| tter how well you did in public speaking class, as a new | | | | the name implies: an aid. It's not the sole methodology |
| teacher, you may be facing what is known as "stage | | | | for you to rely on during presentations. Anyone can |
| fright" as you anticipate addressing an entire class of | | | | watch a slide or give a Power Point presentation; it's |
| students that you have never met. This is a common | | | | the delivery that makes the material stick. |
| fear among those who are embarking on their careers | | | | Make Lots of Eye Contact |
| in education, so don't feel alone. Speaking to your | | | | If you have taken any type of interpersonal |
| audience and having them respond and interact well | | | | communication course (as most teachers have) then |
| with you is important to all teachers, and presenting the | | | | you know that making eye contact is a crucial |
| material that you are teaching in a positive and fun | | | | communication skill. Do your best during your |
| way is the key to being the successful educator that | | | | presentations to make eye contact with each member |
| you long to be. Let's look at how you can counter | | | | of your audience and to avoid distractions, such as the |
| stage fright and become an effective speaker in your | | | | clock on the wall or activity from a window. Choose a |
| classroom. | | | | few members of the "audience" that seem to be very |
| Create an Environment that is Friendly | | | | focused on what you are saying and make eye |
| Although it is not your job to create a side show in | | | | contact more frequently with them (this will make you |
| order to entertain your students while you teach, it is | | | | more confident as you present because you will be |
| important to create a friendly environment that exudes | | | | looking out at people who seem to be interested in |
| positive energy. First impressions are lasting | | | | what you have to tell them). However, don't focus on |
| impressions, so you want to appear confident, | | | | these people too much; you may make them feel |
| approachable and friendly from day one. | | | | uncomfortable. Keep in mind that if you are continually |
| Face Your Students | | | | looking at a distracting object, the listeners' eyes will |
| During your own high school years, do you remember | | | | follow your eyes, so avoid looking into the hallway or |
| those moments when the teacher would keep their | | | | elsewhere that you don't want them to focus on. |
| back to the students for a good part of the class | | | | Use Humor and Narratives |
| period, writing on the board? That's not very conducive | | | | A dry presentation is just that - dry. Add some humor |
| to being a great presenter, and it does not exude | | | | into your presentation to make it more memorable, or |
| positive energy, or make you approachable. While it is | | | | tell a narrative story that is related to what is being |
| necessary to have your back to students from time to | | | | presented. Humor works to lighten the mood while a |
| time, do your best to create presentations that have | | | | narrative story puts a "face" on the material that |
| you facing the class for most of the time you are | | | | makes it more believable or understandable. |
| teaching or presenting material. A visual aid is just what | | | | |