How can one carry out a "Russian style" seminar?

Question

A "Russian style" seminar, as in the Israel Gelfand form, breaks from the traditional format of talk followed by Q&A and just opens the floor to questions at any time. I've seen a few professors who follow this format, so I definitely see its value.What is the best way to start something like this, and how do you get the most out of the seminar?

Answer 1

In this format, the presenter is opened to questions from the audience at any point during his or her presentation versus the traditional speaking engagement where there will be speaking portion that will be followed by questions and answers at the end.

Alongside allowing participation and interruption of the speaker, "Russian style" seminars also involve the speaker inviting one or more members of the audience to speak during a portion his or her class or event to reinforce the learning of the message being conveyed.

"Russian style" seminar is a format of public speaking that gained legendary status in the Russian Mathematics community thanks to Israel Gelfand, who ran a weekly seminar at Moscow State University for several years.