I find that student will feed off the instructor’s excitement and enthusiasm. If you walk in the classroom and tell the students, “This is the first time I am teaching this course so we are going to learn it together”, (I have actually heard this), you are setting yourself up for disaster. Students will complain (as they did) and the instructor has lost their expert status along with respect. I keep the excitement in the classroom with lots of real world experience.

I have found that there is an art to delivering. Having confidence in what you say, having control of your classroom, and being honest are all part of being able to deliver effectively. Don't be too starchy but at the same time never take yourself out of your professional environment. I am not saying you can’t have fun in the classroom. I believe the students are watching and in many cases, there is one or two that are waiting for you to make that mistake or contradiction or just a little inconsistence so they can call you out.