Offering guided tours is a time-honoured way of introducing new places, subjects, experiences and stories to people who either may be visiting a place for the first time or are perhaps keen to gain a more in depth look at something they enjoy.
They can help orientate visitors and support them to feel more comfortable over their experience as well as positively reinforcing their feelings of belonging.
They are offered in a variety of spaces and using a range of methods, from an in person walking tour of a park, to an audio tour in a new city by bus and this method of engagement has become a popular feature of museums and galleries across the world.
Part 1: PLANNING AND DEVELOPING YOUR TOUR
1. Think about your outcomes
What would you like your audience to feel, do or understand as a result of your tour? What would success look like? Consider this before you develop your tour to help focus your content and ensure that your audience remain at the heart of the experience.
2. Tell a great story
Museums are full of stories and guided tours are a brilliant way to share them and the objects that represent them. Include information such as what it is; what it does; how it works; whether there is a modern equivalent or everyday link; a personal-interest story such as who made, owned or used it; and what makes it exciting.
3. Critically reflect on your content and language
The way that your content is communicated, both verbally and visually, is extremely powerful. Ensure that your choices of stories, objects and examples are inclusive and reflect the widest possible audience. Be conscious not to reinforce stereotypes that exist around STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) topics. Keep your language clear and simple, and avoid- or explain- any jargon or technical terminology.
4. Think about your tour route and space
What route and highlights will help you tell your story? How many people
can participate? How busy is the space? Will everyone be able to see and hear your clearly? Are there areas you must keep clear? Are there opportunities to sit down or use facilities? How accessible is your tour, and how will you support participants unable to access certain parts?
5. Plan how you will extend the experience
How can you help participants build longer-lasting connections with the content? Can you relate to things in the museum or things to do at home? Can you share links where the audience can find out more or leave them with a discussion-sparking questions? If photography is allowed, let participants know. Allow time for this and for them to explore by themselves.
PART 2: DELIVERING YOUR TOUR
6. Use a basic presentation framework
Remember Aristotle’s principle ‘Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them.’ Introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your tour route and content, and finish with a recap. You don’t need to know everything off by heart, but if you carry notes or prompts, avoid reading directly from them.
7. Tailor the tour of your group
This will help make it a more memorable, unique experience. Everyone is different and will connect with you and your content in different ways. Be prepared to adjust your tour to appeal to different people. Ask questions to find out their interests, where they are from and why they joined the tour. Are there stories or objects that might therefore be especially appealing?
8. Get everyone involved
Tours should not be a passive experience. Think about how to engage your
group. Could you use a prop or include simple activities? Invite people to look around them and use all their senses to experience the space. Ask open questions which invite them to think, contribute and reflect.
9. Avoid talking while walking and enjoy the experience
Talking while walking makes it difficult for people to hear you and follow what you are saying. It’s OK to have moments of silence and to allow people to take in their surroundings; it also means you won’t get out of breath! Be yourself, share some interests and personal anecdotes. Passion and enthusiasm are infectious and go a long way.
10. Prepare for the unexpected
You might get asked things that are nothing to do with the tour, e.g. where the facilities are.
Familiarise yourself with your surroundings and don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’. Find out in advance where to direct participants to get their answers. If possible, get a colleague to help look after the group, making sure no-one gets lost and helping answer questions.
Click here to read more more of our top tips blogs