The Dual Purposes of Oral Presentations: To Inform and To Persuade

The Dual Purposes of Oral Presentations

Oral presentations are typically made for two main purposes: informing and persuading. The speaker has a specific goal in mind that can vary based on the context of the presentation. Informing involves sharing information, knowledge, or explaining a concept to the audience. Persuading, on the other hand, aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint, take action, or support a specific initiative.

Informing: The Goal of Sharing Knowledge

Informing is a common purpose for an oral presentation. The presenter's aim is to educate the audience on a particular topic, share research findings, or update them on a project. This can be particularly effective when the presenter uses storytelling techniques, visuals, and practical examples to engage the audience. Effective informing presentations not only convey information but also make it accessible and relatable to the audience.

Persuading: The Art of Influence

Persuading is another significant purpose of an oral presentation. The goal here is to convince the audience to take a specific action, adopt a particular viewpoint, or support a specific initiative. A persuasive presentation often involves the use of arguments, data, and emotional appeals to influence the audience's opinions and behaviors. Persuasive presentations are crucial in contexts such as sales pitches, motivational speaking, or political campaigning, where the speaker aims to drive action from the audience.

Other Purposes of Oral Presentations

While informing and persuading are the primary purposes, there are other reasons for giving a presentation. These include:

To Entertain

Entertainment can be a crucial component of certain presentations, such as after-dinner speeches or best man's speeches. The goal here is to keep the audience engaged and interested, often through humor, anecdotes, or engaging stories. While entertainment is an important aspect, it should not overshadow the core message of the presentation.

To Influence

Influential presentations aim to change the audience's opinions or behaviors. These presentations often require a strong structure and a clear call to action. The presentation needs to inform, engage, and inspire the audience to take a specific action. An effective influential presentation leaves the audience with a clear message and a direction to follow.

To Make Money

Interestingly, the most financially rewarding presentations are typically those aimed at entertaining or influencing the audience. Informative presentations, while valuable, do not usually yield significant monetary rewards. This highlights the importance of engaging the audience emotionally and intellectually to drive success in the presentation.

Understanding Your Presentation

Before delivering an oral presentation, it’s crucial to understand the following elements:

Your Topic

Identify the core topic of your presentation. What is the main issue or idea that you want to convey?

Your Audience

Understand the background and interests of your audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations.

Your Aim

Determine whether your goal is to inform, persuade, entertain, or influence. Align your presentation content and style with your objectives.

Final Remarks

The true purpose of a presentation can vary widely depending on the speaker's motivations and the context of the presentation. While some presentations may aim to deceive for personal gain, it’s important to maintain a clear and coherent message. Ultimately, a successful presentation leaves the audience with a clear understanding of the issue at hand. If your audience can articulate the key points of your presentation later, it’s a sign that you’ve delivered a powerful and effective presentation.

By understanding the dual purposes of oral presentations—informing and persuading—and the other potential goals such as entertaining and influencing—you can design and deliver a presentation that resonates with your audience, engages their interest, and achieves your desired outcome.