Famous words spoken out loud by my grandmother at my 8th grade graduation in 1988, but they ring true for any speaker or presentation today.
Long presentations can quickly turn from informative to downright tedious, leaving the audience's attention waning and eyes glazing over. So, how can we prevent this snooze fest from happening?
A presentation should be like a good espresso – short, strong, and leaves you wanting more. Stick to the main points and trim the fat. Your audience's time is valuable, so don't waste it on unnecessary details or lengthy tangents.
Here are some of the significant impacts of a long presentation on your audience:
Engagement Levels: Initially, audiences may be attentive and engaged, however, as the presentation stretches on, attention spans can wane, leading to decreased engagement.
Retention of Information: While shorter presentations tend to be more memorable, longer ones can overload the audience with information. Without breaks or interactive elements, listeners can be overwhelmed and lose track of key points.
Fatigue and Boredom: Sitting through a lengthy presentation can be mentally and physically exhausting (see grandma’s outburst). As boredom sets in, your audience may start fidgeting, checking their phones, or even nodding off, diminishing the impact of the message.
Frustration and Impatience: If a presentation drags on without clear organization or a compelling narrative, audience members may feel frustrated or impatient. They may start to wonder when it will end or feel annoyed by the lack of concise communication.
Need help? Let’s talk before your next presentation.
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