"Information is a very weak form of communication" This is a quote from improv theatre pioneer, Viola Spolin. It has been on my mind *a lot* this past month. As we're plunged into more online meetings, time and again I see people falling into the trap of using this format to convey information. Unless done with great humanity (rather than merely clever technology), it leads to dull meetings where many participants are only pretending to take part. In a face-to-face meeting, you can get away with this, but online the potential for audience distraction is way higher. Notions of what is "efficient", need rethinking. Everyone learns at a different pace and the notion that we all need to sit together and learn at a standard speed is bunk. I'm thinking about a couple of things arising from this. One, how can we humanise online meetings to be more human and social, with less pressure to absorb data and instruction? Can we take more risks, show more feeling and be less focussed on instructing, explaining and teaching? Two, how can we better at writing and presenting information - written, audio or video - that can engage people who *aren't* trapped on a zoom call. I think this requires more art and a bit less reliance on whizzy technology.
Thanks for such an interesting post. Some people feel that seeing the other person on screen is important to the quality of interactions, whilst others feel it is a distraction. I can certainly see the tendency toward potential distraction on a call with quite a number of people on screen. I am drawn to the way in which I have experienced Johnnie Moore facilitating a Zoom session and making use of breakout rooms and then bringing people back together. This approach seems to work well.
Huw Sayer
4y
Turn off the video - the visual is a poor replacement for the real thing - it makes you focus too hard on looking at people - rather than listening. Work on audio only - listen carefully to intonation - allow pauses - let your eyes relax - gaze out of a window - think about what is being said and why.
Information on it's own isn't so good for learning either!
What I am missing most is physical proximity and all it offers communication and connection. After many zoom meetings and coaching sessions I am left wondering how we generate more connection and engagement via this medium. The most engaging ones I have been on are with my PB rehearsals albeit we don't have an economic driver pushing us toward productivity we are still driving toward maintaining our team. What works so far is a spirit of playfulness and expressiveness - make sure you get out of the chair - use the whole damn square frame and the camera proximity. Thoughts so far.
Thanks Johnnie wonderful quote and important thoughts. I’m curious to bring a bit of Improv Theater online!
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4yFay Bowden