Dusting off the Tool Box: Tips for Trainers
Section
1: Things to Know
About
Preparing for the Presentation
“A mind is a wonderful thing. It starts working the day you’re
born and never stops until you get up to speak in public.”
— Unknown
Why is this important?
As every instructor
knows, adequate preparation is important. Being thoroughly conversant
with the content being presented, the methodologies to be used, and
the sequence of activities that have been planned allows the presenter
to focus on the process. As previously mentioned, the success of any
presentation is based on a number of factors, including what the content
is and how the information is shared. It is critical to your success
as an instructor that you prepare for a presentation using a backward
planning approach, reviewing what your desired outcome is and preparing
with this clearly thought out objective in mind.
Some things to consider:
• Think about your objectives and consider these questions:
— Can I clearly state my desired outcomes for this session? Does it fit with the objectives of the curriculum designers?
— What do I want the participants to know by the end of this session?
— What does the material address?
— What do I want them to do with this information? How can they use it tomorrow?
— How will I engage the audience and present the materials so that I will be successful at reaching my outcomes and so that the participants will become involved with the material and the ideas being presented?
— How will I know if my objectives have been met?• Arrange all the necessary logistics. Consider the importance of a comfortable and inviting environment, as this affects what and how we learn.
• Double-check your space arrangement. Has a space been reserved and confirmed? Is it adequate and conducive to the needs of the group and to your instructional approaches? Are the space and the materials universally accessible? (see Section 1: Handout 7)
• Get all the necessary materials and equipment you will need to teach. If you will need audiovisual equipment or videotapes, have they been secured well in advance?
• Complete Section 1: Handout 8 to be sure you are ready.
• Review what you know about your audience and their specific learning styles and needs.
• Study any content areas with which you may not be thoroughly familiar (refer to the resources listed in the curriculum, including the Bibliography).
• Review Section 1: Handout 9 to learn about tips for presenting.
What can you add?