Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

11-54 | CHAPTER 11

o Begin with a thought-provoking statement or raise a controversy to generate mental involvement. Use humour, but be careful to ensure it is appropriate for the audience. o Use an ice-breaker, such as a melody (sing a song, play music) or a game (if this is appropriate for the audience). 2. Vary your pace and nature. ● Use techniques to generate involvement and energize the audience, such as: o Audiovisuals. o Discussion periods. o Question-and-answer sessions. o Stretch breaks. o Turning the lights on (a learner’s attention span of 15 minutes is often quoted, but not well validated). ● Use exercises to share between learners or use small-group work appropriately. 3. Use a comfortable location and posture. • Try one or more of the following to overcome presenting/lecturing anxiety (although lectures have been known to cause such anxiety that no position is comfortable for the presenter): o Stand beside or behind a podium to hide shaking knees. o Take a deep breath to relax before beginning. o Hold on to something — place a chair nearby so you can hold on. You may sit down if it is a small group, preferably in a circle. o Introduce yourself and then engage the audience with a question or task. Give yourself a few minutes to relax and connect with the group. A good opening sets the tone. o Use a podium for notes, as needed, or use cards to hold. o Practice until you are comfortable with the content and flow. This is essential to gain comfort with public speaking. Taping a practice session and listening to yourself is a painful but worthwhile experience. Practice while commuting to work, taking a shower, preparing supper, until your confidence increases.