The Symbols Game, Wayne Kronz

The definition of the term symbol, suggests it’s a word, phrase or image, or the like, , , having a complex associated meaning and perceived value. (Dictionary.com)

The Symbols Game, Wayne Kronz

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For the purpose of our study of visual aids used in public speaking, we will focus in the term “image” and “meaning.”

I have studied the idea of images adults use and the meanings they attach to them for many years. My conclusion is that most adults have at least 1000 or more symbolic definitions pre-programmed in their minds.

As a presenter, it is your job to harness these pre-programmed meanings in our speeches and presentations.

By simply suggesting an image (say a light bulb), you automatically suggest a (already learned) lesson to the minds of your audiences. It’s already there!

So, to help you understand this reality a little better, I have invented a little game. Let’s call it The Symbol Game.

PowerPoint and Slideboom.com will help us.

First, get a pencil and a blank piece of paper. And a place to write while you watch.

Second, get ready to write fast. This is a drill, , , of sorts. But it is fun!

Third, there 30 images are that will be displayed to you. (Do not write down the name of the object.)

Fourth, quickly write down the first thought that comes to your mind when the item is flashed on the screen.

Fifth, go through the exercise at least three or four times.

You will notice several principles of using symbols in your speaking.

1. The big one is that background, religion, education, where you grew up, even your gender and nationality dramatically effect how you interpret the objects.

2. Another biggy is your age, both youth and agedness.

3. Many objects (or symbols) have more than two or three meanings. For instance, a light bulb may stand for “light,” “a new idea,” or “creativity.”

4. There are no losers—only people who do not participate.

I guarantee you, you’ll learn things about how people (and you) use symbols in your thinking you never dreamed. And how you can better use them in your speaking experience.

Wayne

5 Reasons Speakers Play Games

One visually impacting tools savvy public speakers use are “games.” It takes a little extra work to conjure up an effective game to play with your audience, but it’s a mighty fine time investment.

Even a trivia contest, left side of the room against the right side, can really draw an audience into your presentation.

The best flight I ever had on Southwest Airlines was the one a creative flight attendant helped us play the “ugliest drivers license picture” game. Try it, , , everyone will have a ball.

There are many benefits to using a game as visual re-enforcement of your message. Here are my top five. . .

1. Gain and Hold Attention. For instance, it is often difficult to hold an audiences attention during the first session after a lunch break. So plan to include a lively game during these times.

2. Draw Out Emotion. A good game can trigger many feelings. A spirit of competition. Excitement. Togetherness. The joy of winning. And the “agony of defeat.”

3. Springboard to Your Topic. Any presenter can spin their talk off of one of the above emotions. Or they can use any other aspect of their game as a jumping-off point for their presentation.

The more you can get your game and your topic together, the better the whole activity will propel your speech.

4. Teach Teamwork. An effective game should promote relationships, collaboration and working together. Again, the more you can tie the two together, the more of a winner everyone will be.

5. Teach Dealing with Defeat. It seems trite to say but, “every time there is a winner there is, at least one loser.” Every job-hunter has to apply for forty or more jobs to finally find one. No sales person closes ever sale. How many of us have lost at love?

As speakers, we are often have to deal with this reality of life. And the game you orchestrate into your presentation can help a lot.

These are a five of the huge benefits you’ll receive when you begin to “play games.” There will be a lot more on this topic in the future.

Wayne