µdrink - a new protocol for public talks and workshops

[Deviant Ollam]

So, while sorting through the massive mountain of email from the previous week (smartphones are great for simply responding, but damn do i dread that huge-ass column in my main inbox whenever i get back home) and in between making phone calls to the FAA, the TSA, and airlines/airports for a piece i'm writing up, i needed something to keep my head from exploding.

So, i turned to the talk that TOOOL will be giving at CarolinaCon. i needed to start working the material into decent slides, etc. It was all going well, but a little something was missing. It needed that customary laugh factor... that element of fun that i always want present in my talks. It was then that i was inspired to create what i'm calling the µdrink protocol.

What is it and how does it work?

It is simple... the µdrink protocol encourages audience participation, better speaking, and good feedback. It also is a social bonding experience in which the speaker shares the recipe for a favorite cocktail with the audience, teaching them how to make and enjoy it.

We've long had the tradition of talks wherein speaker mistakes are met with crys of "Drink!" from the audience. And we've also never had a shortage of booze in the attendees' hands. But the µdrink protocol unites those two forces into a bonding, sharing experience.

Read more details and see the fun animations that have been created

I do hope that this might strike a chord with some folk and that perhaps we'll see the µdrink protocol implemented at some talks in the future. It's well-suited to the small-con environment, but there's no reason that it couldn't be a DEFCON phenomenon, too. It has benefits that go beyond controlling a jabbering person who monopolizes the Q&A and beyond padding out your talk by an extra five minutes or so... it's true meaning and purpose is for the community itself.

Heh, or maybe it was just an excuse to fuss with more of my signature low-tech style animated GIF images.

[Chris]

Re: µdrink - a new protocol for public talks and workshops

So, while sorting through the massive mountain of email from the previous week (smartphones are great for simply responding, but damn do i dread that huge-ass column in my main inbox whenever i get back home) and in between making phone calls to the FAA, the TSA, and airlines/airports for a piece i'm writing up, i needed something to keep my head from exploding.

So, i turned to the talk that TOOOL will be giving at CarolinaCon. i needed to start working the material into decent slides, etc. It was all going well, but a little something was missing. It needed that customary laugh factor... that element of fun that i always want present in my talks. It was then that i was inspired to create what i'm calling the µdrink protocol.

What is it and how does it work?

It is simple... the µdrink protocol encourages audience participation, better speaking, and good feedback. It also is a social bonding experience in which the speaker shares the recipe for a favorite cocktail with the audience, teaching them how to make and enjoy it.

We've long had the tradition of talks wherein speaker mistakes are met with crys of "Drink!" from the audience. And we've also never had a shortage of booze in the attendees' hands. But the µdrink protocol unites those two forces into a bonding, sharing experience.

Read more details and see the fun animations that have been created

I do hope that this might strike a chord with some folk and that perhaps we'll see the µdrink protocol implemented at some talks in the future. It's well-suited to the small-con environment, but there's no reason that it couldn't be a DEFCON phenomenon, too. It has benefits that go beyond controlling a jabbering person who monopolizes the Q&A and beyond padding out your talk by an extra five minutes or so... it's true meaning and purpose is for the community itself.

Heh, or maybe it was just an excuse to fuss with more of my signature low-tech style animated GIF images.

I like this idea. Seems fun. If I speak at either BH or DC this year I'll participate. I have to figure something out though since I don't drink liquor and don't feel like explaining the beer brewing process.

[sintax_error]

Re: µdrink - a new protocol for public talks and workshops

I have to figure something out though since I don't drink liquor and don't feel like explaining the beer brewing process.

Perhaps a case of your particular favorite ale? With a little explanation of what the brewer added in. If you homebrew, and time permits, perhaps a brew of your own? Wouldn't have to go into detail on the brewing process, maybe a quick background on brewing. Just bouncing ideas.

Dev, love the idea, great way to encourage audience participation, and i can certainly see an increased fun factor in talks.

[YenTheFirst]

Re: µdrink - a new protocol for public talks and workshops

in response to the bit on pronunciation: I'm tempted to pronounce it 'micro-drink', but that might be missing the point of the protocol :)

[Club81]

Re: µdrink - a new protocol for public talks and workshops

I'm going to install this protocol as common operating procedures in all my classes. It will be great fun. Unfortunately, I will be manning the Diet Mt. Dew (as opposed to a Patron-based ditty) as all of my classes are with undergrads in the morning on a state university campus (dry). Perhaps this is a good reason to teach grad classes in the evenings in the Library lower level (the only place we can drink on campus).