Advice for Presenters

* Always arrive early to check seating, lighting, temperature,  technology, toilets, refreshments etc.  If possible visit a new venue in advance to make sure that it is suitable.

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* Divide your presentation into sections. 

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* Start by explaining what you are going to talk about and how your talk is structured into sections, to give your audience an overview. Set it in a wider context. Explain how it fits with major events, previous talks, or future talks. Having a route map always helps if you are the audience .

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* Interact with your audience. Mention individuals, mention things happening locally, pose questions to them as you go. Get them thinking. Ask for their opinions Add a bit of humour. 

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* Try to link the history topic to current or more recent events. Draw parallels with other historic and contemporary situations.  

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* Add some quirky stories about individuals. Create surprises by finding facts that will surprise or shock your audience. Challenge existing stereotypes of historical figures. Give possible alternative versions and explanations of events; you don't have to agree with them.

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* Make sure everyone can hear you clearly. Vary the speed and tone of your voice. Don't let your voice drop at the end of your sentences. Don't gabble quickly through things that obvious to you; if you do, you will lose your audience. Use brief pauses at key points  and between sections of your talk. Stopping talking usually regains the attention of your audience.

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* Give summaries of sections of your presentation as you go to emphasize the main points and help the audience to see how the various parts of your talk fit together.  Invite questions and comments after each section. 

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* Beware the audience member who wants to talk at length , boring everyone else and destroying the flow of your talk. Be nice to them and offer to take their points at the end. 

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* Be enthusiastic! It is catching.

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* Please don't just read out all the notes in full! Here are two other options:

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         1. Use the notes to create some brief bullet points with key facts; talk using them.

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         2. Or create a PowerPoint (or similar) presentation with images  and headings. 

 

Then you can  talk to the headings. This gives a much more spontaneous feel to your talk. If you use presenter view  on Power Point you can add key facts there to jog your memory, in addition to those displayed to your audience.

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* Practice your talk before you deliver it.

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* Explain your main sources of information. 

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* Finally  - don't worry if you don't follow all the above. Audiences such as U3A are generally appreciative of your efforts and will treat you kindly.

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