People don't fall asleep during conversations, but they often do during presentations — because many presentations don't feel like discussions. Knowing your audience helps you take on a conversational tone. But how can you get to know a roomful of strangers? Start by doing some research online. If you have a list of attendees, look up their bios. If you only know generalities about the audience, check social media feeds about the event and read what's on the minds of those attending. If you're presenting to a company, read its annual report, find recent press mentions, and follow the organization on social channels.
Source: Harvard Business Publishing : Today's Management Tip was adapted from the Guide to Persuasive Presentations.