Keep in mind, my only training experience is technical — computer related. One of the reasons that it is done at the beginning of many courses is so that the attendees can get to know one another. I have found that classes who discuss things gain more from the training. This is especially true for training/presentations delivered over the Web. Without the interaction you wouldn’t know who else is on the phone.

Before I started teaching I hated having to do the introduction;) Now I see it for what it is. It is a chance to find someone who may be dealing with the same set of issues that you are — someone who may be able to help you. Keep in mind, my background is highly technical computer training. Our students like to know who in class is using environments similar to theirs. I think that makes a difference.

I have seen many cases where a student filled-out a survey and stated they most wanted to learn about ‘A’ but when we did the introductions their priority had changed to ‘B.’ This is usually because an “issue” popped-up the day before they left for training.

When I ask a question at the beginning of a presentation it is usually to get the audience thinking about a certain idea or concept. Typically, these are rhetorical. That being said, if you are going to do this you best be prepared to handle an unexpected answer. I don’t do it every time that I present, but I do use it quite often.

However, whenever possible, I think that this should be done before the presentation. Last week, I went on a training course (as a participant) and the trainer spent half an hour finding out from each of the 20 participants what we wanted to get out of the course. This was wasted time from my point of view as a participant.

This may be an extreme example, but it is now easy to gather information about the knowledge levels and interests of the audience beforehand. Put together a questionnaire on your website and ask members of your audience to fill it in beforehand. For an example see http://www.effectivespeaking.co.nz/generic-tna.html.

I agree with your point that there are no hard and fast rules in presenting – it does make it fun.

I typically ask questions at the beginning of my presentations. It allows me to change the presentation based on real time feedback. Granted, you have to be pretty confident in your knowledge of the topic, and your ability to handle an audience, to do this effectively. Having the ability to change content on-the-fly usually makes the presentations better. At least I believe that it does.

I like comment #2. The habit of saying “great question” is a great one to avoid. I think that people do it because they are nervous and want the audience members to like them. The problem, as Olivia states, is that if you forget to do it you are telling the entire audience that THAT specific question wasn’t great. You may insult an audience member.

One of the things that makes presentation so interesting is that there are no hard and fast rules. There are people out there who can make anything and everything work. It is fascinating…

I am enjoying your blog.
Jeff

I definitely believe in asking questions, but I think you are probably right that they shouldn’t be asked at the beginning.

I know exactly the sort of waffling that you are talking about. It is then the presenters job to make sense of the comment or to redirect the conversation. This is tricky.

Speakers need to be on top of their game, which is impossible if they are overly nervous.

Thanks for the food for thought.

Terry Gault