Which technique can enhance audience engagement during a presentation?

Encouraging audience interaction is a highly effective technique for enhancing engagement during a presentation. When speakers invite participants to ask questions, share their thoughts, or participate in discussions, it creates a dynamic environment where the audience feels valued and involved. This active participation helps to maintain their interest and fosters a sense of connection with the content being presented.

An interactive approach can also lead to deeper understanding, as it allows the audience to clarify their doubts, relate personal experiences to the topic, and contribute their perspectives. Engaging the audience in this manner not only makes the presentation more memorable but also encourages retention of the material being discussed, as active involvement enhances cognitive processing.

The other options, such as reading directly from slides or ignoring audience reactions, tend to create a disconnect between the presenter and the audience, leading to reduced engagement and interest. Asking rhetorical questions may provoke thought but does not invite an exchange of ideas or foster a connection in the same way that direct interaction does.