As a speaker at an event—virtual, live or hybrid, you will be competing for your audience’s attention. From smart devices and laptops to pastries and coffees, your audience will face any number of distractions.
If you do manage to win your audience’s undivided attention, well done. Though you are unlikely to keep it for long. According to research, people’s collective attention spans are shrinking. Our brains are so accustomed to frequent distractions and immediate gratification, activities requiring sustained concentration are becoming a drag.
As a speaker, you are not just competing with your peers and other thought leaders in your industry. You are competing for your audience’s attention with, well, everything and anything.
Channel your inner storyteller
Storytelling has emerged as a crucial technique for capturing and retaining audience attention and making complex ideas more relatable. Good storytelling is a hallmark of TED Talks and executive influencers around the globe.
In fact, neuroscientists have found that narratives activate multiple areas of the brain, making information more memorable and easier to recall. By using vivid imagery, incorporating personal anecdotes and creating relatable characters, we can channel universal human experiences and emotions—and make deeper connections with audiences.
Authenticity in storytelling is also key. Sharing personal stories about challenges and revealing vulnerability shows humility and can foster empathy from your audience.
Stories that paint a rich scene help us engage and process information faster. That is why it is important to incorporate visuals when possible into your presentation to make your narrative stronger and more impactful.
Harness interactivity and technology
Asking questions direct to audiences or leveraging live polls, group activities or breakout sessions are all great techniques to liven things up, stimulate debate and encourage engagement.
Videos, images and animations can help capture audience attention and make complex information more digestible. Speakers can transport their audiences to different environments or create interactive experiences using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Technology really is opening up a whole new world for speakers and audiences to explore.
Let your body talk
Researchers from ‘Science of People’ conducted a study of TED Talk audiences and discovered some remarkable insights. Researchers found a direct correlation between number of hand gestures and views. In the study, the speaker with the lowest-viewed TED Talks made, on average, half the number of gestures compared to the highest-viewed talks. Gestures, it seems, help you win attention on both a visual and emotional level.
The research also found people had already formed their impression of the entire talk in the first seven seconds of the video. Researcher Nalini Ambady says that for efficiency purposes, the brain makes very quick judgments of people within the first few seconds of meeting them. Typically, this happens before any words are exchanged. This underlines the fact that the way you take the stage, how you greet the audience and how you deliver your opening line are crucial. Vocal variety and smiling are also crowd-pleasers according to the research.
Amplify through social media
Social media allows you to connect with audiences before, during and after your presentations. By sharing clips from upcoming speeches or giving behind-the-scenes access, you can generate interest among potential attendees. During live presentations, social media offers real-time interaction between you and your audiences. After a presentation, social media acts as a channel for you to continue to engage your audience and amplify insights.
Embrace inclusivity, accessibility and diversity
Today’s presentations are expected to be inclusive and accessible. So be mindful that your audience may include many abilities, ethnicities, genders, geographies, races, sexualities; and socio-economic statuses.
Aim to use universal imagery and inclusive language. Provide written or visual examples that reflect diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Prepare for individuals who may experience deafness or reduced vision. For example, use large fonts and caption images and videos. The Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) at the University of Minnesota provides a more comprehensive breakdown of what you may want to consider.
If you are intentional about inclusivity, accessibility and diversity, you will create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This will encourage deeper audience connection, participation and engagement.
The battle for attention is on. In an era of short attention spans and constant distraction, it has never been so difficult to win your audience’s attention. Storytelling can transform speeches into captivating narratives that have a lasting impact. Technology can be leveraged to delight and engage. Inclusivity and diversity inspire fresh perspectives and ideas. By embracing innovative technologies, honing storytelling skills and fostering inclusivity, you can have a lasting impact well after the speech is over.
