating greater debate, and increasing the quality of the event and its outcome for everyone involved.
In addition, despite their initial reluctance, people will often remember an occasion where they have been encouraged to have an input, as they might then be able to feel that they have also influenced the outcome of the occasion – and that's something which can be a great source of pride.
In times when the sheer scale of technology can make people feel as though they do not have an outlet through which to express their own ideas and thoughts, meeting room and classroom technology provides the means for people to try out and develop their ideas – and even, possibly, to get everyone else wondering "why didn't I think of that?"
More effective and memorable meetings and lectures are created with the help of interactive whiteboards which allow people to get involved. In this way, an iwb can act as a blank canvas on which they can express their ideas.
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