In addition to maintaining enthusiasm throughout a course or a class period, I have found that it also helps in one-on-one interactions. I help teach English as part of my MA program, and my students are refugees/asylees new to the US. In the low-basic level class I assist, the students often struggle to understand full explanations in English, much less monotone, unenthusiastic, or directive one-on-one explanations. When I incorporate enthusiasm, upbeat attitudes, and even acting (i.e. to demonstrate "happy" or "fast" or "singing") the students appreciate it and they have something additional by which to remember the word or concept.
Carey
