A great opening is key. If it's the beginning of the day or just after a break... Hooking your audience gears them up for a great experience, and opens the mind for learning to begin.

Know your audience... this is vital to being an effective presenter. It should help to guide you though the other pit fall of speaking.

I believe this is a powerful part of the course. So many feel they need to "give it to them", but it just doesn't work. It's not doing anyone justice... That's not why they are here!

I have found that getting students up out of their chair and researching the topic to be very helpful. I have them work in groups to find part numbers and facts about various products we discuss. I have found this very effective.

An instructor needs to maintain an open and humble minds set when it comes to technical instruction. As things change constantly and frequently. A student's personal experience may have them on the cutting edge. When you are not.

I think it is unreasonable to believe that new and possibly seasoned instructors will not commit these mistakes. However, learning and talking about them should help everyone.

I think it is a big mistake to talk about personal problems with the class, it is just not appropriate or professional.

I have found that when you ask a student about there anger, most times it has nothing to do with you or your institution.