One of my favorite audio delights is WBEZ’s curiouscity – a site that allows people to submit questions concerning Chicago and the surrounding region and then explores, reports, and informs listeners with answers. The website’s whole premise is based on our very human instinct, curiosity. From a young age, we begin surveying our environment and inquiring about how things work, why they work that way, etc. Curiosity typically drives our motivations and desires, incited our decision to work within certain fields, and build relationships with certain people.
When we become curious, the impulse is reflected deep within the structures of our brain. According to Torah Kachur, a science columnist at CBC, curiosity ignites three main parts of the brain: the ventral tegmental area, the nucleus accumbens, and the caudate. The first two structures play a pivotal role in the brain’s reward system, while the last region drives positive emotions in relation to acquired knowledge.
In a presentation situation, the level and type of curiosity displayed by both the audience and the presenter is capable of impacting the overall experience for both parties to the event.
Curiosity of the Audience
It’s expected that an audience of six-year-olds will be innately curious – a factor that bodes well for a presenter preparing a performance for them. But, the curiosity of adult audiences can vary widely, as the pressures and stress of daily life in society can oftentimes deplete many people’s capacity for inquisitiveness. In general, however, a curious audience will likely:
1. Retain more information
According to a recent study conducted by the University of California, curiosity enhances learning and improves memory. As the level of curiosity heightens, so too does the activity within the hippocampus – a region of the brain critical to the development of new memories. The researchers discovered this by testing volunteers and rating the extent of their curiosity regarding each question asked. In addition to assisting an audience in forming memories, the study found that 24 hours after the test, the subjects recalled the right answers for 71% of those questions that spurred the most curiosity. An audience will even remember facial expressions displayed during moments that especially pique their interest.
2. Be more attentive
TED Talk’s Chris Anderson said in a recent article from the Huffington Post that one of the most important aspect of any TED Talk is it’s ability to initiate curiosity.
“The way you make them want to come on the journey is to make them curious.” – Chris Anderson
In Chris’ opinion, this initiation should occur within the first 60 seconds of a presentation. He describes the narrative structure as a quest to solve a mystery – where the presenter and the audience will reach a resolution, together, by the end of the 18-minute talk. For example, Dan Pink started his 2009 TED Talk with a suspense-dripping introduction to his presentation topic – expertly drawing the audience’s attention. “I need to make a confession at the outset here. A little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret, something that I’m not particularly proud of,” Dan says. And he goes on for another 15 seconds with this vague flashback before filling in the gaps slowly throughout the rest of his talk.
3. Participate more in activities
Psychologists have determined two different theories that explain the ways individuals employ curiosity: state and trait. While state curiosity defines a more haphazard provocation of interest in reaction to some event or thing, trait curiosity entails a longer-lasting relationship with the behavior – so much so that it is a part of a person’s character. Those members of the audience with trait curiosity are much less prone to succumbing to fear – and therefore, will participate actively in presentation activities. For the members most attuned with state curiosity, a presenter can also easily engage them by crafting activities that involve the attainment of a reward, whether that be something as intangible as delight or as tangible as candy. In addition to higher participation in the activity itself, one study discovered that higher levels of trait curiosity enhance the relationships people develop with each other. For presenters, this could manifest in an overall presentation tone of positivity and teamwork.
4. Ask more questions
Since highly curious individuals are not typically stunted by fear of failure, Institute of Curiosity Cofounder Kathy Taberner suggested in an interview that they are more likely to ask several questions. For presenters, this could mean including Q&A sessions within a presentation. And studies have shown that an audience can pay attention to a presenter for about 7 minutes before beginning to tune out. So, it might be beneficial to respect the inquisitive members of the audience and really all members by including a Q&A session every 7 minutes, or even an activity.
Curiosity of the Presenter
In the same way that a curious audience reflects positively on an audience, a curious presenter is capable of providing an additional layer of finesse and creativity that attendees will treasure. A curious presenter will likely:
1. Introduce a new idea
Although there is a rift in the psychology field about whether curiosity originates within us or our external environment, the conflict does help explain how our motivations affect our behavior. Some psychologists believe that curiosity happens organically (this is drive theory). Others argue that individuals become curious after discovering a piece of information that contradicts their current perspective on a matter or their worldview. George Loewenstein, professor at Carnegie Mellon University, stated in 1994 that people need a foundation of knowledge in order to desire more. This means that curious people will likely read and view content that disputes their preexisting beliefs. A curious presenter, then, might be more apt to introduce a new idea to his or her audience.
2. Provide more knowledge to support statements
And because a curious presenter will peruse content examining several sides of an issue, it is probable that he or she will be better equipped to share more knowledge and a greater depth of understanding to an audience. The personality of a presenter could also dictate the type of information he or she shares. For example, Mind Trackers found that people who are explorers or communicators are more likely to have an interest in material novelty. Catalysts and seekers, on the other hand, are more interested in abstract subjects or concepts. A presenter driven by novelty will likely provide physical examples to illustrate points, while one driven by ideas will impart verbal examples.
3. Talk less, listen more
A curious presenter will not only be more open to answering questions, but he or she will also encourage discussion among audience members and between them and him or herself. The presentation will probably be more interactive and engaging – highlighted by an open exchange of information and ideas. An inquisitive presenter will yearn to learn more, just as much as an inquisitive audience will jump at the opportunity to ask questions.
The major takeaway? Train yourself to be more curious, if you aren’t already. If you presently consider yourself a curious person, then push yourself to explore even further. As an audience, it will provide you with the insight to ask more demanding and diverse questions. As a presenter, it will lead to well-rounded, valuable, and compelling presentation. And isn’t that always the result you want to deliver to your audience? For more information about how to harness your creativity and tips to a curiosity-inducing talk, check out the following articles:
Curiosity: The Secret to Your Success
How to Craft the Perfect Hook for Your Presentation
Championing the Unexpected in Storytelling
How to Create an Engaging Presentation
