Presentation guidelines
At Natural Leaders we do lots of presenting and teaching. We hope you approach each presentation as an adventure and exciting opportunity to dive into a topic and expand your knowledge base.
Review these guidelines to help you and your classmates in getting the most out of each presentation.
Don't worry if you feel awkward at first - over time you well get increasingly confidant and proficient - so long as you strive to do it a little bit better each time.
Some key points:
Here is an example of a presentation for the online program.
Your presentation might be even shorter and simpler. Just have fun with it...
Review these guidelines to help you and your classmates in getting the most out of each presentation.
Don't worry if you feel awkward at first - over time you well get increasingly confidant and proficient - so long as you strive to do it a little bit better each time.
Some key points:
- Research much, then present just the most important, interesting, relevant information - in your own words. Your job is to translate your research into something the class will find interesting and enjoyable.
- Consider making up a story, maybe a funny one, that teaches us about the topic.
- Creative and even goofy is better than dull and dry.
- Focus on the things you find interesting. If you are confused or bored, we will be too.
- Create some slides with good pictures.
Here is an example of a presentation for the online program.
Your presentation might be even shorter and simpler. Just have fun with it...
1. Research! Ask, question. Research more...
The first step to preparing is to become an expert on the topic you are presenting. Ideally you should spend a good hour investigating the topic. You might start by watching some Youtube videos, or by reading different online sources, or looking at a book. To learn deeper and better, use these techniques:
Use your imagination: As you go through the information, pause regularly close your eyes, and picture in your mind's eye, in your imagination, the information that you have consumed.
Ask/notice questions: as you investigate your topic, notice questions that come to mind. What do you find confusing or unclear? Ask questions, and then look for answers to deepen your understanding.
2. Synthesize & digest - visualize, explain or take notes, draw.
After you've done some research, hopefully using imagination and questioning as described above, take notes. You might draw some simple pictures and or write down key words, phrases or more (depending on your writing proficiency). You could also do this orally, explaining to a parent or sibling what you've learned. As you do this, you will expose the areas you need go back and learn better.
3. Summarize in your own words
Having investigated broadly a large amount of information, you should now summarize and concentrate the information most relevant to your audience, with some key bullet points and images.
A few key bullet points that are easy to remember and understand.
Seek out images that show clearly the most important information.
For example, if you are teaching the copperhead, you might find a photo that clearly shows the head shape and color, perhaps in contrast with a non-poisonous look-alike, like a water-snake.
It may take some hunting to find some effective photos, so you should have them prepared in advance.
4. Craft your presentation
For an oral presentation, the most important part is the research you did to become an expert.
However, you should also take some notes to help you follow a good order and include the key information.
For an online class, you should have a visual presentation - ideally a brief slideshow that has those good images you found, and you can also include your bullet points of key information.
5. Deliver your presentation
Be prepared and ready to go. In an online class, have your presentation ready to share.
Speak clearly with a good volume.
Present a digestible amount of information - in digestible chunks
If applicable, make good eye contact with your audience.
The first step to preparing is to become an expert on the topic you are presenting. Ideally you should spend a good hour investigating the topic. You might start by watching some Youtube videos, or by reading different online sources, or looking at a book. To learn deeper and better, use these techniques:
Use your imagination: As you go through the information, pause regularly close your eyes, and picture in your mind's eye, in your imagination, the information that you have consumed.
Ask/notice questions: as you investigate your topic, notice questions that come to mind. What do you find confusing or unclear? Ask questions, and then look for answers to deepen your understanding.
2. Synthesize & digest - visualize, explain or take notes, draw.
After you've done some research, hopefully using imagination and questioning as described above, take notes. You might draw some simple pictures and or write down key words, phrases or more (depending on your writing proficiency). You could also do this orally, explaining to a parent or sibling what you've learned. As you do this, you will expose the areas you need go back and learn better.
3. Summarize in your own words
Having investigated broadly a large amount of information, you should now summarize and concentrate the information most relevant to your audience, with some key bullet points and images.
A few key bullet points that are easy to remember and understand.
Seek out images that show clearly the most important information.
For example, if you are teaching the copperhead, you might find a photo that clearly shows the head shape and color, perhaps in contrast with a non-poisonous look-alike, like a water-snake.
It may take some hunting to find some effective photos, so you should have them prepared in advance.
4. Craft your presentation
For an oral presentation, the most important part is the research you did to become an expert.
However, you should also take some notes to help you follow a good order and include the key information.
For an online class, you should have a visual presentation - ideally a brief slideshow that has those good images you found, and you can also include your bullet points of key information.
5. Deliver your presentation
Be prepared and ready to go. In an online class, have your presentation ready to share.
Speak clearly with a good volume.
Present a digestible amount of information - in digestible chunks
If applicable, make good eye contact with your audience.
