Who would actually be bothered to listen to me for more than 7 minutes ?? I certainly wouldn’t! Research has shown that people are losing focus and decreasing their attention span, possibly due to social media. When listening to someone speak, after around 7 minutes the audience begin to lose focus and stop consuming the message ?? To avoid this, we need variation! Every 7 minutes make sure your presentation has some form of variation, whether that is in the form of a video playing, and interactive icebreaker, or involving one or the whole audience in an activity ?? One of my non-negotiables when I present is the 7 minute rule and so should one of yours if you want to keep your audience actively listening and engaged ??

To ensure my presentation fits the time slot, I outline key points and allocate specific time to each section, factoring in transitions and audience interaction. I practice multiple times with a timer to gauge pacing and adjust content as needed for clarity and brevity. If time runs tight, I prepare backup materials like a concise summary or visuals to convey essential points quickly. This structured approach helps me stay on track while keeping the audience engaged.

To make sure your presentation fits the time slot, start by planning your content and internalise it. Focus on the main points that are most important for your audience to hear. Break your content into clear sections, like an introduction, main ideas, and a conclusion. Practice speaking out loud to see how long each part takes, and adjust if needed - cut out extra details that aren’t necessary. Finally, rehearse a few times to make sure everything fits within the time you have. This way, you’ll stay on track and finish on time!

In tackling the art of timing for a major presentation, one must first recognize that precision is paramount. Begin by structuring your content into clear, digestible segments, each with its own time allocation. Practice rigorously, not merely to memorize but to internalize the rhythm of your delivery. Always build in buffer time, for discussions or unforeseen delays, while maintaining an unhurried pace. Pausing deliberately at key moments lends gravity to your message. Remember, brevity is an ally leave your audience wanting more, not wishing it had ended sooner. Mastering time, like mastering words, reflects your respect for the audience's attention.

Define Your Key Messages: Identify the main points you want to convey. Focus on a few key messages to keep your presentation concise and impactful. Create an Outline: Organize your content into a structured outline. This helps you visualize the flow and allocate time to each section. Time Each Section: Estimate how much time you’ll spend on each part of your outline. Include time for introductions, transitions, and Q&A if applicable. Practice Aloud: Rehearse your presentation multiple times. Timing yourself will give you a better sense of how long each section takes and where you may need to adjust.