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An Easy Way to Include Everyone in Your Presentation

2/28/2017

Inclusion, the act of welcoming and accommodating all people, is a wonderful goal with many challenges. As a facilitator of adult learning, I am always on the lookout for simple ways to make sure that everyone in my audience or class is having their needs met.

One simple way to be inclusive is to consider the design of your PowerPoint or Keynote slides. Watch this short video to learn how.

For more ideas, check out Caffeinated Learning: How to Design and Conduct Rich, Robust Professional Training.

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3 Powerful Ways to Label Without Being Seen as Negative

2/28/2017

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It seems to me lately that labeling has gained a bad reputation. The term now has a negative connotation related to profiling, racist views or preconceived limitations. Urban Dictionary even offers an anti-labeling definition that includes the following example:

“Labeling is pointless. I'm anti-labeling.”

While I believe that some labeling can be extremely offensive and have negative consequences, not all labeling is a bad thing! For presenters and teachers, labeling has a valuable place in our training classes or speeches.

3 Powerful Ways to Label

Label your ideas with key terms such as “practical,” “successful,” or “innovative.” When planning your presentation, brainstorm words that you would like to stand out and be remembered by your participants. Imagine how a participant might describe your presentation to a colleague or spouse by completing this sentence: “The ideas he shared were so ___________________!” Once you have one to three descriptive terms, write them on sticky notes and sprinkle them throughout your presentation notes. Labeling your ideas with these key words will increase the likelihood that your participants will also see them that way.
Label exactly who benefits from your information or ideas.While you may see connections between your idea and the people who will benefit, not everyone else will. Paint a very clear connection by labeling exactly who it is that will benefit. For example, if you are sharing a tech tool that will help with communication, describe three specific job types that could use it. If you are sharing an idea for improving literacy, describe three different types of learners that would benefit. If you are selling a non-profit fund-raising event, label three people that will experience a better life because of it. In this way, labeling doesn’t limit, but helps people see myriad connections to the world.
Label the number of questions or comments you will entertain. Opening up to audience questions or comments can feel a bit like opening the gate to a monkey enclosure at the zoo. Will they just stare at you quizzically? Will they come running out and jump all over you? Will it be the best experience of your life or a terrifying mistake? This is a great time to label exactly what you want. Rather than “Does anyone have a question?” try “Let’s hear two questions or comments.” The audience now knows exactly what you are asking for, that you are unlikely to move ahead until you get it, and that it won’t be an out-of-control free-for-all. Everyone (including you) feels more calm and controlled. Number labeling is also very effective when you are in need of volunteers. Instead of saying “Can I get some volunteers,” try “I need four volunteers,” and then wait patiently for four hands to go up. Clear expectations will lead to the results you are after.

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3 Sure-Fire Signs You Are Talking Too Much

2/15/2017

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As a public speaker, my most valuable tool is my voice. So when my husband caught a nasty cold a few weeks ago, I immediately grabbed the antiseptic spray and cleaned everything in sight. I avoided kissing him (after 30+ years of marriage, we can survive a brief hiatus) and took lots of Vitamin C. Unfortunately, I caught the cold anyway and quickly developed laryngitis. My doctor prescribed cough medicine and reduced speaking.

“Reduced speaking! Impossible!” was my first thought. However, sitting quietly for several hours had me rethinking this assignment and realizing that some good things might come from it. My mission in life is to improve the quality of instruction for learners of all ages. While I have very valuable lessons to share, I don’t always have to share them with my voice. And, if I reflect on the best learning experiences I have facilitated, I can see that the common strength is hearing the learners’ voices as much as my own.

So how do you determine the right balance? Here are 3 sure-fire signs that you are talking too much.

During a 45-minute or longer presentation session, your audience members are never asked to turn and talk to their colleagues about your topic. To make any information meaningful and “sticky,” learners must make personal connections to it and restate it in their own words.
During a 45-minute or longer presentation session, your audience members are never given time to pause and think about what you’ve said – even perhaps writing a quick reflection or action plan. A well-planned pause can add emphasis, anticipation, and variety to a full presentation, as well as increasing retention.
During a 45-minute or longer presentation session, your audience members are never provided a chance to watch video of another expert or experience, explore an infographic or intriguing image or respond to an interactive web tool such as www.mentimeter.com or www.answergarden.com Any of these various methods for sharing information gives your voice a break and your listeners a change in learning style. Neuroscientists tell us that when we learn through a variety of modalities, we are more likely to be able to retrieve the information later.

Thankfully, my laryngitis is now gone. But I am also thankful for the time to reflect on my speaking practices and remember the power of learners’ voices.

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An Easy Way to Include Everyone in Your Presentation

​3 Powerful Ways to Label Without Being Seen as Negative

3 Sure-Fire Signs You Are Talking Too Much

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3 Powerful Ways to Label Without Being Seen as Negative