Effective Communication Dr. Bettie Higgs The Teaching and Learning Centre University College Cork

Going into the unknown!

What are the challenges?

Tips for effective communication Don’t try to put too much into the talk. What is the main message? Leave some ‘unanswered questions’ Bring in some appropriate humour The students will be thinking WIIFM Keep to time

Ten tips for good Powerpoint slides Don’t put too much on any slide Use large fonts Check which colours work well Use the top two-thirds of the slide only Use pictures, cartoons and graphs

Ten tips continued….. Don’t use very detailed pictures and graphs Don’t keep slides up too long Don’t cause death by Powerpoint Use surprise slides Learn from other people

Questions and answers Shared learning experience Leave time for questions and answers Find out what the students still need to know What not to do!!

If a student asks a question….. Repeat the question to everyone If you don’t know the answer, don’t make it up! How to encourage student questions Don’t intimidate students If you ask a question, put it on the screen.

What if…….. What if I’m feeling nervous?! What if I forget what I am going to say?! What if students are not listening?! What if I finish way before time?!

And at the end….. Get some feedback from your audience Did you answer their questions? What did you learn for the next time? Thank them for their attention Wish them well in their studies Think about the feedback Make plans for the next session

Who can help you?