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Content Organization
People have fragmented and chaotic thought processes, so you shouldn't organize your presentation in the same way that you think. Instead, organize your talk in the way that makes it as easy as possible for your audience to grasp your ideas.
Audiences retain more information at the start and at the end of your presentation; the messages in the middle tend to be forgotten fastest.
To capitalize on learning at the start of your presentation, use the direct method of content organization.
The Direct Method
- It states the main idea up front.
- You can quickly give the "bottom line."
Advantages to the direct method:
- It improves audience comprehension.
- It is audience centered.
- It is quicker.
Challenges to using direct method:
- We habitally use indirect (scientific method approach) in school.
- It takes effort.
- There is a lack of suspense.
To capitalize on learning at the end of your presentation, use the indirect method of content organization.
The Indirect Method
- It saves the main idea for the end
- It presents all the support material first.
Advantages to the direct method:
- The process allows for 'buy in' from the audience.
- It maintains the suspense.
Challenges to using the indirect method:
- It is more difficult to follow.
- It takes longer.
- It presents the key ideas at the time the audience may be least attentive.
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