Nine Basic Techniques to Gain and Keep an Audience's Attention

According to the authors of the text “Business Communication process and product” skilled presenters know how to gain an audience’s attention and how to keep it during a presentation. Here are nine verified techniques that have helped a large number of people.

A promise:

Start with a promise that will maintain the listeners expectant. For instance you can say that by the end of your speech you will prove your point clearly.

Eye contact:

When you start your presentation make sure you grasp every individual’s attention by making eye contact with each and everyone of them. Give yourself enough time to convince your audience to listen.

      

Drama:

Open your presentation telling a short story. Make an extended pause after key statements in your the story and try to change your voice inflection, such as your tone, this will give some dramatic elements to your story.

Steve Jobs shocked thousands of people with his life story.

Questions:

Maintain an active audience with some questions. Ask for opinions and never tell the audience they are wrong, give the answer of your question without offending the listeners.

Involved your audience with rhetorical questions...

   

Movement:

Do not stay in one place. Walk around the presentation circumference and do not give your back at them.

Moving is essential to capture the audience's attention

Samples:

If your presentation is related to advertise a product, it would not be a bad idea to give items related to the product or award people who contributes in your presentation. Be cautious to keep order though.

If you give samples make sure you do not lose the attention of the listener

Demonstrations:

It would be a good idea to involve a member of the audience to participate in a demonstration.

As the presenter keep your audience involved

Self-interest:

Review the presentation and make sure you give the audience a reason of why your presentation benefits them.

Visuals:

Slides or short videos can help you in the presentation. Give the listeners something to look at besides yourself to keep them interest in your topic.

Authors of the text:

- Mary Ellen Guffey

- Kathleen Rhodes

- Patricia Rogin

Summarized by Francisco Guevara.