I agreed with a lot of that except this: > set some context and then present the problem to be solved And this is exactly why: > Pose them a problem and they

I agreed with a lot of that except this: > set some context and then present the problem to be solved And this is exactly why: > Pose them a problem and they'll start trying to solve it Addressing an audience of programmers is already like herding cats. Giving them a problem they can each individually try to solve instead of paying attention to the presentation is counter-productive. If you absolutely have to tease the problem, consider doing it in the invitation to the presentation so that they can work through the problem before showing up.