Presentation skills
I find that if I like what I am doing the students get more out of It.
If you just put the Imformation out there
and hope thy get It.
Unfortunately, some topics are just pretty dry and i find i have to be entertaining to get the point across. I try and find pictures (comics, funny situations, etc) to incorporate into the talk to break up the monotony and re-engage the audience. Cute animal pictures always work, esp young animals.
Rose Ann,
I think this is a great strategy. You're right, some topics are just naturally not as much fun & that's when we have to be even more entertaining.
Dr. Ryan Meers
i try to lace the topics that are really dry, and really hard for them with stories and jokes/ funny sayings. They tend to remember the funny sayings and are better able to help remember topics that they may not be able to otherwise.
Jennifer,
anytime we can use those real life stories & humor, the greater the chance our audience/students will remember.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Because I teach computer applications at a career college, and worked in the field for many years before teaching, I try to tie examples as much as possible to actual work situations. I find the students are much more attentive when I am talking about how things are done at a place where they might like to work in the future. In any presentation a real life example is more compelling that one that is made up.
I believe in the term "edutainment" when it comes to any topic discussed. Humorous pictures, cartoons, and even smiley faces break-up the appearance of the slides and the instruction should somehow mimic the slide to strengthen what point is being made. Some slides may reflect the feeling of how students may feel at the moment or have felt in the past - I engage the student by asking if they ever felt the same as what the picture shows. Humor is very needed in all classes but should not be done at the cost of making a point that is serious by projecting a carefree approach.
geary,
yes, humor is a great way to reach a multitude of audiences.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
