Presentation Skills The STAR Moment
We all overestimate how much people remember of what we say.
Studies show that when people are asked what they recall immediately after an evening’s broadcast, very few spontaneously remember more than two news items. And these are newsworthy stories presented by professional broadcasters!
So how can you make sure that your messages are memorable? One of the most powerful methods is to use a STAR moment – include in your presentation “something your audience will always remember.”
Neuroscientists and cognitive psychologists say that good storytelling emerges from “violations of expectations.” The STAR moment does exactly this, surprising and hooking the audience’s attention so your message sticks.
Take a look at a famous STAR moment by Bill Gates, who in his TED talk opened a jar filled with mosquitos while talking about malaria to a room filled with potential donors.
I used this example while giving a 20-minute master class in Geneva on managing audience attention span.