Chapter overview

Chapter 3 examines how instructors can maximize effectiveness by balancing their presentation efforts between “what is said” and “how it is said.” Constructing a successful educational presentation is similar to constructing any other object. The job requires a combination of factors: namely, having a plan plus having the required tools and then applying the skilled use of those tools leads to a successful “build.” This chapter explores an array of tools and how to use them to increase the success of presentations.

Personality affects both sides of the communication equation. A presenter's personality style will affect how he or she chooses to communicate with the audience. The various personalities represented in the audience will influence how the instructor's message is received. Because personality affects the way learners perceive an instructor, the instructor's ability to convey knowledge hinges in part upon personality. The key to effectiveness for an instructor is to know his or her own style and what strategies need to be employed to expand success across all personality styles. This chapter will discuss how knowing personality styles of oneself and one's audience (e.g. by using DiSC definitions) can allow an instructor to leverage his/her personality style to enhance the transmission of information.

Practice and preparation are critical keys to success. Understanding the components of preparation allows for the development of a thorough plan that can be practiced. Practicing the “what” and “how” until it all becomes second nature facilitates exceptional presentations.