It never ceases to amaze me how nervous some teachers can get when presenting to other teachers. We stand in front of groups of people every day but once we’re among our peers, or God forbid our bosses or big-name people in the education industry, some teachers crumble. even talking to a new group of students can be daunting for some.
I was giving a talk to a group of high school students last week and the teacher who coordinated the event mentioned afterwards that she was surprised how well the kids paid attention, and even the ones she was a little worried about were engaged and no trouble at all. How did I do it, she marveled.
I have three reasons why I think I was successful at her school and why some speakers at conferences are able to keep the audience’s attention while others struggle
1. I shared my qualifications.
There is a difference between someone telling an audience that you have been doing something for 20+ years and not mentioning your experience. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience, you can mention that you have at least created something new or gone through something yourself, so that the audience understands what you’re bringing to the table. In my talk last week to high school seniors about success in university, I mentioned that I had taught university students for 15 years, my daughter was starting university so I was giving them the same insider tips I given my own child, and the content of that day’s talk included things that I wish someone had told me before I started college.
2. I told them something that they needed to know.
A good speaker understands what it feels like to sit in an audience and be frustrated because the topic and information doesn’t apply to you. Audience members appreciate a hook like “This will help you be more successful when you…” When preparing your talk, have a target audience member in mind and ask yourself if anything you’re planning to say would be worth writing down. Attendees need to leave with “something in their pocket” that they will be able to use in the future. Give solid information during your talk and the Q&A will be much livelier and less confrontational because you are now seen as someone credible.
3. I was a new commodity.
Listening to the same teachers every day grows stale. A new face with a new story to tell can be a refreshing change, so guest speakers can’t take all the credit when an invited talk goes well. That being said, a guest speaker can still be boring or off topic and quickly lose the audience’s attention. Phones come out of pockets, whispered chats pop up all over the venue, and eyes are rolled.
One-off speakers at schools, professional development events, and conferences need to project authority while remaining approachable. The way you carry yourself before starting the presentation is critical. Slow your body language down and smile at people. Chitchat with attendees as they start to file into the room. If someone introduces you, make sure your bio is related to that day’s topic. When introducing yourself, keep it short but explain clearly why you’re there and connect your experience to what you will be talking about. Remember all the delivery tricks you use in class without being patronizing, these aren’t your students and you don’t have that kind of authority. Build your authority with the first two tips and take advantage of being a fresh face and voice in order to keep your audience engaged.
I was giving a talk to a group of high school students last week and the teacher who coordinated the event mentioned afterwards that she was surprised how well the kids paid attention, and even the ones she was a little worried about were engaged and no trouble at all. How did I do it, she marveled.
I have three reasons why I think I was successful at her school and why some speakers at conferences are able to keep the audience’s attention while others struggle
1. I shared my qualifications.
There is a difference between someone telling an audience that you have been doing something for 20+ years and not mentioning your experience. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience, you can mention that you have at least created something new or gone through something yourself, so that the audience understands what you’re bringing to the table. In my talk last week to high school seniors about success in university, I mentioned that I had taught university students for 15 years, my daughter was starting university so I was giving them the same insider tips I given my own child, and the content of that day’s talk included things that I wish someone had told me before I started college.
2. I told them something that they needed to know.
A good speaker understands what it feels like to sit in an audience and be frustrated because the topic and information doesn’t apply to you. Audience members appreciate a hook like “This will help you be more successful when you…” When preparing your talk, have a target audience member in mind and ask yourself if anything you’re planning to say would be worth writing down. Attendees need to leave with “something in their pocket” that they will be able to use in the future. Give solid information during your talk and the Q&A will be much livelier and less confrontational because you are now seen as someone credible.
3. I was a new commodity.
Listening to the same teachers every day grows stale. A new face with a new story to tell can be a refreshing change, so guest speakers can’t take all the credit when an invited talk goes well. That being said, a guest speaker can still be boring or off topic and quickly lose the audience’s attention. Phones come out of pockets, whispered chats pop up all over the venue, and eyes are rolled.
One-off speakers at schools, professional development events, and conferences need to project authority while remaining approachable. The way you carry yourself before starting the presentation is critical. Slow your body language down and smile at people. Chitchat with attendees as they start to file into the room. If someone introduces you, make sure your bio is related to that day’s topic. When introducing yourself, keep it short but explain clearly why you’re there and connect your experience to what you will be talking about. Remember all the delivery tricks you use in class without being patronizing, these aren’t your students and you don’t have that kind of authority. Build your authority with the first two tips and take advantage of being a fresh face and voice in order to keep your audience engaged.
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