Effective Presentation and Facilitation Techniques
Chapter 1: Individual Presentation
Storytelling – transmission of knowledge, emotional connections, composed of familiar elements
Elements of a story – message, context, character, and conflict
Tailoring stories – start in an impactful way, end with main intended takeaways
Chapter 2: Topic Research
Conceptual Framework – system of contents and theories that explain the main things to be studied (key factors, concepts, variables) and the presumed relationship among them. They clarify the content and assist the definition of the research topic + literature needed. Provides order, establish connection
Concepts of Contextual Frameworks:
- Variables
- Relationship among variables
- Conditions under which they operate
- Support of theories and beliefs
Source of Information:
- Experiential knowledge (background of the researcher)
- Literature review (past research works)
- Subject matter experts (opinion, insight, critical analysis of SMEs with extensive experience on the topic)
MIND MAP
Chapter 3: Stage Fright
Causes of Stage Fright: unprepared, embarrassment, unknown
Techniques to Manage Anxiety: depersonalization, behavior modification, practice
Techniques for Nervous Behaviors: fidgeting, trembling, quivering voice
Chapter 4: Persuasion
How to Deliver a Point to the Audience: shared experiences, common goals, qualifications, use contrast, balance logical (data, facts) with emotional (metaphors, provoking questions, benefits) appeals
Potential Problems and Solutions
Logical resistance, Emotional resistance, Practical resistance
The Communication Process
Sender (encoding) the message – receiver (recording)
ACTIVE LISTENING (eye contact, interest, questions, paraphrasing, do not interrupt)
Non-verbal Communication
Paralanguage – pitch, volume, intonation
Facial Expressions
Eye Contact
Physical Contact
Personal Appearance
Proxemics – use of space
Kinesics – body language
Chapter 5: Materials Preparation
One message per slide
- Additional information in bullet points
- Avoid huge titles, use contrast
- Max 7 elements per slide
- Only relevant pictures
- Videos no longer than 7 minutes
- Do activities – attention, reinforce, deeper understanding
- Create worksheet to define an activity (define purpose, how to proceed, think of needed materials, debriefing questions)
Chapter 6: Facilitating Skills
Facilitator Skills: focus on improvement, willing to learn and adapt, ability to change
Facilitator Tasks
- Design & plan: outcome in mind, structure, dynamics
- Guide the process: participation, responsibility, record and respond
- Create safe environment: ground rules, agenda
- Prevent and solve issues: timing, group behavior, when to lead
Main Pitfalls
- Lack of preparation
- Not knowing the audience
- Not managing the environment
Adult Learning
- Experience
- Questioning
- Individual differences
- Need to apply
- Familiarity with tasks
- Willingness
Types of Attendees
- Argumentative: high tone, interruption, “yes but” – listen, show why is right, use authority
- Positive: focused, good worker, responsible – give voice when there is silence, not give too much attention
- Star: center of attention, opinionated, believes to know it all – correct mistakes, ask for respect, recommend reflecting before talking
- Talkative: over-explains, go off-topic, expressive – do not interrupt them, ask them for respect and room for others
- Shy: do not talk, only listen, may not solve their doubts – ask simple questions, insist on contribution, do not be judgmental
- Absent: never participates, lack of participation, demotivated – reinforce participation, do not manifest in public the concern
- Close-minded: disagrees, ask mentor for proves – demand solutions, explain importance of collaboration, provide proof
Chapter 7: Co-Presenting
Advantages – creativity, rescuing, support, materials management, less vulnerability
Challenges – coordination, lack of trust, showing off, no alignment, timings
Basics – involves trust, shared responsibilities, use talents and qualities
Points to Discuss – goals, strategy, agreements
Needed Agreements – content preparation, technicalities, rehearsal, common support
Ways of Co-Presenting – tag team, speak and comment, speak and chart, perform and comment, duet
During the Presentation – pay attention, use transition sentences, do not make rescues obvious, keep an eye on the audience
Pitfalls – blank, not clear, not paying attention
After Presentation – celebrate, feedback, agreements for future
Group Presentations – leader: coordinator, talent, order of content, congruency, smooth transitions, sharing airtime
Chapter 7: Facilitating Meetings
Meeting Roles (!!!)
Facilitator
- Process and ground rules
- Stays out of content
- Protects participants
- Encourages dialogue
- Helps with consensus
- Summarizes
Chair
- Manager
- Free to pursue ideas
- States policies and constraints
- Calls voting if needed
Scribe
- Group memory
- Checks accuracy
- Participates in discussion
Timekeeper
- Participates in discussion
- Keeps time
- Reminds others of schedules
- Calls amount of time left
Participants
- Take on responsibility for success
- Keep facilitator out of content
- Check that the scribe is accurate
- Make suggestions