Audiences, Listen for These Core Presentation Elements

A presentation is a two-way street, like any kind of conversation. The presenter expects an attentive audience; the audience expects an engaging presenter. Presenters must form a clear and compelling outline of their content. They must exude authenticity and credibility. And they must fulfill a goal – whether it is to persuade, inform, or excite. Ultimately, the role of the audience is just as important as the role of the presenter during a speech, as Public Words discussed in a recent post. Here are the top 3 presentation elements audience members should listen for when attending an event:

Core Presetation Elements

1. The Structure

Did the presenter outline their main points before diving into the meat of the content? If listeners don’t know the roadmap of a message, clarity is diminished, as well as potential impact. An agenda sets expectations of the value the audience is about to receive. As such, it can be used to motivate listeners to stay focused. Why? Because the best part is yet to come. Audiences, listen for an explanation of where the presenter is in the speech, what direction he or she is headed, and where he or she wants to land.

2. The Stories

Did the presenter tell stories and rely on emotional triggers to create a connection with you and other members of the audience? When a presenter tells a story, it is a signal to listeners that the concept or point is important to remember. Take note of the stories a presenter tells throughout the course of their presentation. Indicate in your notes which points are emphasized by storytelling.

3. The Appeal

Finally, did the presenter include a call to complete a task at the conclusion of the speech? Did he or she explain an action for you to take? Were you directed to a website or given an email address to write down? All of the preceding items are only examples of the varying ways a presenter can craft an appeal. Listeners should keep their ears open for this particular component because it brings all of the presentation elements together. It reveals the ultimate purpose of the event.

Participants are likely to remember a presentation that includes the core components described above. A presenter’s primary object should be to achieve a narrative that includes structure, stories, and an appeal. An audience’s goal should be to get a tight grasp on the reason the presenter felt it was imperative to address them. Presenter and audience can work together to produce a durable message with the potential to transform the world.

Related Posts:

How to Open Up During a Presentation

3 Fool-Proof Ways to Personalize Your Presentations

The Secret to an Effective Presentation? Doubt.

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