The Situation: Engaging the Audience
Emily is a researcher and teach lead in a class for new associates about the critical elements in her expertise. The evaluations have not been positive during the last two years. Emily realizes her lecturing does not inspire class engagement even though she was taught to lecture this way. Senior leaders are concerned and stress that changes are needed.
The Solution:
Emily is a respected PhD in her field. Our goal for her is to break down her subject matter into chunks that will engage her audience by using stories and discussing things allowing the class to experience each research element. We worked on a redesign of her visuals (more pictures – less words), a strong session open / close and on ways to secure audience participation. Also, Emily wants to have fun with the class and learn to answer questions more succinctly. If an question requires a longer explanation, she could discuss it after class.
The Outcome:
Participant evaluations and comments now indicate they are energized by the classes! Emily finds herself really enjoying them, too. She is also gaining the confidence as a teacher to be more flexible in the classroom and adjust, if needed, because of timing constraints or if more time is needed for questions. The senior leaders are pleased especially about hearing the positive remarks from the participants!
The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. H. Jackson Brown, Jr.