Characteristics, strengths & weaknesses - Talks, presentations & seminars
Talks and presentations to organised groups require planning and preparation. They are useful methods for stimulating interest, giving information and encouraging involvement in a future project. It is essential to know who your audience is and what their level of interest may be. Don't assume that, because you have been invited to speak to a group, they will all be attentive and supportive of your presentation. Variety in presentation and the use of visual material can help you get your message across. Always allow time for the group to have input through comment and questioning. Consider having a 'handout' as a reference or reminder of the key points of your presentation.
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Strengths
- can reach organised groups or established networks
- people in the groups tend to talk to others in the community about the presentation. Your reach therefore has a 'trickle down' to others
- they allow for questioning, clarification and input from the group
- established groups will usually assist with much of the organisation of your presentation (i.e. venue is usually set by them, invitations and publicising of the presentation is also done by the members of the group)
- they are helpful in networking and establishing relationships.
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Weaknesses
- will not reach large numbers unless a program of presentations is scheduled
are time-consuming if they involve presenting to many groups
- require interesting/entertaining speakers—or the audience may 'switch off'
require considerable time for preparation
- do not guarantee you will reach your target group if you are responding to an external request to give a talk
- need some form of print material to be distributed at the presentation, or many people will not take in all the information presented
- require skill and flexibility in timing to balance audience needs for discussion and speaker's needs to cover all the key issues.
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Page last updated: 27 February 2011
