Seminar Techniques and Technology (HS 601)

Handout - Seating and audience attitude

Venue and Seating Affect Audience Attitude

1. Too large a room
   • feels inhibiting,
   • is uncomfortable,
   • prevents building rapport,
   • often becomes too cold.
2. Too small a room
   • becomes claustrophobic,
   • feels awkward due to lack of personal space,
   • often becomes too hot.
3. Room with pillars
   • restricts vision
4. Poorly lit room
   • hinders attention.
5. Seating too close
   • uncomfortable.
6. Individuals cannot see one another when speaking
   • creates barriers and resentment.
7. No tables
   • awkward if anyone wants to take notes.
8. Room decorated with irrelevant posters and charts
   • distracts attention.
9. Antagonist seated central to speaker's field of vision
   • difficult to control,
   • can dominate, creating resentment among other audience members.
10. Speaker on platform
    • a very strong and controlling position.
11. Speaker with many notes sharing table with audience
    • inhibiting for everyone.

Factors Affecting Layout and Seating

1. How many people will attend? Will they want to take notes or refer to papers?
   • If so, they need tables.
2. Do you want to encourage discussion?
   • If so, people need to be able to see one another easily.
3. Do you have many notes/papers to refer to?
   • If so, you need a separate table.