Google Ops Presentation and Meeting Formats

Mon Jan 30 11:25:33 PST 2006

On 1/30/06, Rick Moen <rick at linuxmafia.com> wrote:
> Quoting Damon Edwards (damon at controltier.com):
>
> > That's a tough order putting room discipline on the shoulders of the
> > speaker. You have to remember that the speakers are invited by the
> > group... therefore, they would probably feel that they are being rude
> > if they go against what the group seems to want.
>
> Yes.  Also, the speaker is usually focussed on his/her presentation, and
> not watching the clock.  This is why it's handy to have someone prepared
> to lightly step in as needed, in the role of emcee / meeting moderator.

If you really want to guarantee speakers don't go over, you could have
someone in the front row whose job is to watch the clock and signal to
the speaker via a small sign or something that they have 15, 5, 0
minutes left.

> > Isn't it really up to the group to decide what they want from the
> > presentations and inform the speakers of the expectations or format?
>
> In my experience, some speakers have strong preferences as to the nature
> of audience interaction.  It seems a small thing to indulge, within time
> constraints -- though the group can of course suggest a default.

IME, most speakers have no preference or defer to the group's
preference, and when they do care, it's usually to hold questions to
the end.  But you're right that it never hurts to ask.

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