Description
‘A wonderful contribution to the presentation field. As a presenter for 15 years, I have purchased, read, or perused many books on presentations. This is the most useful and captivating book I have read thus far. . . . I love the dollops of research integrated into the manuscript. Since brain research is my area, I am happy that others will see how it relates. The author makes important connections between preparation, presentation, and prudence. This Backstage Pass can make the difference between an acceptable presentation and an outstanding one!’ – Marilee Sprenger , Professional Development Consultant, Presenter, and Author ‘The warm, friendly, conversational tone makes it feel like the author is right there with you, cheering you on as you put her tried and true suggestions to work. . . . Her suggestions resonate with my own professional experience. I found myself laughing, agreeing, and shouting ‘yes!’ (even though there was no one in the room to hear me). . . .I plan to re-read this book periodically to remind myself of this powerful advice and apply it to my own presentations’ – Lynell Burmark , Thornburg Center Associate, Presenter, and Author A how-to guide to working effectively with adult audiences in small or large presentation settings. With an emphasis not only on communicating information, but also on winning audience approval and buy-in, this friendly and humorous little book can be read in one sitting on the plane or train as a do-it-yourself mentor, speaking coach, image consultant, and train-the-trainer all in one. The topics range from “pack for success and catch the early train” through “closers for summary, review, reflection, and connection.” Also featured are strategies for designing audience handouts, seating the audience, maintaining group energy, working with angry and challenging audiences, structuring breaks so the audience returns after the break, and more. Assessment methods include self-evaluation, formal evaluations, and partnering with trusted colleagues for collaborative observation and feedback. Susan Jones is a life-long educator, whose interest in best practice and research in teaching and learning led to a passion for effective communication. Actively facilitating and training education professionals, she also devotes much energy to keynote speaking, training trainers of adult audiences in presentation skills, and facilitating institutional change. She has presented to more than 20,000 people in the past decade alone. A leading expert on research-based classroom instruction and student achievement, she has helped educators translate research into practical strategies for teaching and learning. Her no-nonsense approach to instruction and leadership separates critical new research from speculation and skillfully presents the elements that positively impact achievement. She has served as past president of Florida ASCD, a member of the Board of Directors of ASCD, a trainer for the Bureau of Education and Research and has taught adjunct through four universities. Susan’s experience includes more than two decades of K-12 classroom teaching experience, as well as service as Director of Program Development for Illinois Regional Offices of Education. In addition to Blueprint for Student Success and Backstage Pass, Susan is a contributing author to two brain-research based books. She has authored numerous articles and columns dealing with strategies to improve achievement. Preface and Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1. Preparation Precedes Success Clear Communication: Exceeding Expectations Questions and Answers Minmizing the Chance for Misunderstanding Tailoring Programs: One Size Does Not Fit All Preparing Handouts Organizing for a Relaxed Delivery Do’s and Don’ts 2. Little Things Mean a Lot Sleep for Efficiency Eat for Sustained Energy Dress for Success Pack Light and Catch the Early Train Questions and Answers Packing Checklist Sharing Book Resources Heading off Equipment Trouble Hydration – Wet Your Whistle to Whet Your Brain Do’s and Don’ts 3. Lights, Camera, Action! Readying the Facility Materials Start Before You Begin Questions and Answers Crutches to Stay Calm – and On Course Room Set Up – The Good, The Bad, and The Adjustments Seating Participants for Great Results Distributing Handouts and Materials Charts, Slides and Overheads Grand Entrances Do’s and Don’ts 4. Quick- Let ‘Em Love You! Gaining Acceptance Building Audience Rapport Vulnerability Establishing Common Ground Friendly is good, Familiar is Not Acknowledging Knowledge and Know-How Working Around Personal Quirks Questions and Answers Honoring Audience Expertise Increasing Visibility Changing an Audience’s Point of View Agendas and Overviews Introductions and Openers Positive Communication Do’s and Don’ts 5. Put Teeth into Your Technique Purpose Drives Process Question and Answers Delivering the Main Course: Information, Skills and Message Limiting Content Reflections and Connections Motivating an Audience Generating New Thinking Understanding: Taking the Road Less-Traveled Non-Verbal Communication Small Groups to Enliven Learning Timing Group Work Maintaining Involvement Regaining Attention Ensuring Active Participation Tight Parameters to Ensure Success Do’s and Don’ts 6. Enthrall ‘Em All Job I: Make Time Disappear Infusing Excitement into Sessions Variety as a Vehicle Monitoring an Audience The 1-2-3 Rule Questions and Answers Introductions Set the Tone Change of State Movement, More than a Sign of Life: The Glue for Learning Energizers Breaks Putting Lecture In Its Place Covering Volumes of Content: Alternatives Methods Accountability in Group Work Group Size Visuals to Enhance Meaning Directing Attention Applying Content Handling Questions Do’s and Don’ts 7. Rave Reviews: Making Sure You Still Have an Audience Left After Break Appeal Fun Comfort Mystery Finesse Questions and Answers When You Don’t Have the Answer Building Fun Into Learning Creating Physical and Emotional Comfort Prizes and Rewards Meaningful Mixers Time and Organization Handling Difficult Audiences Humility Setting Yourself Apart Do’s and Don’ts 8. That’s a Wrap! The LASTing Impression Questions and Answers The 3 Features of a Quality Closer Audience Awareness of Session Gains Review, Rehearsal, Application Positive Endings Do’s and Don’ts 9. Make it a Great Plant, Then Keep Weeding, Watering and Talking to It Sweet Consistency – An Allusive Target Inviting Improvement Informal Feedback Formal Feedback Collegial Feedback Do’s and Don’ts References Index
