When seeing a great speaker or a fantastic presentation, people will often comment that the speaker has a natural talent, that they were born to be speakers. But is that really all it is? Do you have to have a natural ability to be a great speaker or can it be developed? I believe that standing in front of a group of students and engaging them is a skill that can be developed. It takes practice and hard work, but I believe anyone can develop the skills needed to be a great speaker. I find this simple formula is the best way to C.R.E.A.T.E a powerful presentation. Simply follow these steps:
CONSIDER THE TOPIC. Limit your class to a specific area within the subject matter and organize your content, don’t be all over the place. Students learn best when information is delivered in snackable, bitesize pieces of content, so you will want to break the subject down into pieces. What is your purpose? Is it to inform, persuade, motivate to action, sell, teach, train, or all of the above? Consider the level of students and how many students will be in the class and know what prior knowledge they have on the topic? Ask yourself any questions that might have a bearing on the content of the lesson or the physical environment in which the lesson will be presented. Once you have considered all of these areas, build your lesson to address them.
RESEARCH THE TOPIC. It is important to understand every subject you teach. Become a subject matter expert on all topics and utilize well prepared lesson plans, never trust content to memory. Consider what students want and need to know and then research what types of activities will support that content. Continue to research and study additional reference materials to bring the most current information into the classroom. Remember, we never stop learning as educators.
EXAMPLES FOR CLARIFICATION. Bring your lesson to life by providing examples that bring clarity and meaning to the points being delivered. Always keep examples appropriate to the specific point you are making and keep them related to the topic at hand. Examples should always be understood by all learners, not just a few.
ANALYZE YOUR LEARNERS. While teaching, watch and listen to your students and pay attention to their reactions and body language. Are they noisy and restless? Are they distracted and preoccupied? Or, are they quiet and respectful? The better prepared you are, the more flexibility you will have in adapting your presentation to the mood and attitude of the learners.
TEACH WITH POISE. Practice your speaking skills and your presentation skills. Whether it is your first or your thousandth class, you should prepare for the presentation. Review the lesson plan by practicing in front of a mirror or videotaping yourself. Observe your gestures, eye contact, how you use your notes, and your posture. What do you see? Are you projecting confidence and authority? Is your rate, tone and pitch appropriate? How is your pronunciation and enunciation? Poise and confidence are critical to your credibility.
ENJOY AND BE ENTHUSIASTIC. With proper preparation you can approach the class with confidence and poise and just relax and enjoy it. Your students want you to do well. They want to have a great class. If you relax and enjoy yourself in the classroom, so will your learners. If you are tense and nervous, they will likely mirror your feelings. Learn to enjoy presenting and you will become a great presenter. Believe in what you are saying and be enthusiastic about it. Enthusiasm is contagious and can build a lasting, positive impression in the minds of your learners.