"A college professor is someone who talks in someone else's sleep."
The typical adult human can only pay attention for about ten minutes… Here’s an example:
For those who went to college or university, recall your freshmen or first-year lectures. Large rooms filled with dozens or hundreds of students, often a bit too warm, with the lecturer at the podium beneath a huge screen.
As the class begins you are awake and ready to take notes. The professor presents the topic supported by the occasional slide or graphic. You are following along just fine.
But after a few minutes your mind wanders. Someone comes in late and you all turn to stare while the speaker continues, ignoring the distraction. You miss a section of the talk and glance at a neighbor’s notes to see what they captured. Gratefully, nothing important was lost and you turn your attention back to the podium.
After only ten minutes into the class you realize you’ve checked out. Not intentionally, it’s just that you are struggling to pay attention. And unless the lecturer does something to reengage you, you’ll miss even more of the topic.
Ten minutes was all it took.
You need to be refreshed!
(And that’s next…)
Resources:
Great Demo! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9SNKC2Y/
- Chunking – pages 239, 249
- Refresh – pages 327, 371, 375
“Brain Rules” by John Medina (Source of the ten-minute attention span info)
How Chunking Improves Demos – Part 1: Bitesize Bits Are Better
https://greatdemo.com/how-chunking-improves-demos/
How Chunking Improves Demos – Part 2: Short Chunks and Pauses!
https://greatdemo.com/how-chunking-improves-demos-part-2-short-chunks-and-pauses/
