EPSON | Presenters Online : Basics > Delivery > Planning Breaks During Presentations

Effectively planning breaks throughout a presentation keeps an audience alert and interested. As a general rule, you should take a 10-minute break for every hour you speak. Audiences get restless if you do not allow them to stretch, go to the restroom, return a page, etc. In addition, it is difficult for audience members to intently focus on your presentation for an extended period of time. By planning systematic breaks, you enable your audience to focus their attention on you.

Below are some planning tips for breaks.

Plan breaks at strategic points

While it is important to take a break every hour or so, don't stop midway through a key presentation point to take a break. Make sure you finish a point or topic and then take a break.

Set a return time

Don't tell your audience how long a break is. Instead, give them a specific time to return. This avoids any speculation.

Vary the lengths of breaks

Consider, for example, offering a 5-minute break after the first hour of a lengthy presentation. This allows your audience to get a drink of water and run to the restroom. Because the presentation has just begun, their "needs" should be minimal. Give them 15 minutes for the second break. This allows the audience to take care of more time-consuming items. When you allow your audience time to take care of their "outside" items, they can be more attentive and focused when they return.

Ask for their input

If you are unsure of your audience's needs, ask them how much time they need. In coming to a consensus about the break, you establish psychological agreement with them to return on time. It really does work!