Yes, anything that can be added which breaks up the "routine" of the presentation is a great idea. Again, assuming it connects to the content of the presentation.
Ryan
I agree with Earl about adding something that stimulated the audience every couple of minutes. Using visuals such as the aid of a powerpoint presentation I find helps me keep my audience attention.
It is good to use a variety of methods in presenting a topic. In addition to the presentatio itself, incorporate visuals, personal stories, and engage your audience.
Observing an audiences reaction is very important. If you see a lot of crossed arms and people disengaged, it's time to step it up and integrate something "fun" into the speech to get the audience's attention. Even asking some engaging questions would be a good way to ofset the boredom.
Great point Scott re: identifying reason for losing the group. It may be something beyond your control, if so recognize/acknowledge that & move on. If it is something in your control, love the idea of using your "go to's".
Ryan
Yes, especially if the presentation is a longer one. And adding a good, short discussion question in here can be very helpful too.
Ryan
Establish/identify if a break is needed or what may be the reason for having lost the group. If it makes sense to break, do so. Otherwise, I tend to enjoy using my "go to" members to get discussion going that is different than simple lecture. Goal being to suck in those lost.
Take a break and pause...have everyone stand up and move around then sit back down and continue on with presentation
Great strategy. I too have found that my students really respond to my personal experience stories.
Ryan
When lecturing to my students and there attention starts to wonder I either tell them a story form when I was in the industry or take a small 5 minute break. This has worked well for me and refocuses ther attention for the remaining lecture.
A break is definitely a great idea when you have a longer presentation. The key is also to have an effective way to reengage them after the break.
Ryan
I too am a big fan of humor, & using my own life stories to maintain interest & to make a point.
Ryan
I use jokes throughout my presentation not just as an opener. Sometimes I also add in real life stories that help to keep people engaged.
I like to add breaks if the presentation is long. This way people come back refreshed and ready to focus rather than keep people in a room for extended periods of time. I don't like to present for more than one hour. I also have questions that I pose to the audience throughout the presentation. Survey's are another good way to get the audience back involved with the presentation.
I will try to stop periodically and review with them. If it is going to be a long presentation ask if they would like to take a 5 or 10 minute coffee break.
Great strategy, we definitely underestimate the power of stories. I was just speaking with a colleague yesterday about the growing interest among the business leadership community in the power of stories & story telling.
Ryan
I stop the flow of the lecture when I feel I am losing students and tell a story I feel they can relate to. This brings the audience back from wherever they went!
Eye contact is a great way to engage your audience & to keep them connected to you on a personal level.
Ryan
I always try and use eye contact to each person in the audience and tell a funny joke. By telling a joke everyone begins to laugh and gets hooked back into the presentation. Keeping eye contact through the room enables the people to feel contected to the presentation as well.
I too agree. I sometimes ask my students to stand up and stretch for a minute. Or to break up the monotony I ask each person to turn to their right and say hello to the person next to them. This can change the mood of the class especially if it is a morning presentation and students are still asleep!
