This is another great conversation.
I find that as Harrison says - the invitation needs to explain why the
client is bringing people together - in a way that shares the energy
for and about the event.
People need to choose an event among others - what will compel them to
come - what will be interesting and meaningful to them? (usually that
means zero about the process, more about engaging questions or
intriguing thoughts that really interest the potential participants).
Then there is the theme - which I find is usually best as a question -
the theme, to me, is the task.
They get there and part of the introduction is 'this is our task today
- Rebuilding Our Amazing XYZ Company: What are our opportunities? what
are our issues?"
Or whatever is the task. The invitational question that inspires
participants to think of topics that matter to them.
I work with the clients over time to find the best wording of this
theme - we keep visiting it until it really 'sings' to us. When we hit
the right language everyone feels it and goes "that's it!"
I know that some of you have the host say the theme.
I am more like Chris - and I like how you explained it, dear Chris.
The way I usually do it, the host / client welcomes people and says
how excited they are, they talk a little bit about why we are all here
today, then I say the actual theme/task and explain the process and we
move into agenda co-creation and so on.
To me, talking about the theme-task is part of the explanation of what
we are here to do and to me, that is part of explaining the process
for the day - that is why I say it.
So whether the client is articulate and clear about the reason we are
here today or not - we are both saying something (and I can say less
about theme if they are really clear about it) and it works out even
if the client is vague or not specific enough about the theme / task
(because then I name it, share the energy about it, as Chris says).
What do others do?
Lisa
Lisa Heft
Consultant, Facilitator, Educator
Opening Space
[email protected]
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