No matter how important or valuable the information, your presentation will never reach its full potential if the audience isn’t engaged. To persuade, spark inspiration and encourage action, speakers must tell a captivating story that keeps people invested the whole way through.
While that might sound intimidating, there are a range of techniques that help you get the most out of any presentation. Here are nine engaging presentation tips that can help keep audiences focused on your key message.
1. Stick to the 10-minute rule
Though everyone’s attention span differs, most people can only concentrate on a single topic for a limited time before their mind begins to wander. What’s for dinner? When do I need to leave to pick the kids up from school? Did I feed the dog this morning?
The 10-minute rule of presentations aims to keep audiences engaged by structuring content in 10-minute blocks, using different engagement strategies for each block. Some of these include:
- Asking a question that stimulates audience interaction
- Showing a relevant video clip Sharing a unique and pertinent anecdote
- Presenting the audience with a problem to tackle, such as analysing a diagram or thinking critically about a photo
- Turning your screen off for a few minutes so that there’s nothing else to focus on but you.
Consider switching things up by presenting one segment through a different medium, such as by writing on a flip chart or whiteboard, or, if virtual, opening a chat room. Sameness begets boredom; a change, however minor, can recapture and refocus attention.
2. Use images
In “Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School, Dr John Medina emphasises: “Vision trumps all other senses.” This principle underscores the power of visual memory over mere auditory recall. Specifically, Medina says that when we hear a piece of information, three days later we’ll remember only 10% of it, but if we add a picture, we’ll remember 65%.
That’s why it’s important to ditch long-winded speeches and text-heavy slides. Try to spice up your presentations with relevant, compelling images and ensure that your slides complement your speech, instead of overpowering it. Your message should still drive the conversation but adding photos, infographics, and using succinct bullet points helps keep the audience engaged.
3. Use visual storytelling
Bullet points have long been a staple in presentations. This concise format can help presenters clearly communicate key ideas, making it easier for audiences to follow along and grasp the main points.
Yet, as efficient as they are, bullet points can also appear dull or monotonous, with lists potentially coming across as overwhelming if not used judiciously. Transforming conventional bullet points into captivating visuals that elucidate each point keeps audiences interested.
Features like SmartArt in PowerPoint and Google Slides are a great way to elevate lists beyond text. Pointing out a financial downtrend? A downward-sloping arrow adorned with a dollar sign may be more impactful than a simple bullet. You may also want to search external sources for unique images and gifs that will give your presentation a distinctive edge.
4. Honour the audience
Every individual attending your presentation brings a unique perspective, and recognising this can be a powerful tool for engagement. By acknowledging the collective experience and expertise in the room (or virtual space) and bringing the audience’s attention to themselves, you validate their presence and foster collaboration.
Consider using a simple statement like: “I know there is a great deal of expertise in the room. I encourage you all to share your insights with the rest of the group as we explore this topic.” This creates a two-way communication channel that keeps your audience engaged and makes your presentation more dynamic and inclusive.
You can also encourage collaboration and engagement by posing interactive questions that allow the audience to share perspectives, or by allocating a portion of the presentation for open feedback.
5. Keep the cameras on
For online presentations, it’s extremely easy for audiences to tune out the presenter. All it takes is turning off the camera, muting the microphone, and “listening” while doing something else, then chiming in occasionally as needed. Most of us have done it, whether we'd like to admit it or not.
To spark conversation and ensure engagement levels remain high, encourage everyone to keep their cameras turned on. If audience members know they’re being seen by others, they may be more likely to remain connected to the presentation.
Of course, if the participant size is large enough to slow down bandwidth and make it hard to present, it might be necessary to allow a “cameras off” approach.
6. Use alternatives to lecturing
Traditional lectures, while informative, can be dry enough to lose an audience’s attention. Varying your presentation method can keep attendees more engaged, especially if it encourages active participation.
For instance, instead of just speaking, why not use a mind map to visually map out your points? Consider drawing one on a flip chart as you speak, animate it within your slides, or employ mind-mapping software for a more dynamic and interactive experience. Visual aids capture attention and foster comprehension, although you may want to experiment with different formats to find out what works best for your presentation style and audience.
7. Connect the dots for people
There’s more to a cohesive presentation than just sharing data; it should guide your audience through an engaging narrative. This reduces cognitive load and makes it easier to follow along.
Your audience should be able to trace the journey from where you started to where you’re headed. Use clear signposts and transitional phrases, such as, “Having discussed the first reason, let’s move onto the second...” to help set the context.
It’s also important to answer the underlying “so what?” that will linger in the minds of some listeners. Transitions that help people understand why they should care include:
- “The next point is pivotal for our project’s success...”
- “The one thing I would like you to remember is...”
- “Why does this matter to our company?”
- “What implications does this hold for us?”
These segues can make content more digestible and recapture the attention of anyone who might be drifting off.
8. Learn the art of the question
If you want to keep your audience engaged, aim to make your presentation a two-way street. The right questions can turn a monologue into a dialogue by drawing out attendee insights. Open-ended questions have a way of sparking deeper discussions by pushing your audience to reflect and respond.
That said, spontaneity can be challenging. It’s a good idea to have a repertoire of questions to draw from as needed. Here are a few go-to questions to consider keeping in your pocket:
- “What led you to this conclusion?”
- "How would you explain this to someone unfamiliar with the topic?”
- “How does this relate to...”
- “Could you give me an example of what you mean?”
And, of course, sometimes the most potent prompt is also the simplest: “Tell me more.”
9. Time your presentation well
While content and presentation structure are crucial, the time of day you present also determines how attentive and receptive your audience is. Our energy and attention levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Right before or right after lunch, for instance, people might either be too hungry to concentrate or too full to stay alert, inadvertently becoming distractions.
Keep in mind that every audience is different, so always consider the specific needs and routines of your attendees. Some groups might be more receptive in the late afternoon, while others prefer early mornings. Know your audience and try to choose your time slot accordingly.
The bottom line
It‘s a privilege to have people listen to us. With that privilege comes a responsibility to deliver our information in a stimulating and intellectually engaging way. Consider devoting some time to learning how to improve your presentation skills, from devising an engaging presentation structure to figuring out how to elicit audience feedback.