Increase Information Retention Through Recap

Information retention is key to any successful presentation, but with our fast-paced culture, your audience has probably moved on to their next thought within minutes of your presentation. One way to ensure your information is both heard and retained is through the use of recapping. Recapping your information will continually reinforce the key ideas you’re sharing and lock in that information for your audience to recall later.

At Ethos3, we believe in the power of the recap and have found 3 ways to recap with professionalism and class.

Recap often.
Many presenters know the importance of recapping at the end of your presentation, but a single recap is not enough to reinforce information for long-term retention. We recommend that presenters recap often by reinforcing your main ideas each time you introduce a new idea. By recapping each time you introduce a new idea, you are reminding your audience where you have been while showing them where you are going. It’s important to note that recapping does not mean repeating. Simply remind your audience of the key points you have shared and move on, so that it doesn’t feel like you’re rambling and repeating information.

Recap through stories.
Stories engage 7 regions of the brain, which ultimately results in more effective long-term information retention. By using stories to recap your main ideas, you associate an emotional response that will last long after you leave the stage. You will also bring your ideas to life and move them from hypothetical to reality. The key to an effective story recap is to use the same language that was used when introducing the idea. Simply work those statements throughout your story to illustrate the idea.

Recap and wrap up.
The final piece to a successful recap is perhaps the one presenters are most familiar with: the final recap. By recapping at the end of your presentation, you leave your audience with one final reminder of the content you have presented. This recap should be placed just before the call to action, and as with the two prior formats, the same statements must be used. Keep it short and to the point – simply remind your audience of what you have talked about before making the final push for your audience to take their next steps.

Recapping your presentation well is sure to result in increased information retention. It will help your audience stay connected long after you have left the stage. If you keep your recaps consistent and compelling, you will find that you are both inspiring and impactful as your information retention climbs.

Looking to learn more about how to knock your next presentation out of the park? Contact our team today to find out how we can help.

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