[ASC-list] speaker control device

[William Rifkin]

Toss,

In relation the speaker-control device, I recall our discussing strategies at a conference a few years ago.


The suggestion of electrodes on a delicate part of the body - while an appealing approach - is problematic.

It may be seen by some as a mildly unpleasant signal to stop but by others as a welcome stimulation to continue (particularly by those who are 'into leather').  Given the latter possibility, it would be ethically unsound to employ such shocks, as the benefits may NOT be shared with members of the audience who share the same predilections.


Another option might be a form of SMS phone polling, perhaps via an iPhone app.

The session facilitator could give out her/his phone number to 10 volunteers from the audience.  Each volunteer could then key in the number and a brief message (or perhaps just the letter 'x').  They would then not send the text message until they had 'had enough' (of course, those who are 'into leather' may send a message like, 'stop it some more!').  The facilitator's phone would then register the messages, perhaps emitting an audible bleep as each one arrived.

A variation on this theme could be for someone to write an iPhone app that has a bar chart indicating how many 'stop' (or 'stop it some more') messages have been received.  The iPhone could be placed where the speaker can see it, or perhaps just projected onto the screen behind them ...  A Twitter feed to the same effect might work, too.


Seriously, though, many people worry about offending the speaker.  However, the speaker is outnumbered, and the attention of members of the audience is incredibly valuable.  Some would argue that it is more valuable than the speaker's feelings.

The bottom line may be that whatever system is employed, speakers have to agree to it.



Will

William D Rifkin, PhD
Director - ALTC New Media for Science Communication Project
Administered in the Faculty of Science, UNSW
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