April 16th, 2010
Are you familiar with the term “ethical bribe”? While the concept of a bribe may seem shady (perhaps images of unscrupulous politicians or leaders come to mind), an ethical bribe is more like a simple form of motivation.
Here are some examples:
- telling your kids they can watch TV after they clean up their room
- creating an employee incentive program that rewards outstanding performance
- offering small gifts or special favors to your audience in exchange for their participation
The ethical bribe can be very useful for professional speakers and business presentations because it provides a simple, effective way to keep your audience engaged.
Consider giving away a freebie, token or small prize in exchange for:
- each intelligent question asked
- audience response / interaction
- volunteers for demonstration or other exercise
- participants who bring a guest
- participant who brings the most guests
- human interest rewards (e.g., person who traveled the farthest to get here, person who supervises the most employees, person with the most children and grandchildren, etc.)
Looking for ideas for these giveaways and ethical bribes? Try these on for size, depending on your audience and the type of presentation:
- advertising specialties (preprinted sticky notes, pens, gadgets, coffee mugs, etc.)
- raffle drawing tickets. If you can only afford 1 or 2 giveaways, but you want to engage your audience throughout the presentation, you could give raffle tickets for a variety of reasons throughout the day, then “draw” for one winner at the end of the presentation.
- A copy of your new book (or one of your other products)
- T-shirts
- Discounts, coupons, offers, etc.
- $1 bills
- $1 lottery tickets or scratch-off tickets
How many ideas can you come up with? The possibilities are endless.
While you’re dreaming up ethical bribes for your next presentation, remember to reserve your rental projector from Projector123.com and we’ll see you in the next installment: Not to Bribe.
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