Whether speaking to a board room of 15 people or a classroom of 150, it is helpful to learn the magic of three. People remember things in threes, so for each point of a presentation or discussion, include three items to back up your statements. Why? Your material will be organized, making it easier to follow and remember.
Each of the three points should also be relatively equal in length. This will help your audience to focus on each point without daydreaming. Here’s an example I use in my High Yield Communication class:
“Today we’re going to talk about giving effective, articulate presentations. During our discussion, we’ll cover (1) presentation skills, (2) outlining a presentation, and (3) visual aids.”
Notice that the three points are brief and concise, giving my audience something to follow and telling them what to expect. Bonus tip: it also makes note taking for your audience a snap!
For more tips like this, attend my High Yield Communication class at Green River Community College, Kent Campus, on July 28 (6 to 8 pm). View the online catalog here.
