Setting Expections

Never underestimate the intelligence of your audience, and never overestimate your audience’s prior knowledge.

Mismatched exceptions are a sure-fire way to disappoint people.

Over the years, I’ve hosted many events and learned a few lessons.

Before you read on, these are important to learn, even if you’re not hosting events!

1) Set tone

As the host, of the meeting, workshop, party, event it’s your role to set the tone of the time your guests are spending together.

Take it a step further; whatever you’re leading (marking, community, employees), how you set the tone matters.

I start events by saying this:

“We’re here to champion each other, be open, and swap stories, not business cards.”

I’m setting the tone; we’re here to chat and learn but not be sold to.

2) Set exceptions

What should folks who attend an event, sign up for your community, stay at your hotel or download your application expect?

If you’re marking Michelin star food but serving pub grub, there’s going to be a misalignment.

For events, I can’t overstate how important it is for folks to have a sense of what is going to happen at the event.

3) No assumptions.

Never underestimate the intelligence of your audience, and never overestimate your audience’s prior knowledge.

Not everyone knows how to get around London, use an eTicket, or want their photo taken.

They might not even know who you are.

Take the time to ensure you’ve questioned your assumptions about your audience's prior knowledge.