Introduction
The purpose of this memo to summarize the article by outlining its main points and further discuss my reaction to the outlined points discussed.
Discussion
Presenting a talk to any given audience is very challenging as it is important to capture the audience attention in the first one minute of the presentation otherwise they would not be interested in what your are trying to put across. The articles main points are divided into six (Ballaro, 2003, p. 9-10):
Make it personal: the presenter should ensure that he or she considers the audience needs, interest and motivation.
Throw out a quirky fact: this involves quoting or citing a fact or statistics that supports the subject under discussion.
Put the audience on the edge of their seats: this involves raising the audience’s curiosity at the beginning of the presentation as this would enable them to anticipate for more information as well as participate in the discussion.
Draw a hypothetical scenario: this could either be a real or imaginary life experience that could either be positive or negative in nature and could either has happened in the past or will happen in the future.
Create a series of vignettes: this involves a powerful statement that arrests the audience attention and sets a dynamic tone for the discussion.
Use a pertinent quote: this could either display humor or irony and attracts the audience perspective.
Perceptions
I concur with the discussed points in the article because any form of communication (in this case presentation) should be audience centered. The society has really advanced and several studies have been done to ensure communication takes place effectively. It is upon a presenter to find the most captivating quote for just about any topic and as well as know different strategies to engage the audience from the internet. It is important for a presenter to be aware that an introductory statement should not only provide an overview of the discussion but also convince the audience that the discussion is relevant to them and should therefore pay attention.
Synthesis
Findings from research studies indicate that a presenter should first distinguish the audience so as to effectively give a powerful and persuasive presentation. Audiences’ classifications are wide ranging including children or adults; young or old; male or female. This sort of information is vital in order to address the audience needs, desire, outlook and levels of understanding to match the presented message. By delivering a message that is in line with the audience perspective enables the presenter to influence their thoughts and persuade them to accept your suggestion which is usually the goal of making the presentation.
Personal experience
As an audience in academic, social and professional setups, it has been my experience that some lectures are boring while others are very interesting. All this is tied to how the presenter introduced the discussion in a manner that attracts my attention so that I can concentrate all through the discussion. Several lectures that engage audience participation in a constructive exchange of ideas and opinions are successful in influencing people’s thoughts and ultimately the discussion’s message.
Conclusion
Despite the type of introduction that a presenter chooses to use, the bottom line is it should be enthusiastic. The presenter should show interest in the subject of discussion so that the audience has a reason to pay attention. It is important to practice the presentation several times before the actual day since there is no second chance to create a first impression.
References
Ballaro, B. (June, 2003). Six ways to grab your audience right from the start. Harvard Management Communication Letter.
