how to set up a display table. you’ve been volunteered to man a table at an event great! maybe...
TRANSCRIPT
How to Set Up a Display Table
You’ve been volunteered to man a table at an event
Great!Maybe you’ve never done it beforeYou’re excited – but nervousNow what?
Are you going to be In a classroom?At a table?Indoors or outdoor?On a ship?
What will you need to know about the area?Weather
Will it be rainy? Windy? Hot? Dress appropriately
CoverWill there be tents? Other form of cover?
TablesHow many will be needed/provided?Tablecloths?Backboard?Stands?Props?Racks?Rocks/rubber bands?
All ages – adults and children?All children?
What age groups?All adults?
General public?Boaters?Marina operators?
Civilian or military?Specialized groups?
Most importantly – What is your message?Specific information?General information?Think about what information you are trying
to conveyIt can be based on the materials on the table
You don’t have to be an expert in everything
Should have a BASIC general knowledge of all of the materials
If you are a “specialist” you can do that area, let others do their “specialty”
People will ask questions. Be prepared.Ok to say you don’t know, but offer to get
back to them if really important or where they can get the info
Public perceptionYOU are the Coast GuardProper uniform worn in the proper mannerIf not sure, check the Aux Manual, Chapter
10, or ask someone
Definitely helps if you like dealing with people
OutgoingFriendlyPoliteNot afraid to be a little “silly” with the kids
ENGAGE THE PEOPLE!!!!Single biggest thing we don’t do
Don’t just hand out colouring booksMake eye contactSpeak to them firstLead into the material – explain the brochure Get them interested
Don’t forget the little ones…
Have a “hook”Be creativeWhy would someone want to come to your
table?
Sitting back talking to others in the groupNot engaging the people that come to the
tableImproper/sloppy uniformsStanding in front of the table and talkingSloppy presentation of materialsNot “bringing” people to the tableTalking to only part of your audienceDon’t talk in acronyms!!
PropsCatch their eyeMake them look at the tableMake them wonder what “that” is over thereIf kids come to you, the parents have to follow
ColourUse colour paper instead of whiteStand brochures up instead of flat so can be
seen
Set up of the tableLook at your tableDoes it look interesting?Would YOU walk over to it?Arrange the materials in some logical orderStand materials/brochures upright in holders
when possibleUse colour or something eye-catching
Use propsIf the next booth has “cool stuff” and you
don’t, use them to help bring the people to you, but then make sure you have something to say when they come to your table
Marine Safety/Environmental ProtectionSea PartnersBoating SafetyAmerica’s Waterway WatchRecruitingAux Air “Regulatory” items
Depending what venue you are at:Know the protocols
Boarding a military vesselSaluting
Keep in mind that you are representing much more than yourself.
Know who to “report to” if there are problems or questions
Bring business cards of someone to contact
Don’t be afraid to “play” with the youngstersHave funPlay games or use fun facts or lines
Did you know you can wear plastic bottles?Have funTeach and learnHave fun
You will learn more over time and put your personal touch on your presentations
Learn as you goFind new things/ways to presentBe a mentor. Share your knowledge and
train othersIf you do not have a mentor, you lose – if you
are not a mentor, the Coast Guard loses
