Even the best seminar is wasted if its participants are neither motivated nor trained to listen by objectives; the success of a seminar depends more on the participant than on the presenter. Participants can prepare for a seminar by (1) setting objectives for attending, (2) assessing their attitudes and beliefs relevant to the subject, and (3) formulating strategies for listening to and seeking needed information. Testing the effectiveness of seminar attendance requires enacting the objectives and summarizing the information obtained.

Ten common errors cause most public speaking failures. A positive approach in three stages can increase your chance for success. Preparation: 1. Plan to have an effect; don't just be speech-giving-oriented. 2. Determine the audience's interests, motives, knowledge, attitudes, and values. 3. Be aware of your credibility with the audience. 4. Capture attention with a confident, motivating introduction. 5. Organize your information for understanding. 6. Plan the conclusion to again place your objective before the audience. Presentation: 7. Control stage fright and channel the energy into dynamic speaking. 8. Be physically active and purposeful with gestures; vary speech characteristics; be natural and direct. 9. Sense audience feedback and adjust to it. Preservation: 10. Prepare for questions from the audience.