5 Tips for Tour Guides
With summer edging up closer and closer, it means that tours are going to get packed. As a tour guide, the goal is to always provide a memorable and informative visit. To make every experience as great as possible for your tour members, here are five quick tips for tour guides to keep in mind this travel season.
1) Create opportunities for better engagement
Often tour guides get so caught up in relaying all the pertinent details and information, they forget about their audience. Tour guides are like storytellers in most scenarios, so it is important to keep everyone’s interest and prevent them from zoning out.
2) Reduce distractions as much as possible
It is inevitable that distractions will pop up – from crying kids to unruly tour attendees. However, keep your calm in these situations and handle these distractions with grace and aplomb. Try to minimize distractions as much as possible, and do not let it steer the course of the tour. As long as you stay in control of the situation, you will be able to keep everyone’s attention.
3) Ensure that everyone is able to pay attention
Both of the above points lead to this – create a tour experience where distractions are minimized and attendees are able to engage with the tour and with others. Ensuring that everyone is paying attention to the tour, and is not disturbed, is really important for the overall experience.
4) Don’t be afraid to be creative
In order to achieve a tour where there is a lot of engagement, and minimal distractions, let your creative side take the lead. Some tour guides like to use little quizzes or other interactive methods, while some use props or other materials to instill a bit of levity in the tours. Either way, if there is a route for creativity, don’t be afraid to take it.
5) Use a good PA system to ensure you’re heard
A tour guide tends to lack a punch if others cannot hear the information being relayed. Make sure that you are using a good and reliable portable PA system to get your message across loud and clear – without any disturbances or interruptions. A low-cost wireless audio guide system with built-in wifi and other capabilities can ensure a smooth and thorough audio experience.
Regardless of whether you’re leading tours inside or outside, walking or riding, with large groups or a small crowd, you’re responsible for creating the tour experience. With these tips, you can create a more enjoyable and memorable one for both your guests and yourself.