 The August 21st solar eclipse will be the biggest American weather event to hit the US in a very long time. Everyone is talking about it – at the water cooler, at schools and over family meals. It will be exciting and unforgettable – exactly what public speakers want from their moment on the stage.
However, one definition of an eclipse brings a different perspective. Eclipse - the loss of significance, power or prominence in relation to another person Should presenters want to be in the spotlight or, instead, develop parity with their audience? Malcolm Knowles, considered the father of androgogy, posited that adult learners need recognition of and respect for their background experiences. When presenters make the learning all about themselves as the experts, we dishonor the expertise in the room. Instead, intentionally allowing an eclipse of your prominence can engage adult learners in significant ways. Here are 3 simple ways to foster a presenter eclipse:
For more ideas about increasing audience engagement, click here.
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 True or False? Two heads are better than one. My answer is “it depends.” Co-presenting is a wonderful opportunity to utilize the talents and experience of two people to increase engagement and learning of the audience members. However, this only happens when both trainers are actively engaged in the teaching process. Frequently I find that one is lecturing while the other is seated, just waiting for their turn to talk. How much better the experience can be when both are supporting the learning simultaneously! How does this work? There are three prerequisites for success:
There are unlimited ways that two adults can co-present. Here are five of my favorites. For my entire list, click here. I keep this list on my presentation table as a reminder card when I am co-presenting.
Click here for more ideas on great presenting. Interested in active, engaged adult learners? Work with me to improve training and facilitation skills. Click here to see the ways I can support you.  I recently had the chance to attend a motivational keynote given by a woman with a very inspiring story. Her storytelling skills and content message were excellent. The audience was pin-drop silent as she commanded the stage.
As a talent developer, I am always pleased for a presenter’s success, but also try to learn from them. I pay attention to the things that work for me as an audience member and the things that don’t. Sometimes the don'ts leave more of an impression, so let's start with a few that were reinforced during my recent experience. Don’t advance to text-heavy slides that differ from what you are discussing. As an audience member, I immediately begin to read the slide and miss your message. It is a distraction from the story and disrupts the emotional buildup. The text can confuse your learner – “Is this more important than what she is saying?” Do tell your story with an image or one key word on the slide. If you want to share longer text, such as a quote, either show the slide and read it aloud immediately or pause and let the audience read it silently. Simplify so that your message is strong and inspirational! Don't stand behind the podium the whole time. A podium acts as a physical and psychological barrier between you and your audience. Don't pace back and forth across the stage. Do move purposefully. Choreograph your movements so that your audience is pulled into your talk. Think about when to move toward them, when to stand very still, when to use large gestures or when to change position. Your position and movement on stage can greatly enhance your message. Don't forget to call your audience to action. Inspirational stories are meant to motivate. But some audiences need to hear a specific suggestion or call to action in order to change their behavior. Do offer simple ideas for how your audience members can support your cause. Make it clear that we don't all have to be the superhero that you are, but instead can make a difference by taking small, easy steps. What are your don'ts and dos for motivational presentations? Please share so that we can all become more inspiring! |
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AuthorAnne Beninghof is passionate about teaching and learning. Archives
February 2022
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