Here in the northeastern part of the United States, autumn has
arrived and winter is not too far behind.
How do I know? The leaves have
turned from green to gold and red, there is frost on the grass in the morning and
the days are getting shorter. Nature gives clues that signal the end of one
season and the coming of the next. These
signs tell me what to expect and they help me get ready to rake the leaves,
pull out my winter coat and set the clocks back.
When you present, you can be like Nature – and give your audience signs
as to what's coming next. When you set your
audience's expectations, it allows them to follow your message more
easily.
Introduction
- In your
introduction, share your message – what is the point of what you're going
to say and why is it important to them? If you're clear about you want
them to get out of your presentation, it's easier for them to focus on
hearing that message.
- It may help to
remind the audience how long you will speak. For example, you can say, "in the
next 10 minutes, I will share…" or " as we work together over
the next hour…" That clue helps
them to calibrate their time, especially if there is a full schedule of
presenters.
- Be clear in your
organization. Try to group your
material into a few sections to make it easier to follow. For example, tell the audience if you're
going to cover three case studies or four reasons or five steps.
Transitions
- Make it clear
how one section of your presentation is related to the next. Give the audience clues: are you
continuing in the same theme, presenting the opposite point of view,
focusing on a different company or talking about a different time period?
The End
is Near
- Give the
audience a sign that you're nearing your conclusion. For example, "the third and final
reason you should consider Jimmy's Jammies for all your pajama needs is… "
or "the last story that I'd like to share with you about the bride
and groom is…"
Don't Tease
- If you give a sign that you're almost done, for example, by saying "in conclusion…," don't go on for another 20 minutes. The audience will get restless and may stop listening.
If you act like Nature and give your audience signs and clues when
you speak, it will be easier for them to follow your presentation and make
sense of it. And setting their expectations will help them understand and
retain your message.