As a performer, do you also find it challenging to hold the audience’s attention? According to surveys students remember only 70% of the first 10 minutes of a performance, and their active attention decreases significantly thereafter. Which techniques can be used to keep the attention of your listeners as effectively as possible? In this article, we are looking for the answers with different methods and the latest technologies.
1. Break the ice
Whether it’s a morning, evening or daytime lecture, we interrupt our students’ day and their activities. It’s a good idea to break the monotony by starting with a personal, thought-provoking or even funny story to draw their attention to your message. If you meet the audience for the first time, it is a good idea to introduce yourself in the beginning, so that they can connect to you more easily. This way you can get the audience in the mood for the topic and draw their attention to you from the beginning.
2. Make spectacular slideshows
An attractive slideshow with appropriate visual elements, colors and font style is also necessary. Not only does it support your message, but pictures and diagrams reduce mental effort, as maintaining attention becomes self-acting. It is a common mistake to put too much emphasis on the slideshow, as dialogue, quick reactions and a direct atmosphere all make a presentation enjoyable!
3. Activate the audience
Students’ attention slows down after a few minutes. The best way to activate them is if you make the lecture interactive, as it motivates the listeners to think and form opinions as well as pay attention. We can ask them questions about their views and opinions on the subject, which can lead to valuable dialogues, while making the lecture a more lasting experience.
4. Take small breaks
The active attention period is about 30 minutes from the age of 14, so one of the most useful pedagogical methods is to take small breaks during the lecture. Give the students a 3–4-minute joint task, show a relevant film scene or a video. Always keep in mind that these short breaks are not a waste of time, but an opportunity to work together more effectively and learn more.
5. Involve the students
Technology developments have opened many new possibilities in both online and offline presentations by new presentation software supporting interactive presentations. Instructors can use more and more methods or tools for involving students in the lecture. Create a quiz with 4-5 questions, start a vote to solve disputed questions, or ask a follow-up question on more complicated topics.
How to make an interactive presentation?
Maintaining attention and engaging the audience during a performance is a real challenge. But with the latest teaching methods and tools, you can easily break the ice, create spectacular slideshows and engage your audience. Vivicon’s user interface – recognized by university instructors/professors also – provides easy editing options to create your spectacular and interactive presentations, which in itself is a good basis for a successful presentation.
Are you tired of quiz questions? No problem. You can choose from a range of interactive question types, including the poll function which helps to find the right solution in disputed issues based on the audience point of view.
Keep your listeners’ attention and get them involved in your presentations with Vivicon! Choose the latest teaching methods to make your interactive presentation a favorite of your audience!
