4
MISTAKE: HAVE YOUR
AUDIENCE LEARN ONLY IN
THE ROOM THE Y ARE IN.
Studies show that learning
happens better if it happens
in two or more places. When I
can, I ask my audience to pair
up and walk outside the room
for several minutes, discussing
what they are learning and how
they’ll apply it. If you’re worried
your audience might not come
back or there’s no good place to
roam, ask them to talk about it
elsewhere, or send them more
information when they are
somewhere else.
5
MISTAKE: DON’T USE SLIDES.
John Medina, PhD, author of
Brain Rules, writes: “Hear a
piece of information, and three
days later you’ll remember 10
percent of it. Add a picture and
you’ll remember 65 percent.”
MISTAKE: NEVER REPEAT
YOURSELF. Failing to repeat
key points is failing to take
advantage of the science
of memory, which is clear:
Repetition causes learning.
Repetition causes learning.
2
MISTAKE: HAVE YOUR
AUDIENCE SIT THE WHOLE
TIME. Studies suggest
that bodies in motion
produce more brain-derived
neurotrophic factor, which you
can think of as a learning aid.
Ask your audience if they are
willing and able to stand up
to indicate agreement, rather
than raising their hands.
3
MISTAKE: END WITH Q&A.
Don’t get me wrong, Q&A
rocks. But it’s a mistake to
end with it. Why? Because
of what scientists call the
peak/end rule of memory.
Your audience is most
likely to remember the
most emotionally intense
moment—the “peak”—
along with your ending.
So, don’t hand your best
learning moment over to the
randomness of audience
questions. Take questions,
but then end with your most
important information.
No-Brainers
Five ways to RUIN your talk
based on brain science
Let’s explore the science behind some common mistakes
that could make speakers less than successful.
SCOTT CRABTREE
uses speaking, coaching,
consulting, and games
to help people apply
science to thrive at
work. His repeat clients
include DreamWorks,
Boeing, Intel, HP, and
Nike. Learn more at
HappyBrainScience.com.
