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2015 Instruction Workshop: Presentation Techniques

Technology Tools

Once you've developed learning outcomes for your instruction session or presentation, think about how you can connect technology with those outcomes, your method of presenting, different learning styles, and how you are going to assess if your outcomes are met.

High Tech

  • Slide decks (PowerPoint, Prezi, HaikuDeck, Google Slides, Keynote, etc.)
  • Classroom response system (Clickers)
  • PollEverywhere
  • Google Docs / Google Forms
  • Video / screencasting tools (Jing, Camtasia, Adobe Captivate, etc.)
  • Web / Video conferencing (Adobe Connect, WebEx GoToMeeting, AnyMeeting, etc.)
  • iPads
  • Smartphones

Low Tech

  • Whiteboard & markers
  • Pen and paper
  • Notecards
  • Handouts
  • Posters

Discussion

Discussion: When & where to use technology.

What technology (if any) is appropriate for what events? Could we add technology to enhance learning to some events? Where might we lean to heavily on technology?

How to make better PowerPoint presentations

How to make better Prezi presentations

Opening Discussion

Discussion: Presenting - the good, the mediocre, and the horrible.

What makes a good presentation? Share an embarrassing story from your past (if you have one). Have you seen any completely terrible presentations?

Public Speaking Techniques

Taken from Hoff, R. (1992). "I can see you naked": A new revised edition of the national bestseller on making fearless presentations. Kansas City: Andrews and McMeel. http://unomaha.worldcat.org/oclc/26402865

The voice

How does the voice actually function?

  • Inflection
  • Volume
  • Pace
  • Pauses
  • Vocal style

Practice examples:

  • Use silence to regroup attention back to you
  • Use pauses to wait for responses to questions (someone will respond, eventually)
  • Get comfortable with quiet!

The body

How does the body serve to establish a connection?

  • Style and personality
  • Stance
  • Movement
  • Gestures

Practice examples:

  • Move about to start attention spans again
  • Move to use up your own adrenaline if nervous or flustered
  • Enhance your message with gestures

Attitude

How do you express your authentic self to reveal and connect with participants?

  • Enthusiasm
  • Interest
  • Conviction
  • Self-confidence
  • Attention spans

Practice examples:

  • Adjust your body/voice every 7-12 minutes to keep up with attention spans
  • Show true enthusiasm regarding your topic
  • Respond with interest in participant complaints, comments or questions

Activity

Public Speaking Reflection

Reflect on our discussion today regarding presentation tools and public speaking techniques. Write down one aspect of presenting where you need to improve, then one way you can address this issue. Take the card and display it in your workspace where you can see it before your next presentation as a reminder of presentation best practices.