How to get the audience more involved during a presentation
Finding certain activities or questions to ask during a powerpoint presentation to students is key. Most of the time this point of class tends to be boring to the students although it is vital information geared to their future career. What are some ways that we can get them more involved during a lecture?
As a successful professional, I have found that real life stories which include certain failures presented in a dramatic yet comical way engage the audience. They understand that everyone fails and realize that I too am just like them, with more experience and a sense of humor.
David,
these are all great ideas that can really add to our presentations, both in classes & in more public venues.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Dr. Meers,
We seem to be on the same page-- I see a lot of my ideas listed in the forum already, but I haven't incorporated case studies yet, though I think they would be valuable.
As for what I do to keep things interesting:
*** A new one is a low budget version of clicker technology. Since I had so many students using smart phones in the room, I have started using survey sites as a way to "poll" the opinion of my class in the moment-- at various points in a presentation I encourage them to log on to the link(s) I provide and answer the question, or give an opinion. -- The benefit is that the answers are anonymous and displayable in graph form instantly. -- making it easier to get real insight on understanding, as well as discuss differences of opinion without having group dynamics influence individual answers.
I have found that it helps me provide corrective feedback in the moment, as well as increase the engagement since their participation is incorporated into the discussions, or applications.
-------------The rest are variations of ones covered by others in this thread ----------------------
-- Move around the room, and even sit among the class (close, more intimate) if that would fit the topic/discussion. -- I have to know my group, but this builds/shows trust and when used well this can change the flow of a room.
-- videos/pictures/handouts that are funny or contradict expectations but also illustrate a new point. -- I think it breaks things up, makes people smile, and gives their memory something to hook that new idea onto.
-- I tell stories. Funny ones first, to get them hooked or to help them remember a new concept. Then more serious ones to set up discussions about what they'd do-- I also try to find a balance between stories where I did it right, and ones where I messed up. I think people learn a lot from mistakes, but I have to keep credibility in mind as well.
-- I ask lots of questions, get them to discuss amongst themselves (small and large groups) and play devils advocate when I can.
-- Lots of problem solving activities, discussions or teach backs.
Audrey,
yes the small group discussions & paired discussions are a great way to move presentations forward.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Breakout sessions are key with certain presentations. I think knowing your audience is a key step in the preparation process. For example, my presentation for a group of people accustomed to sitting in an office at a desk will be completely different than a group of chefs or outside sales people.
Louis,
and using this technique can also help break up the monotony of the class & help them stay focused.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Peer to peer teaching is a great way to get the class involved and we always listen to our peers. This is also a great state change plus it motivates the peer teacher to fully understand the topic. You want to learn something, teach it.
I agree with you, Dr. Meers. Adding personal stories to make the point easily understood captures the student's attention. Many time students want to know how the lecture and/or points relate to the "real word" and their career, so real life stories and experience can enhance and keep them engaged.
Yolanda,
this is a great demonstration that when we teach something we really do retain the information better.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In some of my lectures, I generate questions for the assigned chapters. I handout the questions, and assign each student a question. I give them time to read and provide answers for their assigned question. I sat in the audience, and each of them comes up and take the teacher's chair, reads the question, and explains their answers to the class. I asked their opinion at the end of the class, and all of them said they liked it, because it helped them to get a better understanding of the chapters, and how the question addressed each section in the chapter. This is a study guide for them as well. It also prepares them for their presentation assignment due the last two weeks of class.
Farley,
yes, the more we can get the "audience" involved, the better it is.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I love this tactic. I teach Culinary Arts and I find that when I assign a sous chef to my demos and require them to know the recipes and processes so that they are ready and able to help me during the process it makes them feel like subject matter experts even if it is just for one demo.
Great strategy. And you are right, this really does help the students understand the material much better.
Ryan
Another tactic I like to use is assigning short sections for each student or small groups to present to the rest of the class. It forces them to take the extra time to adequately know their topic, breaks it up for the rest of the class, introduces different teaching styles to combat boredom, and I've noticed that classmates tend to hold a higher level of respect for their fellow classmates. I less frequently have to re-direct a student's attention to the presentation at hand when it's one of their classmates presenting the information than when I'm the one speaking to the class.
Great strategy to use & it really does help to keep the audience/students engaged.
Ryan
Yes, any activity that breaks up the "routine" of the lecture or presentation is a great idea.
Ryan
Breaks ( which could simply be activities ) seem to work well to keep the interest level up .
i like to use a q and a through out my lecture it keeps them involved and also lets me know they are understanding the presentation.
Yes frequent breaks, either actual breaks or small discussions or activities are great ways to keep the audience engaged.
Ryan
