From Communispond Inc. in an old issue of Communications Briefing. Select the best answer.
1. Controlling nervousness is the first concern of most executives when making a presentation. What is their second biggest worry? A) holding audience attention B) making a favorable impression C) knowing what to do with their hands
2. Is it generally a good idea to open a speech with a joke or funny story? A) yes B) no
3. When making a presentation or public speech, you should A) let your eyes sweep across the audience from side to side B) Look at one person long enough to deliver one complete thought, then move on to another individual and repeat the process C) Focus your eyes and voice on people sitting in the back row
4. Visual aids are an important part of a presentation because A) they jazz up your message B) they make you look good C) they heighten audience retention of your information
Answers:
1. C – use hand gestures to support your words
2. B – use humor only if it involves a personal experience, a joke on yourself or anecdotes and analogies that apply directly to your message
3. B – This is the only real way to keep their attention
4. C – Research shows that 80 percent of what we remember is visual
