Activity Title
Hat Talk
Duration
30 minutes per speaker maximum 2 speakers
Group Composition
20 / 25 participants
Materials Needed
A Hat for the speaker who chooses if they need a projector or different kind of material.
Tips for the Trainer
The idea is to motivate or invite one or two participants each day to deliver their Hat talk. Remember that Hat talk should not force anyone to participate, so try to find a way to motivate speakers to apply and deliver a talk. If you already know some participants maybe invite them to break the ice and deliver the first Hat talk. Then others will follow. Set up a board in the central room where participants can sign up to deliver future Hat talks in this format: “Name, Hat talk title, Date” and you (trainer) should set the time that fits the program. Usually at the end of the day in an informal and chill atmosphere.
Objectives
- Promote diversity in the subjects presented, allowing participants with different backgrounds and interests to contribute and enrich the collective learning experience.
- Strengthen the bonds within the group by allowing individuals to share personal interests and expertise, creating connections among participants.
- Create a space for continuous learning by exposing participants to a wide range of topics.
Activity Description
Hat talk is a 20 to 30-minute talk where any participant can teach anything useful to other participants. It doesn’t have to be about the topic of the project. It’s the place where they share insights, tips, or knowledge on topics of interest and value to the group and where they practice public speaking. Similar to TED Talks, but with a unique twist – a hat. This format allows anyone from the group to take the floor and share something useful.
The term "Hat Talk" implies a casual and inclusive atmosphere, suggesting that anyone in the group, regardless of their role or expertise, has the opportunity to contribute valuable information. The hat serves as a symbol of informality. It's a dynamic and interactive way for participants to showcase their expertise or passions and contribute to the collective learning experience.
30 Minutes – Participant Talk
The trainer will give participants time to write down some notes and think about what to share.
10 minutes – Discussion and Q and A
While sitting in a chill atmosphere, participants can ask questions.
30 Minutes – Another Participant Talk
Second Hat talk (in case someone else applied)
10 minutes – Discussion and Q and A
While sitting in a chill atmosphere, participants can ask questions.
Debriefing
- No need for debriefing in this session. Questions and Answers (Q and A) can serve as a curiosity and learning space.
Expected Outcomes
- Gain insights into a variety of topics, reflecting the diverse interests and backgrounds of the group. This exposure to different subjects helps in broadening their general knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar areas.
- Through engaging in short, focused presentations, participants will develop their ability to convey information clearly and concisely. This includes refining their public speaking skills and learning how to effectively engage an audience.
- By providing a casual and inclusive platform, participants who may be less experienced in public speaking can build confidence in presenting their ideas and insights in front of a group.
- Encourage bonding within the group as individuals share personal interests and expertise. This sharing can lead to stronger connections and a sense of community among participants.
- Engage with a wide range of presentations, they will enhance their active listening and critical thinking skills, learning how to extract key points and insights from diverse topics.
- The "Hat Talk" format promotes an open and inclusive environment where every participant's contribution is valued, fostering a culture of respect and open-mindedness towards different perspectives and ideas.