Information, Education and Communication: The Symposium


The Symposium:

A symposium is a series of speeches with usually two to five experts, under the direction of a chairman given on as many aspects of a problem is there are speakers present.

  1. The symposium represents a modification of the panel by introducing a series of set speeches.
  2. It aims to present the representative aspects of a problems
  3. Each side of the problem has a spokesman or expert who talks for a given length of time, usually ten of fifteen minutes.
  4. The purpose of the talks is to give the audience a view of the problem and to present all angles of controversy
  5. The audience is brought into the discussion after the talks
  6. The symposium provides an opportunity for all Quasi crucial points to be presented in clear-cut statement and thereby leaves the clear for discussion of details later.


Characteristics:

  1. This is a relatively formal method of presentation and is comparatively easy to organize
  2. It allows for a systematic and relatively compile expression of ideas in an uninterrupted fashion
  3. Complex subject and problem may be divided readily into logical component parts.
  4. Structuring of the presentation may be obtained readily by agreement among the participants prior to the symposium
  5. There should be a minimum of duplication and repetition and time allotments should lead to precise, logical presentations.
  6. Excellent control of the subject matter, as well as of the length of the symposium, may be attained by mutual agreements among the participants made prior to the symposium.
  7. It must depend upon empathy with the speaker of subject matter, or upon competitive points of view, to develop limited usefulness in this respect.
  8. There is a minimum of interaction between the participants.


Advantages:

  1. Presents several sides of a problem
  2. Speeches are short and to the point
  3. To present basic information facts or points of view
  4. To present a relatively complete and systematic expression of ideas without interruption
  5. To break down a relatively complex subject problem on the basis of :
    1. Its logical components parts
    2. Different points of view or special interest.
    3. Alternative proposed solutions and their consequences.
  6. When there/need to be relatively high degree of control over logical breakdown of the subject problem. The subject matter discussed and the timing.
  7. To bring together and focus different points of view within a logical, more generalized framework or context.


How to conduct effective symposium:

  1. Each talk should have the characteristics of any effective speech. It should be:
    1. Well organized
    2. Rich in supporting data.
    3. Logical in outline.
    4. Effective in language.
    5. Impressive in delivery.
  2. The speaker should :
    1. Know the techniques of discussion.
    2. Temper his remarks to the occasion.
    3. Extemporize sufficiently to fit his speech into preceding speeches
    4. Know his topic thoroughly
    5. Clarify his topic for his audience.


The Chairman leader:

  1. Must introduce the speakers.
  2. Should be able to integrate the ideas of the group.
  3. Should transform talks into a unified discussion which will lead to further clarification and evaluation by the audience and speakers.
  4. Must have the readiness and resourcefulness expected of an informal leader for discussion.
  5. Must generate spontaneous reactions from an audience who may feel timid in the presence of authority.
  6. Should know the substance of each speech.


The audience:

  1. Should be well-prepared.
  2. Reading, bibliographies, preliminary group discussion, and other devices should be set up to stimulate and equip the prospective listeners.


THE FORUM:

General features of the forum.

  1. The forum involves a large popular gathering under public or private as pices.
  2. The forum leaders expound or argue a problem.