Pesticides and Risk Communication PPP-52 - Purdue Pesticide ...

your time frame. For example, limit your presentation to perhaps half
the allotted time and spend the remainder listening to your audience
and addressing their specific anxieties. Draw them into the subject.
Listen to them. Carefully. Discuss their concerns candidly. They will
remember who you are, and they will seek you out the next time they
have concerns. You will depart with new friends, new contacts. And they
will, too.
You’ve Got 20 Minutes to Set the Hook
The human brain works in cycles of attentiveness and inattentiveness,
and the attention span of the learner generally is about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, attention often is diverted elsewhere, and a
period of inattentiveness may prevail for several minutes before the
brain refocuses on the speaker. This cycle can repeat several times
during a 60-minute presentation, but adding a twist to your delivery
every 15 to 20 minutes helps rejuvenate your listeners.
State Your Purpose
Continually remind people what you are trying to accomplish and
where you are in the program.
What Did You Say? I Can’t Hear You!
Always use a microphone in a large room. It is important that everyone
is able to hear your presentation without difficulty.
Connect the Dots to the Bigger Picture
Think of the issue in stages or steps, and present them in order—but
don’t be boring! Explain and demonstrate the logical steps in drawing
valid conclusions. Impress upon the audience the basics of reasonable,
accurate risk assessment; that is, replace the mystery component with
knowledge and technique.
What I Know About Pesticides
Comes from DDT and Agent Orange
Offer complete information on the benefits and risks of the pesticide
being discussed. Most issues involve trade-offs, so present both ends of
the spectrum and encourage discussion. Conclude by summarizing
what has been addressed and offer your own slant, if appropriate;
sometimes it is better left to the audience to form their own conclusions.
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