ASTD-Lincoln: Using Humor and Pop Culture Associations to Increase Engagement!

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Whether it’s stand-up training, e-learning, sign or employee communication boards, we can easily get into a rut of delivering the same messages, the same way, over and over again. Many of us figure that if we repeat the message enough times it will stick; unfortunately that isn’t the case.

In this presentation we will look at tapping into what people respond to and remember the most. Ask an employee about the company’s environmental management policy and you’ll likely get a blank stare; but, play Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer at the company picnic and you’ll have a few dozen people singing along using their plastic spoons as microphones. (Singing the song in your head right now aren't you??)

We love to laugh, we are hooked into popular culture, so why not use these things to help people pay attention to and retain the information we want them to remember? During this learning event we will look at:

• Myths regarding active listening

• How negative messages rarely result in desired behaviors

• How people are selective in where they place their attention; and how it isn’t usually on the things or messages we want them to process

• How “tuned in” most of us are to pop culture

• How humor can help engagement and retention

• How to “sell” your crazy ideas to the decision makers

(Admit it - the song is still in your head - isn't  it?!?!)   

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Meet Your Presenter: Jonathan Halls 

 

Kevin is a training specialist at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., USA and is also an adjunct instructor at Doane College-Lincoln. At Kawasaki he developed the curriculum for their 18-month leadership development program. Over 80 people have graduated from the program so far; the program has expanded and currently includes 5 learners in the Kawasaki Rail Car Plant in Yonkers, New York via teleconference. Kevin is also involved in designing e-learning and coaching supervisors and team leaders.

Kevin spent more than 20 years performing stand-up comedy, touring nationally and appearing on various regional and national television broadcasts including appearances on Comedy Central. While at times his sense of humor can get him in trouble, it is more often a tremendous tool to gain the attention and trust of learners.

Kevin is currently Past President of ASTD-Lincoln and is also serving as Vice President of Membership.

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Where:

Southeast Community College Continuing Education Center, Room 303, 301 S. 68th St. Place, Lincoln, NE

 

When:

Thursday April 18, 2013

 

Cost:

Early bird rate: (Register by Wednesday, April 10)

$16 Members

 

Regular rate: (After April 10)

$21 Members

$32 Non-members

 

1st & 2nd Time Guests may attend at the member rate when registering with an existing member. Prospective guests who do not know an ASTD-Lincoln member are invited to contact a Board member to register as a guest with him or her.

Registration Deadline: Friday, April 12

 

Cancellation Policy:

Registration is confirmed upon receipt of payment. No refunds, but you can send a substitute by calling 402.434.7557.

 

Please direct any questions to: 

mhimmelberg@southeast.edu.