What Leads to Better Visitor Outcomes in Live Interpretation?

Abstract

We conducted a study to empirically isolate the factors that are most consistently linked with positive outcomes for the attendees of live interpretive programs. We examined the relationships between interpreter and program characteristics and three visitor outcomes—visitor satisfaction, visitor experience and appreciation, and intentions to change behaviors—across 376 programs in 24 units of the U.S. National Park Service. The analyses revealed a list of 15 characteristics associated with these outcomes across a wide range of program types and contexts. Some of these characteristics constituted commonly promoted practices in the interpretation literature (e.g., thematic communication, Tilden's principles, and appropriate organization). However, certain characteristics of the interpreter, in particular their confidence, passion, sincerity, and charisma, were also strongly correlated with positive visitor outcomes. We discuss the study's implications for both interpretive practice and future research.