» Help the Audience Understand the Information: The second general purpose of informative presentations is to increase the ways in which the audience can respond to the world. Whether the audience is interested in the topic before you present may be less important than the interest they demonstrate after the presentation. You audience analysis here should help you find out how much the individuals already know about a subject, so you do not bore the informed or overwhelm the ignorant. Narrow the topic so you can discuss an appropriate amount of material in the allotted time. Finally, apply your own knowledge to the task to simplify and clarify the topic. e Remember that audiences probably understand main ideas and generalizations better than specific facts and details. e Remember that audiences are more likely to understand simple words and concrete ideas than complex words and abstract ideas. e Remember that early remarks about how the presentation will meet the audience's needs can create anticipation and increase the chances that the audience will listen and understand. e Remember that audience members’ overt participation increases their understanding. You can learn by listening and you can learn by doing, but you learn the most, and so will your audience, by both listening and doing. Determine how to encourage your listeners’ involvement in your presentation by having them raise hands, stand up, answer a question, comment in a critique, or state an opinion. > Help the Audience Remember the Information: The third general purpose of informative presentations is to help the audience remember important points in your presentation. e How can you get listeners to retain important information? One method is to reveal to the audience members specifically what you want them to learn from your presentation. 14