Teaching is like training, is like speaking, is like persuading.
I read an article the other day about a SA high school teacher who won the 2011 Australia’s best science teacher award. She doesn’t work at an exclusive private school, she doesn’t have the latest equipment and many would consider her students to be from an underprivileged background… and yet last year 4 of her year 12 students achieved perfect scores.
So what makes her unique and able to achieve these results?
I believe it is her attitude and her ability to capture her audience and make them care about her topic.
She is quoted as saying “The first section of any lesson id pivotal to engage, motivate and interest students. It is not the right time for taking the roll.” She starts her classes with a bang (quite literally in some cases) ensuring her students are always on time. Her classes are interactive, physical and confronting – attention is demanded and maintained.
So how does this apply to your next presentation?
• Get a grab. You have 10 seconds to capture your audience. Don’t waste that opportunity by stating the obvious or discussing housekeeping, start with a bang!
• Sell on all senses. Where ever possible include a physical activity to cement your message and increase retention
• Challenge your audience. The learning zone is situated outside of the comfort zone. Stretch your audience and challenge them with new ideas. Then step back and facilitate the discussion.
Lastly, remember: ‘Passionate people persuade’. Enthusiasm is infectious, show your passion, share your expertise and the audience will follow.
