Most of us have been trained to believe we have a style of preferred learning. Some people are visual learners, some are auditory learners, and others learn best by doing. In today’s Vlog, Pete shares a simple way you can communicate your message so all learners will understand.
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You’ve probably heard this before:
“I’m a visual learner.”
“I learn best by listening.”
“I need to do it to understand it.”
For years, we’ve been taught that people have distinct learning styles — visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
But recent research suggests something surprising:
Those preferences may not actually determine how well we learn.
If you’re presenting — whether in a shortlist interview, a client meeting, or a keynote — this simplifies things.
You don’t have to tailor separate content for different “types” of learners.
Instead, the goal is much more straightforward:
Reinforce your message using multiple modes at the same time.
In AEC presentation skills, virtual presentation skills coaching, and group presentation coaching, this is a foundational principle.
The more ways you deliver the same idea, the more likely it is to stick.
That might include:
It’s not about choosing one method.
It’s about layering them.
One of the most common issues we see is this:
Slides that compete with the speaker instead of supporting them.
When you put a block of text on the screen while you’re talking, your audience has to choose:
They can’t effectively do both.
In executive presentation coaching and presentation support, this is a critical mistake to avoid.
Instead of adding more words, ask yourself:
What visual would strengthen this idea?
Your slides should:
Think of your visuals as a companion to your voice — not a transcript of it.
There are rare exceptions.
For example:
In that case, it can work to display the words and read them aloud.
But outside of that, less text is almost always better.
Another important point:
Not every idea needs a slide.
If there’s no strong visual to support a concept, consider:
In business speaking, keynote speaking, and interview skills training for professionals, this often creates a more human, connected experience.
The goal of your presentation isn’t to cover everything.
It’s to make key ideas stick.
When you align what you say with what your audience sees and experiences, your message becomes clearer, stronger, and more memorable.
So instead of worrying about learning styles, focus on this:
When those elements work together, your communication becomes far more effective.
And your audience walks away with exactly what you intended them to remember.
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