Avoid Jargon - don't talk down to the audience
One of the points that this course could have made was a problem that I often see (and probably have more often that I like to admit) - we use professional jargon in general presentations. It may make us feel that we have a "leg up" on the audience, but my experience is that it often just irritates the audience.
Second, they are not ever stupid as an audience, but they don't have the same experience you do, that is why you are presenting the information to them. Never talk down to them, or else you will never truly get your point(s) across.
Clell Ford,
Sebring, Florida
Always be respectful of others when presenting to an audience.
A good point. However, I don't think we should be afraid to introduce a big word or two in our presentations. One just needs to introduce the technical term and give a definition of the term in the appositive position in the noun phrase.
Examine the point of your discussion. If it is simply to impart information, jargon may be adequate, but if you are trying to "teach" a point, the audience must feel that it is in their interest to get the information, not talk down to them.
Remember WIITM? Talking down to your audience, tells them that it is important for you, not them.
I feel that when you talk down to them it creates a bad air and they are not as receptive. They know you have experience I just dont feel that you should use it as leverage it could hurt you rather then help you
