Ivey (n.d.) furthers that, "By analyzing audience data we can establish the framework for strong and relevant presentation content. We should now have a good idea of the particular interests of our audience, their requisite needs, their dislikes, and their primary drivers. With this information we can incorporate topical elements into the presentation's content" (par. 5). Communication Channels: Channeling Your Way to Audience Retention

Visual Aids. Results of an empirical study conducted by the researchers from Management Information Systems Research Center at the University of Minnesota showed that presentations employing visual aids are 43% more persuasive than unaided presentations (Vogel, Dickson, and Lehman, 1986). Indeed visual aids are important in presentations but one needs to be extra careful in using them. Remember that visual aids should only aid the presentation, not become the presentation itself as some visual aids tend to become a distraction that overshadows the presenter and bury the message. When used well, visual aids actually increase the presenter's sensory contact to the audience (HP Learning Center, n.d.).

In our case, visual aids such as hand-outs and projections are of great utility. Powerpoint presentation that includes charts, data tables, and graphs can be used to better communicate the data of quarterly sales. Through these techniques, we may be able to track quarterly trends in sales, the highs and the lows, and other related in formation in a quick glance.

Presentation Delivery. One should be able to demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal behavior. Effective eye contact is also important. One can also effectively deliver a presentation if s/he first lays the outline of the presentation so the audience will be able to know what to expect out of the presentation. Ideas should also be presented with enough substantiation. And to hold interest, the presentation should be interactive as well. Summarizing main points is always a good way to close the report (ibid).

Conclusion: Ensuring an Effective Message Delivery

This article discussed the importance of identifying audience characteristics and managing audience diversity to achieve audience retention...

We have also noted the importance of sensory contact to audience and how it aids message delivery via presentation tools such as visual aids and handouts. Verbal and non-verbal modes of communication were also pointed as integral in better communicating one's message.
A sales presentation such as this case requires appropriate content and flow. Identifying business issues and situating the role of the presentation in the entire sales and business process can generate learning interesting already. It is also important that the presentation lists key message and suggest solutions and recommendations (Hoffman, n.d.). This can provide room for audience interaction and opens the business issue to audience scrutiny in the hope that it generates and produces more ideas which will make the presentation even more fruitful.

On a final note, it is important to stress that effective presentations are those that have been planned well, planned ahead, well-researched, and well-anticipated (allowing for provision of contingency measures).