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Size Does Matter!
A presentation is a presentation right? It doesn't
matter whether you are speaking to 5 or 500 people . . . As long as you have a good presentation
it will work accordingly. Not quite!
One of the worst commonly overlooked details of
giving a presentation is the size of the audience. It is true that the content of the presentation
doesn't have to change because of the size of the audience, but the way it's communicated
should be quite different!
Check out the table below. Listed are the basics
of audience size and presentation needs/dynamics.
Audience Size and Needs
|
Small Group
(up to 6) |
Interactive Group
(up to 12) |
Structured Group
(up to 25) |
Big Room Group
(25+) |
Focus |
Audience
centered |
Content
centered |
Content/Speaker
centered |
Speaker
centered |
Visuals |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Targeted |
Limited, Easy-to-Read |
Small Group (Client Presentation, Work Groups)
When delivering to a group of this size, all of
your efforts should be focused on the individuals in your audience. Presentation style, pace,
visuals, and group interaction are dictated by your audience. Given the size of this intimate group,
it is imperative the audience feels important.
Interactive Group (Training Class, Department Meetings)
An interactive group demands different things than
a small group does. For one, the level of involvement with the audience diminishes. While audience
interaction is important, a high level of audience interaction is not possible. Instead, the content
of the presentation is most important. Visuals should be clear, concise, and help move your audience
to better understand the content objectives.
Structured Group (Sales Presentation, Shareholder Meetings)
The key to a presentation of this group size is
effectively communicating your message as a speaker with your delivery and visuals. Because
this type of presentation is very targeted and the audience knows this, visuals should be
specific to the main messages in the presentation.
Big Room Groups (Keynote Speakers, Luncheon Meetings)
If you are speaking to a large audience, you must
realize that people are there to see you speak. While the content of your presentation is
important, you are part of the reason why they are there. Consequently, it is extremely
important that your delivery by dynamic, simple-to-follow, and credible. Your visuals should
also be simple so that any audience member is able to see and understand anything that is projected.
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Basics
Delivery
