How to use the element of suspense

For meetings lasting a day or longer, the element of suspense can work wonders. There are several ways to rig up a candle so that it will dramatically trigger some type of action. It could eventually burn down to a fuse, in this manner setting off an explosive. Or it could burn down to a string, finally severing the string with its tiny flame. The triggering action should cause something important to happen, or at least be the signal for something important. It could signal the unveiling of a new product or the naming of a contest winner. The candle is lit at the start of the meeting. Everyone is asked to estimate the exact time the triggering action will take place. An appropriate reward is offered for the best guess. This helps create interest and suspense. To capitalize fully on the stunt, call attention to the candle at intervals during the meeting.

And those who like things cold instead of hot can forego all this hullabaloo with a candle, and accomplish the same thing with a block of ice. The name of a contest winner is written on a slip of paper, placed in a waterproof envelope, and frozen in the center of a large block of ice. Or a new product makes its initial appearance in this way, having been frozen inside a block of ice.

An important new sales tool, details of a new merchandising plan, or the outline of a new advertising campaign are other items that might be dramatized either with a candle or a block of ice.

Planned interruptions produce a change of pace

Planned interruptions add zest to the staging of a program. Instead of every new participant being introduced, one of them “interrupts” by approaching the speakers’ stand at the proper moment. He barges in with a wise crack or two. Before making his presentation, he is finally introduced. A planned interruption is even more surprising when someone in the audience interrupts the proceedings. Questions are often planted among members of the audience. Planted questions are nothing more than planned interruptions.

Then there’s the telephone, which can be located near the speakers’ stand and rigged to ring at a certain time. Not only does the interruption by ringing give a different flavor, but the ensuing one-way telephone conversation can be quite meaningful. It can start the introduction of the next speaker or the next subject. It can serve as a call from an important person who could not attend the meeting. It can represent a complaining customer, or help clinch a major point.

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