Get On Board The Presentation Train!!

Characteristics of an Effective Presenter Speaks Intelligibly Rate & Time Pitch & Force Articulation Is Enthusiastic about Topic Handles Nervousness Well Makes Good Eye Contact Dresses Appropriately Is Conscious of the Time Used

More Good Characteristics Is Conscious of Body Actions Facial & Vocal Expressions Posture Gestures & Movement Is Well-prepared and Knowledgeable About Topic Handles Mistakes Naturally Is Prepared for the Unexpected Uses Equipment & Visuals Proficiently & Effectively

Good Delivery Techniques Stand clear of the screen. Do not block audience visibility. Use good presentation etiquette. Do not cover up transparencies with paper. Instead, use multiple transparencies to build up the points. Speak to the audience. Do not read from the screen behind you. Try reading from the transparency or computer monitor.

Visual Aids = Punch!! Help communicate ideas. Help clarify meaning & prevent misunderstanding. Help learner retain knowledge. Keep audience alert & interested. Add variety, impact and emphasis.

Guidelines for Good Visuals Be sure you really need a visual aid. Choose the right visual aid. Use readable, consistent typeface. Limit text to a few phrases. Use phrases, not sentences. Keep backgrounds simple. Use color with care.

Types of Visual Aids Charts Maps Models Displays Posters Newsprint Easels & flipcharts Multimedia computer presentations CD/DVDs Videos White boards Electronic boards

Visual Aids Survival Kit Sometimes the unexpected happens! Try to be prepared by keeping these items on hand . . . A backup copy of the presentation (CD, diskette and/or transparencies) Extension cord 3-prong adapter (for older buildings) Power strip (for multiple outlets)

Know Your Audience Your audience will: Have some common interests. Include people with various interests. Listen when you speak in terms of their interests. Key = learn what the groups interests are!

What Makes People Tick Six commonly felt needs: Need for exploration of new ideas/things Need for economic/financial security Psychological need to be stress free Physical need for comfort Need for political security Need for social acceptance

Audience Needs Assessment You need to know: Who the audience is What members have in common If audience had past exposure to topic Learning level and styles of audience What audience intends to do with information presented Why the audience is interested in topic being presented

Other Information You also need to know: Size of group Age and gender of group Predetermined attitudes

Situation Checklist Initial arrangements Presentation arrangements Name and phone number of contact person Exact date and time of presentation Address and directions to meeting place Audience arrival time Presentation arrangements Length Time for questions/answers Breaks

Situation Checklist Facility arrangements Room description Seating arrangement Table/podium Equipment (screen, speaker, projectors, etc.) Parking/unloading area Locking of facility Assistance available

Effective Communication Effective communication means speaking in terms of the listener’s interests!!!

Simply different approaches or Learning Styles Are. . . Simply different approaches or ways of learning

Visual Learners Learn through seeing: Need to see teacher’s body language and facial expressions to fully understand the content of a lesson. Prefer sitting in the front. Think in pictures and learn best from visuals. During discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb information.

Auditory Learners Learn through listening Learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to others. Interpret underlying meanings of speech through tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information has little meaning until it is heard. Benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners Learn through moving, doing, & touching: Learn best through hands-on approach, actively exploring physical world around them. May find it hard to sit still for long periods. May become distracted by their need for activity and exploration.

Illustrated talks, Posters Cone of Experience Radio, Recordings, Pictures Actual experiences Working with models Judging, Dramatic participation Discussions Demonstrations Field trips, Tours Exhibits, Displays Television, Movies, Filmstrips Illustrated talks, Posters Talks, Print Doing Seeing Effectiveness of learning increases as one moves up Listening

Selecting a Teaching Method Carefully selected teaching methods can: Help people interact with information and learn effectively. Make learning fun. Add variety to learning. Make your role as instructor rewarding.

No “Best” Method Choose the most appropriate teaching method given the circumstances. Factors that influence decision Time Content Size of group Facilities Desired learning outcome

Small Group Teaching Methods Brainstorming Buzz sessions Case studies Discussion groups Field trips or tours Simulation Seminars Workshops

Large Group Teaching Methods Lecture Panel Debate Subgroup discussion Forum

Learning is what happens within us, rather than to us. People learn by getting involved with information and ideas. Prepared by: Terri Crawford and Melissa Cater FCS Agents LSU AgCenter