Divided attention reduces the quality of attention and retention and therefore, long-term learning. Is this common sense of neuroscience? Actually, it’s both. If anyone in your audience is texting during your presentation, their attention is divided. The learning will be negatively affected despite their telling you that they can do both simultaneously.
Spaced learning is better than cramming. Have you ever heard a speaker say ‘I’ve got a lot more to cover so hold the questions. I will go through the rest quickly’. What’s the point if I don’t retain what is being presented? Any spacing is good.
Meaningful content is easier to remember. The speaker doesn’t create the meaningful links. You do. For this to happen, there needs to be a space or activity to allow you to make the links. You need to connect what is presented to your own life and experience. You need to make these links along the way. They need to be emotional links. You need to be saying ‘Aha’ often during the presentation or speech.
Emotion is a very important component of long term memory retention and learning. Negative emotions and memories seem to stick better but positive ones need to be invoked in a learning experience. A simple question can encourage this recall. ‘Do you remember a time when your manager complimented you for your work?’
So, make sure you have your audience’s full attention.
Create gaps in your presentation to allow people to reflect and connect.
Tell stories that generate positive emotions and connect these to your message.
I can assist you to do these with Public Speaking Coaching or Training. Learning to speak in public, confidently, can be a life time mission. You will be helping yourself and many others.
Contact me at www.paddyspruce.com.au if you would like help on this journey.
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