The results of a new survey into presentation tools and behaviour indicates a growing marketplace for interactive technology outside the education sector, revealing that over one in ten professionals (12%) use interactive technology to support their presentations.
Steve Dracup, managing director of research sponsor, Promethean AV Distribution, explained: The adoption of interactive solutions in new markets is clearly growing, and represents a major opportunity for our resellers, particularly in sectors such as health and the emergency services where visual display is critical.
The survey, which looked at a representative sample of 2000 people, was undertaken by YouGov on behalf of interactive technology distributor, Promethean AV Distribution, and presentation coaching leaders, The Confident Club.
Dracup elaborated: As a major player in the interactive presentation market, we realised we needed a more accurate picture of public awareness and use of interactive technology in a corporate context. The results have surprised us and indicate that take-up of interactive tools in the adult presentation and training environment is accelerating.
While further research is needed to establish exactly where the technology is being used, with 48% of respondents stating that they are required to give presentations as part of their work, the sample is a credible one.
Part of the rapidly expanding UK headquartered Promethean Technologies Group, Promethean AV Distribution is responsible for channel supply of a wide portfolio of interactive solutions including the companys simple to use product set the PRESENTA range.
In 2004, 15% of products distributed via Promethean AV Distribution were sold outside the education sector, compared to just 5% in 2003. End users of interactive technology in the corporate sector included Barclays Bank, Grant Thornton, and ICO Solutions, as well as increasing installations for emergency services and the military.
The benefits of interactive technology that have been proven in education such as increased audience involvement and retention of material are just as relevant to the adult training and presentation environment, explained Dracup. The idea of one way communication where delegates are passive recipients of information is increasingly being recognised as out of date and ineffective, and people are turning to interactive technology as a way of engaging their audience.
The survey also showed that speaking in public is the number one fear: 42% of Brits dread presenting to a large audience more than dying (28%), losing their job (16%) or parenthood (4%).
People have to give presentations as part of their job and a third of respondents believe that better presentation skills would equate to faster career progression, reported Dracup. One of the keys of interactive technology is that it makes presenting material fun and innovative. While it will never be the whole answer in terms of transforming peoples attitudes to presenting, the experience of users so far shows that it can contribute positively to transforming a presentation environment.
YouGov Survey Results:
Presentation tools used by UK professionals when speaking to large audiences:Percentage (%) who responded positively to having used each tool*
Overhead projector 61
Flipchart 59
PowerPoint and laptop 52
Whiteboard 47
Interactive presentation technology 12
None of these 15
*Responses account for the 48% of respondents who give presentations as part of their work
Top UK Fears:
Percentage (%) of UK public to list as a fear
Speaking in public 42
Heights 34
Death 28
Spiders 24
Confined spaces 21
Unemployment 16
Flying 8
The dark 4
Parenthood 4
None of these 11.
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