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At Triffid, we believe passionately that the most effective corporate communication is directly influenced by the world around us. And it’s clear that some of the world’s best communicators are found not in the boardroom, but the classroom. Every day, teachers use a multitude of strategies and techniques to inspire and engage audiences differing wildly in ability and motivation. So, let’s get learning…

1. Begin with clear objectives
   Without the focus of clear co-ordinates, a presentation is at risk of being capsized at any moment by confusion, misunderstanding and disinterest.
2. Settle your audience with something fun
   The nervous system is tuned to respond strongly to the unexpected and weakly or not at all to the predictable. Throw in something unexpected and fun at the start to grab the attention of your audience.
3. Differentiate content and delivery
   The best teachers ensure that, through differentiation, everyone’s learning needs are catered for. The corporate world should be no different – know your audience.
4. Take control…
   Although most corporate audiences should be civilised enough not to hijack your presentation with name-calling and paper-throwing, there is certainly scope for employing basic classroom management techniques in the boardroom.
5. …but allow interaction!
   Educational research suggests that pupils remember 20 per cent of what they read, 30 per cent of what they hear, 40 per cent of what they see, 50 per cent of what they say, 60 per cent of what they do and 90 per cent of what they experience by reading, hearing, seeing, saying AND doing. Why should you expect your clients or colleagues to be any different?
6. Vary tone and volume
   The best prepared and structured lessons can be undone by the dreaded monotone. Varying the tone and volume of your voice to indicate a whole range of emotions brings a lesson – and a presentation – to life.
7. Keep lots of eye contact
   Making and keeping eye contact is an essential part of audience engagement. Through eye contact, you can enthuse others, receive instant feedback on what you’re saying and adjust accordingly and, perhaps most importantly, you give the impression that you are talking directly between individuals, no matter how many people there are in the room.
8. Keep up a good pace…
   Pace is key to great teaching. We’re not talking about racing through lessons at breakneck speeds, but a clear and logical progression from one idea or message to the next, delivered with passion and enthusiasm. The same principles should be applied to any corporate presentation.
9. …but check the audience is still with you!
   The best teachers don’t stick rigidly to their plans, they continually monitor live feedback from their pupils and adjust content and delivery accordingly.
10. Tick off objectives in summary
    The plenary is hugely important in ensuring that your audience, whether Year 8 English or a team of senior managers, takes away the messages that you WANT them to take away.
    

Bill