How to make a class presentation funny/interesting?

awkwardtouching · 2016-04-24T19:03:50+00:00

Every presentation/public speaking course I've ever taken has said roughly the same thing: be yourself, be confident, and connect with the audience. Don't rely on some dumb gimmick or joke that may bomb. Just deliver a competent and engaging talk by speaking at a good volume, make eye contact, use your whole body to speak (no weird hands in pockets) and don't look at your slides the whole time.

VasiliyZaitzev · 2016-04-24T19:29:56+00:00

What is the topic?

With a powerpoint presentation, I would tell them how many slides you have so that they won't have to wonder about how interminable it's going to be. Also, Make Sure You Keep the Slides Moving in Sync with the Presentation. Use notes with 'slide cues' if you have to.

Also you might move back and forth in front of the audience. Which moves the "golden triangle" of who you are going to reach with the presentation.

As a former teacher of college kids, I always lead with a joke. So in this case it might be, as you are bringing them to order, "Ok...I know everyone is sleep deprived, but I know you can make it through this. My presentation will have 18 slides. I know you can do it. You guys all know the story about the little train...."

Oh, and also you know the guy who just reads the powerpoint slides in monotone? Don't be that guy.

If you can work in any situational humor that works, do it. Two random events from my classes: Once when I was giving a test, there was a MASSIVE thunderclap that sounded like it was right above the roof (we were on the top floor). Everyone looked up at me, startled and I immediately exclaimed, "I AM THOR! YOU HAVE DISPLEASED ME!" In another case, as I finished explaining the solution to a difficult problem, one of my students said, "I don't believe it!" as I was turning around, so I put my fists up by my temples and wiggled my thumbs, and said, in my best 'Yoda' voice, "That....is why you FAIL!" and everyone laughed. So sometimes things just have to happen.

Also, I had an established rapport with those groups, so keep it simple, give them goals, and power through it.

Title	How to make a class presentation funny/interesting?
Author	redpillnexus
Upvotes	3
Comments	6
Date	April 24, 2016 6:37 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/4g9czx/how_to_make_a_class_presentation_funnyinteresting/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/how-to-make-a-class-presentation-funnyinteresting.104476 https://theredarchive.com/post/104476

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