How we Learn

On Sunday afternoon I read a small book by Les Giblin, Skill with People.

In the introduction Giblin outlines three interesting human insights:
Insight #1 - How We Learn (and Buy)
83% through SIGHT
11% through HEARING
3.5% through SMELL
1.5% through TOUCH
1% through TASTE

Insight #2 - How We Retain Information
10% of what we READ
20% of what we HEAR
30% of what we SEE
50% of what we SEE & HEAR
70% of what we SAY AS WE TALK
90% of what we SAY AS WE DO A THING

Insight #3 - Methods of Instruction

Telling when Used Alone
70% recalled 3 hours later
10% recalled 3 days later

Showing When Used Alone
72% recalled 3 hours later
20% recalled 3 days later

Blend of Telling and Showing Used
85% recalled 3 hours later
65% recalled 3 days later

In terms of communication, the conclusion is that effective public speaking and preaching should be visually stimulating, including multi-media in such a way that it adds to, not detracts from from the message delivered.

Also, people need to in some way participate in the message via speech or action if they are to have a greater chance of retention. If there is no retention, both audience and orator have wasted their time.

"Pastor," said the worshipper, "what a wonderful sermon!" "That," replied the preacher, "remains to be seen."