How do Millennials learn best? How abut Generation Xers? Our learning priorities and methods shift according to generation, but there are some essentials that will help everyone have a productive learning experience. Start with these tips to ensure that your programs are stimulating and help people draw connections in unique ways that aid in their recollection later.

It’s the difference between blank stares and the Aha! of understanding.

Many factors combine to create the ultimate learning experience. The key is to work toward audience involvement and participation. Here are some questions to consider when deciding how to customize your presentation:

• Who is going to be there? Know your audience members’ job responsibilities or special needs and what they’re expecting to do differently as a result of your presentation. If you can’t get the information beforehand, use an expectations activity or series of questions at the beginning of your presentation to understand their needs.
• What do they already know? It’s disheartening to hear a presenter lecture to an audience that already knows the content and call to action required. Leverage the expertise of your audience members by discovering what they already know about the content during your opening comments, and inviting them to share their wisdom and experience with the group at appropriate times throughout your presentation. “Mining the gold” in the room is a critical adult learning principle that will increase audience engagement and feelings of ownership.
• How can you create personal experiences? Always remember that relevant stories that elicit an emotional response will grab and hold the audience’s attention. Consider letting audience members guess the end of the story to increase motivation and track their learning. Stories and activities should be based on the same types of decisions, actions and environment that your audience will encounter on the job.
• “What’s in it for me?” Your audience will apply this filter to every word. From the moment you start speaking, your listeners will readily engage with information they personally find important. They will also disregard anything they deem unnecessary or superfluous.
• What happens afterward? Your challenge is both to share your expertise, and to change behavior or offer actionable solutions to a challenge they are experiencing. Identify these challenges in their environment as you prepare your presentation.

For even more practical, tested ideas for improving your presentation skills and professionalism, take a look at our look at Professional Presence in a Casual World, Communicating to Manage Performance, and Increasing Professional Effectiveness programs.

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