Chairperson/moderator
We are representative and flexible chairpersons. We know how to lead debates on complex issues using a variety of techniques. Opening and closing sessions, launching speakers, workshops, we do it all.
We present and launch your figurehead at short conferences, but we also advise how to bring in your CEO during longer lasting events to maximum effect. When you’ve done this a lot, you kind of develop a feeling for it.
Content matters:
• Who to bring in where in the program?
• How many speakers on a row?
• How to compose a speech?
• How long can a debate last?
• What actually is your debate all about?
• And what if substance for a debate appears to be lacking?
Facilities matter:
• What kind of microphone for whom, where and when? How to prevent fall out?
• When do you use video projection, when is it overkill?
• When to opt for overhead projection, when for power point?
• Why and when to use two or more camera's for video projection?
• Video wall, screen or still something else?
• Online connections, when do you need them?
• Voting machines or palmtops: (when) is it functional?
Surprising matters:
• Is the venue airco-ed?
• What does catering plan to do and when – can you integrate catering in your event?
• What furniture is available, put up front on behalf of speakers/debaters?
• Where to put the pulpit – if any?
We experienced interaction in small groups, but are also at ease in front of and with audiences of up to 2,000. We specialize in making them participate in the debate.
Leading debates
We employ a variety of methods and techniques to involve audiences in the debate. Yet, whatever the topic and the size and composition of the group, the matter of prime importance is the goal of the event: what must be achieved?
• Is a good feeling enough or should a shared opinion emerge, or both?
• Should participants go home with a to-do list in hand or a purposeful action in mind?
• Is the originator of the event – you – trying to check the acceptance of a specific product or a certain policy amongst the target audience chosen?
Given a clear cut goal, an accommodating structure for the ensuing debate is easily defined. As a rule we try something else than – say – the cloth covered long table on the high platform facing the audience like a Berlin wall. We have experienced that room to manoeuvre for ourselves and members of the audience is invariably a crucial ingredient of a successful, lively debate. Moreover, our habit to prepare well and have at least a working knowledge of your subject matter helps. What also helps is our audiovisual memory: who in the audience said what and where exactly is he or she located? So we may bring them in again. After all, it’s meant to be a debate.
Leading workshops
Workshops are often building bricks of more complex events, conferences or congresses meant to reach conclusions. We can help find the proper modules for such workshops. We lead them and help prepare the plenary reports in which findings are presented. We are keen interviewers, we often know how to get to the core of complex matters and we make sure that all participants are treated respectfully. We therefore do not shy away from emotionally laden subjects.
Usually, when we lead a workshop as part of a more complex process, we cooperate with partners from our broad network, involving specialists who together master a range of disciplines to choose from.