Yes, many presentations are characterized, appropriately so, as “passive listening.” But this does not have to be the case.

audiences always assume that their role is to quietly listen even if bored . . . it takes some showmanship to get people to speak out in those forums, but can be done easily enough. if your speaker is not up to it in terms of emcee/showman skill, how about a team teaching approach?

Something i commonly see in the concert event biz: underneath a cavalcade of new guest performers, there is a real fear to depart from traditional formats. I say, take a chance. The Hawthorne Effect is on your side! There are presenters out there who can do more for you than the usual. I was going to say “just ask” but remember, speakers are dying for your business and are going to give you what they think you want. If we sense you have fear of departing from tradition, we will act accordingly. even the best speakers do not control the schedule. you do. so don’t be afraid to allow time for, and ask for, more than the usual. It’s there if you want it.

— justin locke

ps personally, i think powerpoint presentations should be cut to zero