Attention spans have shrunk in the TikTok era, so monotonous presentations no longer work. From a workshop with VPs at ISAR Aerospace: build in a “cut” every 2 to 3 minutes, a shift in style that resets attention. Alternate delivery formats, switch media, vary your voice, and add hooks such as an intriguing image, fact or story.
At ISAR Aerospace, one of Germany's most disruptive startups, I recently conducted a workshop focused on modern presentation skills for their VPs. The central theme was adapting our presentation techniques to the ever-shortening attention spans in today's TikTok era of short video stories.
In early Hollywood films, scene lengths (“takes”) were significantly longer than in modern movies. The drastic reduction in scene length over the years – from an average of 12 seconds to just 4 seconds – illustrates how our brains have adapted to process quicker, more frequent changes in stimuli.
Here's a dive into some key strategies we discussed to keep the audience engaged during the presentation:
1. The power of “Cuts”
In a world accustomed to fast-paced content, our presentations need to evolve. The biggest enemy of audience engagement is monotony. Most presenters fall into the trap of delivering content in a single, unvarying tone.
To combat this, we must incorporate variety and some dynamics into our delivery. For example a 'cut' every 2-3 minutes can significantly enhance audience engagement. This means introducing a change or shift in the presentation style to reset the audience's attention every few minutes.
2. Techniques for Effective 'Cuts'
- Alternate between different delivery styles. For instance, shift from a presented narrative to an interactive Q&A session, or from a lecture to a hands-on activity. This shift from passive listening to active participation re-engages the audience and increases retention.
- Use different media styles: Use videos, images, or texts that change the audience’s state from listening to you to watching/viewing/reading. These elements should serve as a refreshing change, not just filler content.
- Vocal variety: Modulate your voice by varying the speed, volume, and tone. A monotonous voice is a surefire way to lose your audience's attention. Instead, use your voice as a tool to maintain engagement
- Incorporate multiple hooks: Every few minutes, introduce an element that captivates attention, for example, an intriguing image, a provocative fact, or an engaging story. These 'hooks' are crucial to bringing back wandering minds.
Conclusion
The key takeaway from our workshop at ISAR Aerospace is clear: the traditional, monotonous way of presenting is no longer effective. As founders and leaders, we must adapt our presentations to meet the overstimulated minds of our current era.
By doing so, we ensure our ideas are heard, retained, and acted upon.
Frequently asked questions
Why do presentations need to change in the TikTok era?
Our brains have adapted to faster, more frequent changes in stimuli. Average scene length in films dropped from 12 seconds in early Hollywood to just 4 seconds, and a monotonous presentation quickly loses attention.
What is a “cut” in a presentation?
A change or shift in presentation style that resets the audience’s attention. Iskender suggests a cut every 2 to 3 minutes.
How can I create effective cuts in a presentation?
Alternate delivery styles, for example from narrative to Q&A or a hands-on activity, use different media such as videos, images or text, vary the speed, volume and tone of your voice, and introduce hooks like an intriguing image, a provocative fact or an engaging story.
