NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Conducted Trips

There is but little truly impromptu interpretation. There are many occasions, however, which through skillful presentation, will appear to be impromptu to the visitor. The 500 people who gather for an illustrated talk are not expecting an impromptu affair, and will certainly be disappointed if the performance is such as to leave this impression. This is exactly the impression sought in many other contacts. Much of the docent service rendered in museums and the informal, interpretive contacts along a trail or at a focal point are most effective when handled in this manner. What may seem impromptu to the visitor, in reality may require much more preparation and skill on the part of the interpreter than a more formal, scheduled activity.

Throughout the System there are many opportunities for impromptu service as well as for more formal, scheduled programs. Scheduled campfire programs and nature walks are popular and successful in such areas as Mount Rainier and Sequoia because they meet the needs of the more leisurely visitor. The hurried, on-the-move, day-use visitor constitutes an important segment of the total visitation, too, but is not effectively served by fixed-schedule activities. Impromptu services that meet the visitor where he is thus play an important role in the over-all program. This type of service is of particular value in many national monuments and historic areas whose visitation is largely day-use.

Of course, we rely very heavily upon museums, wayside exhibits, self-guided trails and highways, and upon literature to provide the area interpretation for these people. In addition, many opportunities can be found or made for extending at least a degree of personal service. The National Park Service is still a human service, not a completely mechanized processing of visitors. Even in those areas which must rely on exhibits and mechanized, self-operating audio-visual aids, as much of the personal contact as possible should be injected in the program.

In such situations the interpreter must first be aware that the visitor he seeks to serve is not expecting a personal interpretive service, and the first problem is that of making initial contact and of stimulating an interest in the impromptu event. The various situations call for different techniques and perhaps a few examples will illustrate methods which have been successful.

The Roving Ranger Naturalist and Historian

One area, conducting a normal, scheduled program, found itself over-run with Sunday visitors who simply spread out in large numbers over the neighboring trails. Ranger naturalists, as available, were assigned to the most used trails. As they approached a small group, perhaps a family group, the naturalist paused long enough to pass the time of day. A question or a comment by the group, and the reply by the ranger naturalist was used as an opportunity to extend the conversation as an informal interpretive activity. The naturalist progressed along the trail with the party, not lecturing, but speaking conversationally and in such a manner as to interest others along the trail to listen in. Usually within a short time 20 or 30 people were gathered. The naturalist then recognized the group as such and continued with some such statement as the following: "Well, we have quite a group. Why don't we all go up this trail together? Perhaps we will find some other things of interest." He continued, perhaps for 20 or 30 minutes, gathering more people all the way, stopping finally at a strategic point, an overlook, falls, or flower meadow. Here he completed his presentation, told the group what was ahead, and excused himself to answer other questions on the spot, or to return down the trail to gather another group.

The important things in the success of this event were:

1. The group was approached informally, never given the idea that the activity was other than casual and unplanned. They just happened to meet a naturalist on the trail who had the time to visit with them for a while.

2. The activity, what was presented, and how it was handled, was as carefully planned as any guided trip. The only unplanned portion involved the transition from the subject of initial contact--the original question--to the planned activity.

In another situation impromptu walks originated in the museum. Two men participated in half-hour cycles as follows: At a given time the first made an opportunity to give a talk around a relief map. After a brief discussion, long enough to gather a group, he led them to the out-of-doors to see the real thing, and then a short distance along a trail for a better view. Upon concluding this activity, he left his group and returned to take over the information desk in time for a second man to repeat the activity.

This type of service was handled in a somewhat different way in another area. As a rule, the visitor spent only about 30 to 45 minutes in the area, but travel was nearly continuous all day. At the entrance stations each visitor was informed of a museum talk given every hour on the hour. Many visitors then paced their progress--usually prolonging their visit--so as to attend this talk. A five-to-ten-minute talk was given as scheduled, and the group then invited to "go out and see the evidence" during the next 20 minutes. The impromptu talk and guided trip was repeated each hour through out the day.

In another situation, characterized by a historic house, participation is always on a voluntary non-scheduled basis. When the tour leader is alerted to the approach of an organized group such as a school group, he stations himself in the vicinity of the entrance where he can best intercept and make first contact with the group leader. With the group leader he works out the arrangements for a tour which will best satisfy the interests, needs, and time requirements of the group. When the guides are engaged with other parties, new arrivals are invited to wait a few minutes for the next tour. If personnel or recorded talk facilities are available, the group may be given an orientation talk while waiting. The tour itself is a carefully planned event, even though the initial contact was an impromptu occasion, and follows the general procedures outlined elsewhere in this manual.

Much of the same procedure is employed in meeting and serving individuals or unorganized groups, and the historian may approach with the inquiry "Is this your first visit to Lee Mansion?" This conversational gambit enables the leader to determine how he may best serve the group. In this, as in all other impromptu activities, it is well to determine early just how much time your visitors would like to devote. You may then plan your trip accordingly.

When heavy visitation precludes conducted tours, short talks on the grounds at the entrance on the portico of a historic house, or in similar locations near the start of a tour route, repeated at intervals, will provide the background for the visitors. Between talks, a very useful service can be provided at strategic points, or while circulating over the tour route, discussing special features, answering questions, and directing visitors onward.

Focal Point Service

The techniques of approach, awakening interest, and of inviting participation are similar in places where a naturalist or historian posts himself at a strategic focal point such as Artists Point in Yellowstone or Point Park in Chickamauga-Chattanooga. The interpreter, himself taking the initiative, approaches a group casually and in a friendly manner. He employes initial questions and follow-up questions to lead into a planned interpretation. The activity may serve a few people conversationally, or it may develop into a more formal talk or short guided trip for many.

At some focal points some of the people who have assembled may prefer to rely upon their own resources for the enjoyment and appreciation of the scene before them. Respect their wishes by with drawing the group you are working with to one side, and by observing periods of silence between your cycles of activity.