What are some best practices for reducing noise in group presentations?

2 Choose the right channel

The channel is the medium or mode of communication that you use to convey your message. Depending on the situation, you may use oral, written, visual, or nonverbal channels, or a combination of them. Choose the channel that best suits your message, your audience, and your purpose. For example, if you want to show complex data or graphs, use a visual channel like a slide show or a handout. If you want to emphasize emotion or tone, use an oral channel like a speech or a video.

3 Adapt to the situation

The situation is the physical and social setting of your communication. It includes factors such as the location, the time, the noise level, the audience size, and the expectations and norms of the communication. Adapt to the situation by adjusting your delivery, your style, and your content accordingly. For example, if you are presenting in a noisy or crowded room, speak louder, slower, and more clearly. If you are presenting to a diverse or unfamiliar audience, use simple, respectful, and inclusive language.

4 Use feedback

Feedback is the response or reaction that you receive from your audience or your group members. Feedback can help you monitor and improve your communication by indicating whether your message is received, understood, and accepted. Use feedback by asking questions, observing nonverbal cues, soliciting comments or suggestions, and acknowledging or clarifying any issues or concerns. Feedback can also help you build rapport and trust with your audience and your group members.

5 Avoid distractions

Distractions are any external or internal factors that divert your attention or your audience's attention from your message. Distractions can come from the environment, such as noise, temperature, or lighting; from the technology, such as malfunctioning equipment, pop-ups, or notifications; or from the speakers, such as fidgeting, mumbling, or digressing. Avoid distractions by checking and testing your equipment, turning off or silencing your devices, maintaining eye contact and posture, and staying focused and on topic.

6 Review and revise

After you finish your presentation, review and revise your communication by evaluating its effectiveness, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and applying any feedback or lessons learned. Review and revise your communication by asking yourself or your group members questions such as: Did we achieve our purpose? Did we meet our audience's needs and expectations? Did we encounter any noise or barriers? How can we improve our communication for future presentations?

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?