2020-10-10
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To start with Seating Patterns
Research shows that distance reduces participation – trainees in back rows are less likely to participate than those in front. Any kind of 'row' reduces interaction: it is difficult for those in the back row to hear front row contributions and for those in the front row to twist round to interact with people behind. Changes in seating patterns from one session to another can be psychologically upsetting for participants. At repetitive sessions participants will invariably sit in the same place.
Angry or cynical participants will attempt to move away from a group seating pattern. Review the seating patterns below:
(Legend - FC = Flip Chart / P = Projector / S = Screen / С = Carousel / V = Video)
U shape
Advantages
• Businesslike
• Trainer can walk into IT
• Generally good participant visibility
• Standard, therefore non-threatening
Disadvantages
• Somewhat formal; needs ice-breaking
• Some participants masked by audio visual equipment
• Front participants constantly at 60-90° (neck ache)
• Rear participants are far from screen/flip chart
V shape
Advantages
• Best pattern for visibility/neck ache
• Optimum trainer/participant contact
• Less formal and intimidating than 'U'
Disadvantages
• Space requirements (only small groups)
Herring Bone
Advantages
• Space effective for large numbers
• All participants at good angle to screen/flip chart, etc
• Trainer can walk down 'spine'
Disadvantages
• Several participants 'masked' by others
• Reminiscent of school
• Encourages dysfunctional groupings
• Rear participants far from screen/flip chart, etc
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• Relatively poor participant/trainer contact
4. 'Bistro'
Advantages
• Ideal for 'teambuilding' sessions and small group workshops
• Informal: encourages maximum trainee participation/identification
• Original: encourages open-mindedness
• Trainer can 'circulate'
Disadvantages
• Some participants have poor visibility or may be constantly at an angle to screen/flip chart
• May foster lack of attention and encourage side conversations
• Encourages splinter group identification
Circle
Advantages
• Ideal for sensitivity training sessions
• Encourages maximum participant involvement
• Excellent trainer/participant contact
• Minimum side conversations;
• No informal group formation
Disadvantages
• Difficult to find tables which can be set up in a circle
• Some participants have poor visibility/neck ache
• Without suitable tables participants may feel unnecessarily 'exposed'
• Overtones of 'touchy/feely' style encounter groups
Amphitheatre
Advantages
• If room is well designed, excellent visibility and acoustics
• Very space-effective
• Good for lecture-type presentations
Disadvantages
• Very poor trainer-participant contact
• Difficult to set up unless room is designed with permanent seating
• Back rows must be elevated
• Very university-like
Practicum 4.13
Translate the italicized parts of Text 4a into Russian
Practicum 4.14 
Practicum 4.15
Assess the class room seating pattern according to the above criteria. Suggest Arguments for a better one
Practicum 4.16
E-mail a memo to your superior explaining the seating pattern you suggest for the presentation of a new project to your potential partner
III. Communication Practice
Team work
Your team is preparing for a conference. Start with the research into the venue, its facilities and participants’ needs to hold the plenary sessions, sections and workshops. Rely on Asking for details strategy.
Text 4b
The text to follow deals in talking office politics / policies. Study the text and use it as a starting point for communication
