A familiar saying, designed, I’m sure, to belittle those in the teaching profession says: “Those that can, do. Those that can’t – teach!” Ouch – go all the teachers.
A familiar saying, designed, I’m sure, to belittle those in the teaching profession says: “Those that can, do. Those that can’t – teach!” Ouch – go all the teachers.
Why does he touch his nose?
Do sports men and women tell the truth when interviewed on TV?
We know that being an effective facilitator is all about being neutral, listening and asking questions. But which questions?
I am often bored by or cringe at awards acceptance speeches but this measured and quietly passionate piece from Peter Kosminksy at this week’s BAFTAS is well worth watching. Why is it so effective?
Last week President Obama sent Brexit to the back of the queue. Watch his intervention.
This is what is possible in a couple of minutes.
First things to notice in this conclusion is the use of voice: slower tempo, variations in volume, enunciation (the way words are pronounced and syllables emphasised.
Then the body language: the audience is now his own colleagues. He turns and faces them, the wagging finger at the same time emphasising and admonishing. He looks down to check notes but the messages and head are up for delivery.
He draws on a biblical source (the good samaritan) for his analogy and calls for colleagues to show a sense of (christian?) duty.
Repetition: count the number of uses of the word “contempt”.
Voice – volume: “What we know about fascists is that they need to be defeated” (almost a whisper).
And then the finale building to his statement of support for the motion encouraging his colleagues to do the same.
Too many presenters dive straight into the middle, technical section of their presentation either through fear or lack of preparation. If you don’t target your language for the audience in front of you it will be very difficult for them to respond to your objective.
An audience needs to understand the benefits in their reality of what you are telling them.
Try these tips:
In the clip, Robin Williams, as a doctor has too much technical information at his fingertips for the audience. How does he manage to change tack and get the hospital patrons to pull out their cheque books?
So much language spoken and written is so tied up in itself that simplicity disappears. Long words, invented words, redundant words flap around aimlessly and what is meant is so often not understood.
I remember Brideshead so well from so many years ago. Apologies for the sick but enjoy the explanation for Sebastian’s poor health and Charles’s “yes”.
