The seventh key to creating a killer presentation is to maximize the impact on your audience by involving them.
If you have ever sat through a long presentation or speech where the speaker talked on and on, you will definitely remember how boring it was. If someone was to ask you what you remembered from that speech, it is highly unlikely you will have retained any of the important points the speaker made. That memory should carry a warning for your own presentations. Boredom will force your audience to shut down and shut off–a waste of time for both of you. However, you can make a greater impact on your audience by keeping their attention throughout your presentation and creating some audience participation.
There is a method of teaching called super learning or accelerated learning, which encourages the participants or students to get involved with their own learning. This participation is a key ingredient to helping people remember and retain the knowledge you are trying to impart to them, but how do you get people involved and then keep them involved for the duration of your workshop or presentation?
People remember how they felt
In general, people do not remember most of the information given in a public talk. They might remember a few of the main points, but what they certainly will remember is the impact you had on them. How did they feel when you spoke? Did you stir their emotions? What pictures did you paint for them? Which of their senses where stimulated during your talk? What did you look like while you were talking? What emotions, what personal image did you convey to your audience? The wilder, crazier, and more imaginative you get, the more your audience will remember.
Your workshop or presentation should be an experience for people. Get them involved by allowing them to run the workshops. You can act as the facilitator or supervisor while encouraging them to apply practically what you have just taught them.
Ask Questions
What are some of the other ways you can get them involved? Asking questions is one of the most effective ways to encourage participation. Even when you read, it is normal to answer the questions you read in your own mind. It is a simple way of engaging people in your topic. If this entire article were filled with questions, it would probably be impossible for you not to be thinking of answers as you read. So you see, by asking questions during your presentation, you get the listener to participate. Whether they are agreeing or disagreeing with you is irrelevant. The questions get them involved and keeps their attention. Does this
make sense?
Get them to Write
Creating homework or even assignments to be completed during the course of your presentation is another simple way to keep your audience engaged. Encourage your audience to make notes as you go or to write down specific phrases you want highlighted. For example if your workshop was on the subject of five things you need to do to make a new friend, you can ask them to keep track of the five points you are going to make by writing it down for themselves. This way, they are more personally invested in what you are sharing with them, and it makes it a more valuable learning experience.
Let’s face it: the majority of people had negative school experiences and you do not want to trigger those bad memories. Keep it fresh, entertaining and interesting and you will make an impact every single time. Incorporating games or fun activities that get your audience up on their feet, out of their chairs, and interacting with each other is a great way to ensure your presentation will be remembered.
At the end of the day people remember what was fun. They will come back for more if you get them involved and offer a presentation that is fun, well communicated and carries a strong emotional impact. Get them involved in their own learning and growth. By incorporating some of these simple ideas, you will dramatically increase the impact of your presentations.
