PRESENTATIONS Michael: “We’ll ask PowerPoint.” Oscar: “Michael, this is a presentation tool.” Michael: “You’re a presentation tool...” - The Office, Season 4 Presentations, defined here as when we speak to a group of people with an intention to inform or influence, are critical in the workplace for providing status updates, getting formal approvals, and influencing behavior.1 Research shows that audience members start to check- out of any presentation topic (even if they’re interested in it) after 10 minutes2. One of the easiest ways to re-engage the audience is to add a little humor every 7 to 10 minutes. It makes the content more accessible, increases engagement, and is more fun for you. 1 Trainings, aka presentations for teaching a skill, start on page 41. 2 See Brain Rules. 31