The backchannel refers to communication among audience members during a live event, often facilitated by technology like social media. It can be constructive if it enhances the event, or destructive if it detracts from it. Examples of backchannel participation include using hashtags to tag others, attaching pictures, and shortening URLs. A presenter should be aware that audience members on their phones may be actively engaging in the backchannel discussion rather than being distracted. The backchannel conversation often continues after an event ends as people follow new connections.

1. THE BACKCHANNELby, Cliff Atkinson

2. PresentationsWe’re living in a new age!Age of blogs, tweeting and social networkingStay new, stay relevant, stay interesting or GET OUT!

3. What is it?+

4. The backchannel is…A line of communication created by people in an audience to connect with others inside or outside the room. Usually facilitated by Internet technologies, it is spontaneous, self-directed, and limited in time to the duration of a live event.Constructive when it enhancesDestructive when it is counterproductive

5. OH, THE PASTA-BILITIESHashtagsTagging othersAttatching picturesURL shortening: bit.ly, is.gd

6. And my next point…ARE YOU TWEETING!?Faces buried in a phone may mean that your audience is participating in the backchannel!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZEwtSmUlUE

7. The Party Don’t StopThe conversation doesn’t end after presentations are over.Following others you meet at conferencesTV BroadcastersCelebsPastors CompaniesCongress during Obama’s Congressional address