Some really great ideas here. I especially like your idea of putting relevant information around the room so that even if they are day dreaming they are seeing info! Great idea.
Ryan
I like all three of these, but especially the third one. While we can't always know the answer to this question, simply by anticipating that such a question may be asked can help put us at ease.
Ryan
Great ideas & very important to practice.
Ryan
1. Prepare
2. Practice
3. Revise and Practice more
The purpose of the presentation is to convey a message not to entertain.
1. Be Prepared
2. know the information
3. expect the un expected question
The first thing I note is who my target audience is, next would be my subject matter; however those items are usually one that don't leave much if any room for your input. As a teacher the core subject matter is dictated to me and my student population is something I have no control over. But using those two things as a jumping off point really goes a long way toward determining how to convey the information. Knowing that there is more than one learning style requires an instructor to be versed in more than one teaching style so that a dry lecture can be used as a tool to make a connection with each individual. I am excited to have been introduced to the more peripheral aspects of presenting. Knowing that it is a common occurance that student will day dream during a lecture I can help set them up for success by displaying relevent information around the room in ways that will get their attention. It is true that the things one remembers are things that we absorb or make note of in a more relaxed state of mind. When students need to take that mental break during a lecture that is a perfect time for them to be abserving relevent details that will be effortlessly recalled when needed.
I agree, preparation is the most important. Then make sure you know your audience. Yes relaxing can be hard to do depending on your audience but it will make the presentation much better.
1. Research the main concept and/or problem-solution
2. Hook the audience
3. Organize and limit your number of main points
4. Review and close with a memorable statement.
Well said being prepared is vital
Jody
You make some great points. I particularly like the emphasis on reviewing at the end of your presentation.
Ryan
I believe you need to look presentable,be knowledgeable of your topic,appear confident,interact with the audience and take notice of their reaction to your presentation.And review what you have discussed at the end.
Prepare a thoughtful presentation. Rehearse. Know the audience. Anticipate questions.
Deb,
All great points. The one that I'll highlight is enthusiasm. I have truly found that when I am excited & passionate about my topic that can make up for many shortcomings. This is not to say that we shouldn't prepare or know our purpose, but you can have these things & still be boring.
Ryan
Eye contact is so important. Conveys the message that you are interested in the audience members. Helps you make a connection (however brief) with those in front of you.
Also like your suggestion of moving around and varying voice tone. Reminds me of a professor I once had. He spent the entire 75 minutes of class standing in one spot, reading from his notes in a monotone voice. While I clearly remember him, I remember nothing that we supposedly learned from that class.
Be prepared. You need to be very familiar with the information. If you don't have a firm grasp, the audience will notice and begin to question if they really need to learn the information themselves.
Understand the purpose. The purpose serves as you goal. How can you plan to get somewhere if you don't know where you are heading?
Know that people learn differently. Strictly talking will lose many audience members. Some visual aids helps people focus on key points and literally lets the audience "see" what you are talking about.
Enhusiasm. If you aren't energetic and enthusiastic, not likely the audience will be.
We agree in the timeless addage "study to show thyself approved..."
Michael,
All great points & to me the key in these is your preparation ahead of time. Knowing that you have done your research & you have well prepared your presentation allows you to have that trust in what you're saying as well as to demonstrate confidence & credibility.
Ryan
First, b e l i e v e in what you present~e.g., trust in, cling to what you are presenting is accurate truthful.
Second,(if not first), develop rapport ~ with listeners to establish credibility what you are presenting is credible. Remember, you can not not communicate e.g. body language
Third know your material ~ be "the" expert
Fourth know your audience ~ , e.g. situational context in which you are presenting.
Fifth present it like you are on fire and the entire audience has come to watch you burn.
Dr. Phelps, PhD, GA
First: Know well the topic of your presentation. Avoid presenting ideas that are unfamiliar to the presenter.
Second: Prepare the presentation to fit the allotted amount of time. Make sure to rehearse several times before the presentation to choose the right words, pauses, etc.
Third: Be aware of the audience and its expectations. Taylor the presentation to meet those expectations, and encourage enthusiasm.
All great recommendations/suggestions to remember. Your comment about being prepared really hits home. Also, if you are doing a presentation in a different setting (off-site, etc) don't trust "we have Wi-Fi." This lesson has been learned through hard experience.
Ryan
