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Today we were talking about our communication superpower. Below we have a list of six different formats. Which presentation style do you feel most confident and/or skilled at? We have one, but across the SLSP change agents, I'm sure we cover them all! So to use our shared experience, write in the comments your top tips to help others develop your superpower. This could be content, logistics, format, language, or something else entirely - let's build our skills together!
- Written comms e.g. reports
- Formal presentations e.g. to Committees
- Workshop facilitation
- Social media & sales
- Education & training
- Conversation
Education & training
1) Ensure learners know how the objectives of the session fit into the broader aims of the scheme of learning or the business goals.
2) Ensure that your content is delivered in an engaging way (not easy!) One method I used a lot was snowball method. This ensures that the learners talk and engage with the content. For example, when instigating a conversation or task split learners into pairs, then join with another pair to form 4 then into 6 etc until finally the whole group. This is great as some learners will not be confident sharing within an entire group setting. It allows them to build confidence! A great way to start to check knowledge on a topic is to have a slogan or phrase at the start of the lesson learners can be thinking about as they enter the room virtual or physical. (google Thunks by Ian Gilbert) Or a provocative phrase such as "War is necessary for progress" These can be great to start discussion and check prior knowledge on topics. (Especially if your learners are adults they will have knowledge correct or incorrect on a topic! ) Debating websites often have great prepared material on key societal issues, check debatingmatters.com.
3. Ensure that you are checking for learning. Assessment for learning it is called in teaching. Use flashcards, a quick thumbs up/thumbs down, questions, peer questions or role play or a game to test application of knowledge. I have found role play (generally) works best with learners under 18! Over this age learners require a lot of motivation or a great divisive topic to motivate them! :)
4. Ensure the session ends with a clear plenary to check for new knowledge and allow learners to apply it to the business aims or the wider scheme of learning and check they have met the session objectives. Often this would be an exam or key business problem/question that you could have mentioned at the start. (Something you know the learners cannot solve without completing the session as you have checked their knowledge at the start !)