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When it comes to meetings, engaging the brain is key. The “6 Trumps” are brain-based principles that leverage our cognitive functions to make meetings more effective. These concepts are intuitive and straightforward, so they can be easily incorporated into any meeting structure to enhance productivity and engagement.

The Power of the 6 Trumps

The “6 Trumps” are six teaching principles derived from Sharon Bowman’s innovative approach, ‘Training from the BACK of the Room!’ These principles are designed to “trump” traditional teaching methods. Bowman, an experienced teacher and trainer, developed them based on fundamental cognitive neuroscience principles, emphasizing their effectiveness in learning and retention. Here’s how you can apply these principles to make your meetings more effective:

1. Movement Trumps Sitting: Static meetings can lead to stagnant thinking. Encourage movement, as it pumps oxygen to the brain and fosters alertness. Introducing a stretch break or a quick walk can reinvigorate participants and bring a new level of energy to your discussion.
2. Talking Trumps Listening: Passive listening often leads to information going in one ear and out the other. By encouraging active participation and dialogue, you can ensure that concepts stick. Replace lengthy monologues with interactive discussions that allow everyone to voice their thoughts and engage with the material.
3. Images Trump Words: Our brains are wired to process visual information more efficiently than text. Use this to your advantage by integrating visuals such as infographics, diagrams, and mind maps. These tools can help to illustrate complex ideas and make them more digestible.
4. Writing Trumps Reading: The act of writing engages the brain in a deeper form of cognitive processing. Encourage participants to take notes in their own words or collaborate on a visual whiteboard. This not only aids in memory retention but also in the generation of new ideas.
5. Shorter Trumps Longer: The modern attention span is shorter than you might think. Break your meeting into concise, focused segments. This approach prevents cognitive overload and keeps participants attentive and engaged throughout the session.
6. Different Trumps Same: Routine can be the enemy of attention. Shake things up by varying the meeting’s format, introducing new facilitators, or using multimedia presentations. This variety can prevent mental fatigue and keep the brain engaged with fresh stimuli.

Brain-Friendly Techniques for Successful Meetings

To harness the full potential of the 6 Trumps, here are some brain-friendly techniques you can employ:

• Brain Breaks: Short, interactive breaks can reset attention and improve performance, as suggested by ‘Cognition’ journal (2011).
• Teach back: Have participants explain points to each other, fostering understanding and retention, as seen in ‘Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience’ (2008).
• Storytelling: Incorporate stories to make points memorable. Neuroscience research indicates that storytelling activates parts of the brain associated with making emotional and relational connections.
• Feedback Loops: Create opportunities for immediate feedback, which is critical for learning and improvement, noted in ‘Educational Psychology Review’ (2010).

By extending these principles throughout the entire meeting process, from planning to execution, you can create an atmosphere where creativity and collaboration flourish. Meetings become not just a transfer of information but a collective cognitive effort that drives progress and innovation.

To further amplify the effectiveness of your meetings, consider the following additional tips:

• Pre-Meeting Prep: Send out a clear agenda before the meeting to allow participants to prepare mentally for the topics at hand.
• Environment Matters: The physical setting can influence cognitive function. Choose well-lit, comfortable, and airy spaces to hold meetings.
• Technology as an Ally: Utilize digital tools for real-time collaboration, such as shared documents or interactive polls, to keep everyone on the same page.
• Post-Meeting Follow-Up: Ensure that the momentum continues with clear action items and follow-up tasks assigned to keep everyone accountable.

In conclusion, the 6 Trumps, grounded in the ‘Training from the BACK of the Room!’ methodology, offer a scientifically backed framework to optimize our meetings. By embracing these principles, we can create spaces where brains work better, ideas flow freely, and productivity thrives. Becoming proficient in these methods can even lead to becoming a certified TBR Practitioner, further enhancing your skills in facilitating effective meetings. Turn your next meeting into an engaging and brain-friendly event that participants look forward to.

Learn more about Training from the BACK of the Room and sign up for TBR Practitioner training