5 handy tips that can boost creativity in meetings
Meetings are synonymous with being long, dull and boring – but they don’t have to be. With the proper application of the right techniques, meetings can actually be creative and inspiring.
The following suggestions can invigorate your meetings by helping you to take a creative approach:
1. Be in an innovative environment
The first step towards improving creativity among the attendees is to set the proper thought evoking atmosphere – through a fun and inspiring environment. Offsite meeting spaces can be a real game changer, giving everyone a fresh attitude towards the proceedings. &Meetings has innovative meeting rooms in London that encourage productive outcomes! If you are interested in learning more about our venues, you may contact us on 0207 959 6055.
If you don’t want to leave the business premises, try to rearrange your meeting space by including some creative extras in the room – such as contemporary furniture and accessories. A recent survey concluded that playing music can also contribute towards the improvement of the overall atmosphere.
2. Practice quick thinking
Thinking on your feet can be a great skill to incorporate if you want to spur on some creativity. It doesn’t matter if your ideas are a bit exaggerated; the point is you will squeeze some creativity out of your audience.
3. Get the humour rolling
According to a recent study by Nale Lehmann-Willenbrock and Joseph Allen, humour can be a huge factor in enhancing the overall creativity in meetings – fun meetings equate to better meetings.
Try to incorporate the most humorous activities before and during your meetings to keep the ball rolling and to make your audience interested in what you have to say.
4. The power of visuals
Did you know that visuals are processed 60,000x faster in the brain than text? It’s better to use or create images for your presentations as opposed to sticking to a script that relies on words alone. This approach can also be more engaging – since you can communicate your ideas in several different forms of visuals (i.e. graphics, idea maps, story boards).
5. Seek the worst possible idea
For a hint of creativity, you can go a little silly in your meeting by asking for the most terrible idea that the attendees can think of… the more ridiculous, the better! This can help to get the juices flowing.
Sometimes, creativity comes just when you need it the most. There really is no room for dull and unproductive meetings when you are in charge!
Posted by Julie Tucker
