Want to design an engagement activity that works? Be specific in your instructions.

"Put the square thingy next to the other whatchamacallit, then turn a bit and lift it up to the right height. Repeat seven times.” What?? These instructions are far from clear and require too much deciphering and interpretation. It's highly unlikely that these directions will lead to the right outcome - in fact, they’ll probably…

Slow down to keep your audience along for the ride

A comfortable speaking pace to listen to is about 120 words per minute. When we’re nervous or excited, we tend to speak faster. While a faster pace can come across as enthusiastic, speaking too quickly can be very challenging for your audience to listen to. If you speak too fast, your audience may stop listening or miss your point. Especially if your audience does not speak your "language."

Breathe life into your stories

Stories sell: that’s what we’re told all the time. However, there’s an art to telling stories. If you tell a hypothetical story and don’t bring it to life, the audience won’t lean in and engage with the narrative. If your story lacks details, or the characters are flat and lifeless, the story’s message is unlikely…