It is one of the hardest and most frustrating functions in my job- coaching Subject Matter Experts who will make presentation on their PowerPoint and presentation design. These people have an impressive amount of knowledge- both company specific and industry related- and they are also very passionate about what they do. Are you also struggling to convert your text heavy presentation to a more facilitated, activity-based, and engaging event? I’ve provided a few suggestions below, but the possibilities are near endless!
- Is there any portion of your presentation where you’ll make a list? Instead of presenting this as an organized list on your PowerPoint, why not have the group brainstorm the correct items for your list? Have a volunteer write down the correct items your group brainstorms onto a whiteboard or flipchart. Once the group has brainstormed all the correct answers, you can move to subsequent PowerPoint slides to explain the details of the list. Better yet, design a non-linear PPT so you can discuss each topic as the group suggests it!
- Do you have slides that include a lot of text?
Have the learner silently read the slide or text, underlining or highlighting key words and phrases on his/her handout while they are reading. You remain silent when they are reading. When they are finished reading, discuss the text as a group.
OR
You can split the group into 3 or 4 teams to discuss what they have read. Be sure to walk around the room to provide guidance, facilitation, and ensure each group remains on topic. Have each group make a list of the top three to five takeaways from their reading. (Select an appropriate number based on the length/complexity of the text.) After a few moments of discussion, take charge again, and the whole classroom can discuss the reading. Each breakout group can speak for a moment regarding one of the key takeaways, and each group should present a different idea. You can certainly elaborate and provide further guidance on what they learned in the reading. - Is the group going to read a text introduction before moving into any activity?
Have the group stand up when they have finished reading the introduction or instructions. Once each learner has finished reading, they’ll be standing, and ready to move into the more kinesthetic portion of the lesson.
Again, there are countless ideas you can try to take your presentation text-based to activity-based. Think outside the box, and if necessary, adapt an idea you like to make it better suit your needs and your audience. Search for other suggestions until you find what works for you. Just keep trying- like any other skill, working as a facilitator instead of a lecturer takes practice, practice, and more practice. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can master your facilitation skills!