Presentation Training:
Which Presentation Training Approach Should You Use - Linear Vs Nonlinear Learning

How do you learn and present your materials?

Whatever your career, you need to know how to present your message to others in a method that your target audience will understand, retain and most importantly, act on, the information you are giving them. Consider the use of linear and nonlinear presentation methods for your next group gathering.

What does linear and nonlinear mean?

To learn in a linear manner means to learn concepts in a graduated or building block method. Simple concepts are mastered first and then more complex concepts based on the first stage or block of information are introduced.  An example would be to learn to handle a paint brush, how to make the strokes with the brush, then using different colors, then blending the colors on a canvas.

To learn in a nonlinear manner, means to learn concepts individually and then combine the knowledge of the concepts as an entire package. An example would be like going to a library and selecting and studying a book about lizards, then selecting and reading a book about trees, then selecting and reading a book about insects. The three subjects do not necessarily have a sequence, but there can be a relational understanding as the student might understand the relationship between lizards, their habitation (trees) and their food (insects).

Who are linear and nonlinear thinkers?

People who are described as linear thinkers have a tendency to perform tasks in a sequential manner. Usually it is an execution of a plan of sequences where one thing leads to another. Sometimes it can limit a person when there is a gap in the sequence and the person cannot seem to find the thread that allows for the next step. It would be like swinging from one vine to the next and to the next. If the next vine is not within grasp, the person would stop or fall. The thought process would be to learn by looking backward or understanding from past lessons with a sense of making decisions based on past results. Generally linear thinkers prefer to have a guide or a clear path of action.

People who are nonlinear thinkers are sometimes referred to as "thinking outside the box". They have a tendency to sample many subjects, roam or explore their environment and learn by comparison. Their logic is more like chess than checkers. If a nonlinear thinker was faced with the swinging vine scenario and found that the next vine was not within grasp, they would be more likely to climb to the top of the vine to find the source of the branch, see the view from that tree and select another route. Generally nonlinear thinkers enjoy or anticipate the unknown and discover their world by asking questions.

Linear learning has a sense of arbitrary organization. It allows the organized sequential retrieval of material, information and concepts. Its focus is one of goal setting without necessarily understanding the deeper relationship consequences.

Nonlinear learning is generally learning by life experience, sometimes chosen, but usually random. Organization and retrieval of material is based on relational concepts. It is the way we learn language and our relationships to each other and the world at large. Its focus is one of a passion for the journey, an understanding of the world, and the achievement of a goal is the frosting on the cake.

Which way is better?

Each learning type has its benefits. The structuring of your presentation should use a blend of linear and nonlinear techniques. The audience appreciates being given an overview of what they can expect to learn. This part is usually structured linearly. Within the presentation, you have to be able to gage your audience, interact with the audience, do a pulse check so to speak. This is where the nonlinear aspect of the training or presentation comes into play. You can do this verbally, or within your written or media presentation. It nudges your audience to get out of an inactive or inattentive mode. Most importantly it is where the information gets set in the mind of your audience.

When one method has an impasse, the other methodology or programming kicks in. Because linear thinking is focus driven, it helps in the creation of boundaries or foundations for time-line and goal driven achievements. Nonlinear thinking allows for ways to get around obstacles that could stop the linear thinker. In a presentation it allows discussion and understanding relationships between concepts presented. Conversely, without the framework of linear thinking, the nonlinear methodology might not ever allow for the ultimate achievement of the goal since the finish line can always be moved the presentation would never end and there would be no useful outcomes.

A good blend of linear and nonlinear presentation methods will yield the best outcomes. The key is to be interactive and engage with your audience. In this way your audience can understand, retain and act on the facts because you gave them a presentation in a sequence they will not soon forget.

Source: Vera Saar link

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