Keep Your Audience Engaged by Sharing the Stage

Audiences find monologues boring. They’re no longer willing to sit for an hour while a single speaker drones on. The key to getting and holding their attention is having new things continually happen. You can keep your presentation lively by doing two things: Bring in other presenters. Invite other experts to join you on stage or by video. Or look for ways team members can play to their strengths. If your colleague Sam is quick on his feet, for example, have him lead the Q&A. Mix up your visuals. Alternate between slides and other media. Hang posters and exhibits on the wall. Use video to inject humor, boost credibility through testimonials, or clarify concepts with animated infographics. If you’re talking about a product, give a demo — hold it, display it, and allow people to interact with it. Adapted from the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations. Visit Harvard Business Re...