DISPLAYS & EXHIBITS –

Arouse Interest

        An effective display and an exhibit should arouse interest, stimulate thought and cause action. Most fail to do this.

        Too many displays are cluttered and contain conflicting messages.

        Displays and exhibits must get their messages across quickly.

        Displays should contain simple messages.         The fewer words the better.

        They should always arouse interest and cause action.

A handful of tips to help you set up a successful display

 * What message do you want to get across?

       State your aim clearly.

       Write it down in one sentence.

       What action do you want your viewers to take? After you are sure of your aim you can now start planning your exhibit!

* Arouse interest

            It ‘s essential to get people to stop and look at your exhibit to see what the display is all about.  

       Use gimmicks to get their attention.

       If you don’t stop them –  you are wasting your time and money.

       What’s new? “See our latest product.” “This will interest you!”

* Active displays are best

            Active displays are better than photos and blocks of text. 

        People doing things, live animals (especially young animals) and working machines and models all create interest where people stop to see what is going on.

        Video events can show interesting activities if well done.   

* Keep your  message simple

            Use basic English and keep words to a minimum.

        Keep to simple messages.

        Use appropriate visuals to tell the story.

        Large clear lettering allows people to read the message from a distance.

        Use strong basic colours to get attention , these are best for clarity.

* Involve your viewers

            Encourage  people to compete in events or take part in competitions and raffles. Give worthwhile prizes and handouts.

        Give simple useful gifts to people to remind people of your service or products.

 * Be different to other displays

            Make the area attractive and colourful.

        Keep the exhibit fresh, clean and tidy. If you are using  living plants or animals, keep them well looked after.

        Attendants should be obvious, neat and well groomed with a uniform to distinguish them.

        Attendants  must be well trained and knowledgeable about the services and the business and any products sold. 

        Roster them  for regular breaks so they are always fresh,  enthusiastic and helpful.

        Of all the things you wear your smile is the most important.

-Geoffrey  Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“To get attention your display must be different.”

^SOURCE: For more on this topic see:  “Persuasive Ways” first published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and in Chinese by Shanghai People’s Publishing House and as “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia. (Available as an e-book from Amazon.com.) Also available as “Getting Your Ideas Across” from Kogan Page, U.K and a  Hungarian translation published by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado, Budapest.