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Presentation...
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by vanerka on November 2, 2006
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I just wanted to say that I just got out of a class where I gave a presentation on changing reptile laws in IL for my reading class. I certainly eduacted people on the subject of reptiles and I brought a couple of snake sticks, a large constrictor shed and a few pictures to add a "hands on" sense to the presentation. I wanted to bring my snake but the school security wouldn't allow it. Although it was an interesting speech, I just gained alot more respect for thoes of you who choose to go give presentations at shows and other recreational gatherings. I also took up about 20 min of class time explaining many of the details involved in the keeping of hots, large constrictors, and crcodilian species.
I hate to say it but, I think it was a little dry and the fact that my classmates weren't in class today to learn particularly on the subject of reptiles didnt help any either.
I guess what Im trying to say is that giving a lecture or speech to a class full of eager college students isnt exactly the easiest thing to do. And all that do have just gained ALOT more respect from me. But Im pretty shure I got a good grade because my teacher stoppped me on the way out of class and proceeded to ask other questions. So hopefully I helped some people gain a little more respect for these animals. Well, getting to my question. Do any of you guys have similar problems giving speeches or doing demonstrations, or is it just me being paraniod?????
Thanks Eric
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by Cro on November 2, 2006
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Eric, sounds like you did a good job. I would not worry about the folks in the audience who were not interested, the main thing is you reached some of them.
Giving a lecture on reptiles works well when you combine education and entertainment. If you had been allowed to bring live snakes to the talk, I bet there would have been much more interest. Keep up the good work. Best Regards JohnZ
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by vanerka on November 2, 2006
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I guess your right. It probably would have gained a lot more popularity if I had been allowed to bring the snake which was the original plan, but security shot that down pretty quick.
Thanks
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by MikeB on November 2, 2006
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As an adjunct college speech instructor, I always encourage my students to bring visual aids -- and many semesters I have some who do their "informative speech with visual aids" on reptiles they keep at home. Have had ball pythons, boas, milks and some domestic Oklahoma snakes in class and students enjoy it. No security problems -- I just set the rules: No hazardous items (rattlers or firearms, for example.) I also get to play with some of the snakes. It's almost always a highlight of the semester, for me and the classes.
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by vanerka on November 2, 2006
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Well, the snake I was goin to bring in was my 26 in columbian red tailed boa. So its not like I was goin to bring in anything potentially hazardous. I think everyone would have enjoyed it though. I appreciate the comment though.
Thanks Eric
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by earthguy on November 2, 2006
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I am a high school teacher/adjunct biology professor, so I do A LOT of public speaking. I also give herp talks whenever I get the opportunity to do some extracurricular speaches (which I do fairly often). Two things make for good speaches:
1. The speaker should enjoy the topic
2. The speaker should engage the audience
You already have #1 down. #2 comes with plenty of practice. I would suggest that you just DO IT. Another alternative is to join a toastmasters club. I've never been, but I understand that they specialize in public speaking.
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by Rob_Carmichael on November 2, 2006
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That last post is excellent advice. As a curator of a well known wildlife center in the Chicago area, it is not uncommon for me to be speaking to well over 500 people in a single shot (or smaller groups as well ranging from elementary schools to college lectures); frightening at first but once you gain experience, it really doesn't matter what the size of the group is. Passion for your topic is contagious and your audience will be captivated by your passion for reptiles. Engaging your audience, as the last post mentioned, just comes with experience. There are so many little nuances like make personal eye contact, asking engaging questions to get the audience involved, the way you move and posture yourself, the way you speak, having a nice mix of natural history, unique and fascinating facts and unusual stories about that particular animal. It doesn't come easily but ANYONE can do it with experience. The way I look at it, if I can go into a large auditorium and change just ONE person's mind about reptiles (especially venomous species) then I have done my job.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
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by vanerka on November 6, 2006
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Thanks for the advice, Im going to look into te toastmasters, that might not be a bad idea, but i have to look further into it. But yeah, i just need to gain the experience. I used to have a slight phobea of public speaking but since last year, I began getting over I and ive been looking for ways of improving my skills. And this could be just the opportunity i have been looking for.
Thanks Eric
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