Event Activity Types
On this webpage, you'll find a list of the types of engagement activities you could bring to a Resonate event. We've explained what we mean by each activity, provided examples where possible, indicated which audiences these are best suited for and what events you will find them at.
Can't see the activity you want to do? We'd still love to have you at our event! Be sure to explain your activity idea in full on our expression of interest form. Link opens in a new window
In this guide
Talks
What? Talks at public engagement events look slightly different to those given at conferences or other academic settings. In a talk for the public, it's important not to use jargon or technical language. If it must be used once or twice, take the time to explain it. Slides should be kept to a minimum, and not include too much text. Just include key points, images, graphics, simple graphs - even gifs or memes! It's also a good idea to add interactions with the audience, rather than just waiting for the Q&A! Can you get the audience to vote on something, put their hands up to indicate understanding, answer quiz questions or add their opinion?
Public engagement talks are often much shorter than you may be used to. The exact length will depend on the specific event, so always check with the event organiser. At our Resonate Late events, we like to keep talks to a maximum of 10 minutes.
Who? Best for adult audiences, but talks can be aimed at children if lots of interaction is added!
What events can I do this at? Resonate Lates and (sometimes) Days Out!
Panel Discussions
What? A small group discussing a chosen topic. Typically, a chair will direct questions and conversation, whilst keeping time. Panel discussions are a great chance to hear a variety of voices. The best panels aren't just made up of people from Warwick. The panel could include a local freelancer, someone from industry, someone from a charity, a member of the local community... the list is endless! It's always best to leave plenty of time for audience questions too.
Who? Best for adult audiences, but panel discussions can be aimed at children, particularly if there's lots of time for questions!
What events can I do this at? Resonate Lates and (sometimes) Days Out!
Table Top/Hands-On/Interactive Activity
What? We often use these terms interchangeably, and they all mean the same thing to us. These are fully interactive activities that allow visitors to really get involved with your research. Often set up on a table that visitors can stand in front of, or perhaps sit around, there are as many ways to do this as there are types of research. Here are just some ideas:
- A simple experiment
- Simple crafts
- A quiz/game
- Activity on a tablet or computer
- Voting tokens
- Adding answers or responses to a prompt
Warwick Institute of Engagement have a cupboard full of equipment for you to borrow. Sometimes, seeing what we have can even spark ideas for your activity! Get in touch with us if you'd like to take a look at what we have.
Who? These activities are ideal for engaging children with research, and can be tailed depending on the age of the children. However, adults love getting hands-on too!
What events can I do this at? Days Out!
Workshops
What? An interactive session, where participants are guided through an activity/a series of activities. This can be ideal for exploring more complicated topics, or going into more detail with participants. As with table top activities, these can take a variety of forms. Here are some ideas:
- Crafts
- A quiz
- Group tasks
- Storytime, followed by activity
Who? These activities are ideal for engaging children with research, and can be tailed depending on the age of the children. Adults also enjoy a good workshop!
What events can I do this at? Days Out!
Tour
What? Could you give a tour of your lab? Or perhaps you could give a walking tour of a local area? Or an area of campus? Walking around and sharing your knowledge through this 'show and tell' method is a great way to engage audiences!
Who? Tours can be geared towards any age range, depending on content!
What events can I do this at? Resonate Lates or Days Out!
Performance
What? You can share knowledge through theatre, song, dance and any other medium you can think of! Perhaps you've worked with a local dance company to share your research, or explained your work in a song?
Who? Performances can be geared towards any age range, depending on content!
What events can I do this at? Days Out!
Quiz
What? Ask participants questions to test their knowledge! You could get attendees to form teams and fill out their answers on paper, or provide voting cards. Give everyone a piece of red, green and blue card (make sure to write on the name of each colour for accessibility) and assign each set of answers to these colours. This means you can instantly see the level of understanding in the room. Make sure you take the time to explain the correct answers!
Who? Quizes can be geared towards any age range, depending on content!
What events can I do this at? Days Out! or Resonate Lates (why not try adding quiz questions into your talk?)