The audience memory curve summarizes research on what an ordinary presentation audience is most likely to remember from the presenter's messages. In communication strategy, it is important to use direct approach in the beginning of a presentation. This is where the audience remembers most of the ideas presented. Use and deliver ideas in descending importance order. Leave the second most important message to last.
If indirect approach is used then the ending of the presentation should conclude the main idea as a solution.
The audience memory curve is important when planning effective corporate communication.
Famous quotes containing the words audience, memory and/or curve:
“When I am on a stage, I am the focus of thousands of eyes and it gives me strength. I feel that something, some energy, is flowing from the audience into me. I actually feel stronger because of these waves. Now when the play’s done, the eyes taken away, I feel just as if a circuit’s been broken. The power is switched off. I feel all gone and empty inside of me—like a balloon that’s been pricked and the air’s let out.”
—Lynn Fontanne (1887–1983)
“His memory is like wares at the auction—going, going, and anon it will be gone.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“And out again I curve and flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on forever.”
—Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)