Adult learners are motivated to be in the classroom.
Public speaking for educators of adults requires a variety of skills. Educational public speaking must capture its audience through the introduction of the topic, presentation of a problem and delivery of the solution. No matter the subject matter, you can present it in this storytelling fashion to pique the interest of your audience and stimulate your students to analyze, reflect and incorporate new information for an effective learning experience. This three-step process is especially effective for workshops, where the problem is already defined and the instructor is there to present the solution.
Knowledge Base
Flip charts help the visual learner.
Subject: Know your subject. A thorough knowledge of your subject helps you stay calm and speak with clarity and confidence. Your knowledge base and teaching are like an iceberg. What you know is far greater than what you present at any one time.
Students: Know your students. This does not mean you have to know your students personally, but know something about them, at least categorically: ages, cultures, background.
Equipment: Have excellent working knowledge of any equipment you use for visual or auditory teaching aids. Equipment that does not work properly causes tension and loss of focus.
Verbal Presentation
Speaking: Use clear, concise language. Avoid the use of trade jargon until you have explained the special words and slogans associated with the subject matter.
Listen to the language of your students. Speak on the level of your students. If colloquial expressions help to get your point across, use them.
Articulation and projection are important for an instructor, just as they are important for all public speakers. Form your words carefully and project from the diaphragm.
Vary the tone and volume of your voice. Variety keeps your listeners alert.
Teaching Aids
Learning styles: Teach to all learning styles -- visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Auditory learners are well-suited to lecture-style teaching. Practice good speaking skills and know your subject well to teach to this group of learners. Visual aids and hands-on experiments provide variety and exposure to media more quickly grasped by students with visual and kinesthetic learning preferences.
Some learners are active, while others are reflective. Active learners benefit from group discussion and participation. Reflective learners prefer to have time alone to digest the material presented. Provide opportunities for both active and reflective learners.
Creativity
Cultural sensitivity: Adult education involves groups of various ages, experience levels and backgrounds. Keep an open mind and make no presumptions based upon demographic data. Foster sensitivity toward students of various ages, ethnic groups or economic status through demonstration of respect and interest in each of your students. Design teaching modules to allow all students to participate and contribute. Be a learner. Students will teach you teach them if you observe and pay attention to your students.
