This comes back to knowing your audience. You need to present at a level that will be understood by the less advanced, but still be interesting to the more advanced audience members. Asking questions from your audience is a good way to gauge technical understanding of the subject and keep them engaged. If possible I like to involve audience members with the presentation in a hands on way.
Phillip,
Great points & always a great idea to identify with the audience as much as possible.
Ryan
The best way to ensure success with your audience is to put yourself in their place. What would they like to know about the particular subject of your presentation? How it might affect them personally? All of these questions can help with customizing your presentation!
In relatively small groups, you can ask some questions of the audience (or class). What is there job title, what do they teach, what is their major etc. types of questions. Then you can customize some of the examples/stories you use during the presentation.
It is good to research your audience and consider possible issues that may arise. If you already know your audience, ie: the classroom, it is always good to continue to "read" your audeince by eye contact and asking for feedback. No one class will be the same, you need to be flexiable and ready to "change it up" from time to time to fit the personality of the group.
Make sure that you know your audience. Knowing your audience will help in catering your presentation to them and what their interest are. If you present a topic in the presentation that is unfamiliar you would know to clarify or clear up the topic for the audience so the audience can stay interested and tuned in to the presentation.
Yes and sometimes finding out not only how much they know, how they feel, but also how much they care. Your first challenge may be in getting them to care about your topic.
Ryan
I think the best way is to understand the audience in terms of demographic makeup, level of knowledge about the subject, and where they might "stand" on the issue. I always try to consider what the frame of reference will be for the listener.
Know you audience and at what level they "fit into". You presentation should be at the level they need to operate at. Address problem if any that they need to work on and what is needed.
That is so true. Sometimes it can be difficult to gauge all aspects of your audience, but you can always get enough information to be able to customize your presentation. Good point!
When I teach, I like to use the first class period to evaluate my students to assess their learning styles. If I do not have the ability to do such when I am presenting, then when I create my presentation I try to incorporate everyone's learning styles into my presentation module.
Yes, some type of systematic analysis is great. Some brief, informal interviews or even a quick survey for them to complete. Great.
Ryan
I truly agree with idea of using a hook to gain your audience's attention. Most media outlets use this approach to sell products.
It is a good idea to gather information from people who will be attending your presentation. Solicit some input on their thoughts about your topic.
Researching the audience and adjusting accordingly is the best way.
Yes, in fact was just working with some students today on this very point. Never just start or start with a mundane statement (i.e. "okay..." "well, let's get started...") That hook is essential, then we need to make sure we do our best to maintain their attention.
Ryan
Absolutely & definitely important to find out the position or level of your audience. While you may speak on the same topic to a variety of audiences, the particular information or angle may be somewhat different based on these factors.
Ryan
These are all great ideas/suggestions for preparation. I especially want to highlight the need to find out if this is a voluntary or "mandatory" audience. This really does make a big difference in how you approach your audience.
Ryan
To customize a presentation to the audience you would first need to know your audience. Once you accomplished this, you should then review your presentation and pull out the parts that may be the most insteresting to them. For example, you may want to discuss a few topics in more detail. To do this you may add additional data or charts to the presentation. Maybe you determined that the audience would like the presentation afterword so you add a sign up sheet where you would then email the presentation.
The best way to customize a presentation for an audience is to research your audience. By finding out what the audience is interested in and what their position is you will be able to customize the presentation to what their particular interest and needs are.
