A recent research study looked into the retention rates of meeting attendees. Retention rates were captured under three distinct meeting structures: presenter only, visual demonstration only and a balance of both a presenter and visuals.
The research revealed the following retention rates after 3 hours and 3 days, respectively:
Time Lapsed |
After 3 Hours |
After 3 Days |
Presenter Only | 70% | 10% |
Audio/Visual Only | 72% | 20% |
Presenter and Audio/Visual | 85% | 65% |
Another recent study, undertaken by the University of Edinburgh, asked respondents to select emotion terms that they thought would be frequently perceived in a meeting. The top answer – mentioned from more than two third of the participants – was “boring”. Attractive audio and visual techniques, such as whiteboards, flipcharts and handouts, will draw and maintain the attention and consideration of participants.
Including audio and visuals into your presentation can have a great impact and, when used and managed properly, can be your best friend. A visual is anything you show to your audience to aid them in understanding the point of your presentation. Visual aids are particularly important when the content makes demands on the attention or understanding of attendees, either because the data is highly technical or because the information is new and unfamiliar.
In our recent blog titled ‘Training Consultants Guide: How to Facilitate Effective Meetings’, it is suggested you first determine the purpose of the meeting. The same principle of behavior stands true when preparing for presentations. Too often, professionals begin essential presentations with no clear structure, resulting in a failed attempt to have content properly ingested.
Read how you can become a professional at facilitating effective meetings.
Once the purpose and goal of the presentation is determined, a balanced combination of audio and visual techniques can help reinforce the material. Although the purpose of the techniques will vary in form and intention, there are essential features all techniques should posses.
They should:
The main thing to consider when choosing visual aids for your presentation is whether or not the visual adds to, or distracts from, your central objective. You should justify every visual you use from the audience's point of view. Be sure to design your presentation with a doable goal ("My audience will learn three ways to design a corporate training program") and then choose audio and visual techniques that speak specifically to your key points.
DOWNLOAD your free Learning Consultants Top 16 Audio/Video Techniques Checklist to help enhance your performance and control during your next presentation.
Benefits of Audio/Visuals: