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Peer sharing or collaborative learning is an interactive educational process enabling peers to learn from one another.  Learning with and from each other is one of the most effective and natural forms of learning.  Adults learn best from doing, learning in context and socially engaging with one another.

 When considering how to engage the audience, keep the ancient Chinese proverb in mind, “I hear and I forget.  I see and I remember.  I do and I understand.”   Your goal is to entice your audience with an immersive learning environment.  Focus on creating an interactive, memorable experience rather than a “sit and get” traditional presentation.

Examples of interactive programs include small group discussions, problem-solving exercises, role playing, and audience polls.  Don’t just limit yourself to these familiar techniques, however.    Consider using dynamic presentation techniques such as:

• Pair-Squared - Ask audience members to form a pair by turning to a neighbor on their right or left and discuss a specific issue.
• Peer -To-Peer Round Table Discussions  -  Set up tables with established topics and a facilitator
• Case Studies – Moderate audience analysis of real or fictitious scenarios
• Body Voting - Ask the audience to take a physical action such as stand up or raise hands based on a series of questions
• Flip Teaching – Provide learning materials to the audience prior to the presentation.  Use presentation time to analyze, discuss and apply concepts.

These are just a few types of interactive teaching methods.  A Google search using terms such as, “interactive, learning, engaging, etc.” will provide more strategies for engaging the audience.