What Makes a Good Wildlife Lecture/Talk?

[KeenTeen17]

I was supposed to be doing a small presentation about the wildlife of lancashire for a local nature society on a member's evening where any member can volunteer and talk. It turns out that a proper lecturer has cancelled one week in March. so the head of the society , who I know quite well asked me to fill in that gap and do a proper talk thats about an hour long. And I will be paid!!!!

So what sort of things would you like to see in the presentation of the slideshow if you went to this club? What would impress you?

I am talking general delivery of the talking.

[Tracey.A]

Hi,

the main thing I look for is that the person giving the lecture/slide show is enthusiastic, some people love sharing their knowledge about wildlife and it just shines through. Quite often people don't know what kind of wildlife there is right on their very door step. Species of bats that are present in Lancashire would tick a box for me, you could find this out on the local bat website. Your local RSPB reserve, for common birds and any unusual ones, again their website will be very informative. Stoats, weasels, wood mice, field voles, water voles, mink and why they are a threat to the water voles, hedgehogs, foxes and deer all tick a box in the cute factor Snakes, slow worms, lizards, frogs, toads and newts. Oh and bees, butterflies and moths, sorry I'm a bit greedy Pay attention to their body language, if they start leaning forward a little you've got them, so the bits that they like can be lengthened and any part of the presentation that has them fidgeting or day dreaming can be shortened. If you are asked a question and don't know the answer, be honest and admit to not knowing, but make a point of telling the person you will find out and get back to them.

To be honest I'd be scared to death to do what you are going to do, but having read some of your posts I think you will be brilliant, as you know an awful lot about wildlife and that enthusiasm shines through.

Hopefully someone who has done the odd lecture/slide show will come along and give you some proper insider tips on this for you.


Good luck

Tracey

[galanthus]

As Tracey says, enthusiasm is everything, I went to a course last week on a very interesting subject. The facilitator delivered it in monotones and seemed fairly depressed, we were bored stiff

Humour also vital, get peeps attention even if they're not overly interested in the topic. I also agree with Tracey's suggestion of reading the audience and lopping the bits where they appear distant whilst making the most of it when you see they are rivetted..... which they will be I am sure

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

a bit of humour always goes down well. Slip in the odd funny story or joke that relates to one of the slides or just a funny picture if you have one.

neil

[PMG]

I made my mind up pretty early on that I was not 'lecturing' but giving a 'slide show' a presentation - a show - a performance of myself, which decided me I would not try to speak properly but talk as I normally do with a heavy 'Lanky' accent and the more humour the better - by that I don't mean daftness all the time but don't shrink from making little quips or telling a short (but keep it short) funny story. I've been asked back to quite a few places so they either like me or they couldn't get anyone else to do it..........

So long as you feel you've given the audience value for money and engaged their interest - taken them with you on your pictorial visit and been yourself while you've done it - I think you will find that to be a winning combination. I have always managed to speak from the projector and not the front a) cos I don't like the front and b) I want control of sharpness of slides (this may not apply if you're using digital technology - I have yet to do this). The other benefit of speaking from the projector probably half way down the room is everyone can usually hear you, even at the back. I have always even tho its dark in the room, turned around every now and then and spoken directly to the audience - involved them - instead of just rambling on by yourself which can become a lecture! There is usually enough bounced light from the big screen for the audience to see you turn and speak to them - and they look back at you and nod, or laugh or whatever.

Occasionally you will go to a place where the audience is used to only being lectured while they sit there glassy eyed and uninvolved - this is when you have to work harder to get them along with you. I have a sequence of puffin shots with captions which acts as an ice breaker and normally raises a laugh - consider preparing something like this yourself - if you're doing digital, power point it must be very easy to play around with the format and include other stuff than just one slide after another. I am looking forward to getting back onto the circuit eventually......... I lost my confidence for public speaking when my dad died 3 years ago - just one of those strange things that happen with bereavement I'm told - but I'm getting to grips with that now and as I said looking forward to taking steps to getting back into it.

You may or may not be nervous - you may have that wonderful confidence of youth that carries folks over and beyond nervous - but never forget folk have come to listen watch and enjoy - not to throw tomatoes and condemn you - they are already on your side - so give them your best side!

Good luck and have fun

Pauline

[Kayleigh]

Don't forget to add a few fungi in as well as its a real passion of yours and I think it interests most people.. especially the edibles...You will impress them with your knowledge..Good luck..

[KeenTeen17]

thanks people. Its goingto be more of a slideshow than a lecture. I just called it that to make myself sound intelligent

[flower_girl]

I'd agree with those who say enthusiasm is most important - definitely.

From someone who does the occasional talk myself, the worst bit can definitely be the questions after. Perhaps try to think of any questions beforehand, even if they don't come up it can still help your confidence.

The other bit of advice would be to think about how every point can link together, you'll find it much easier to deliver if it flows.

And definitely recommend lots of pictures! Give the audience something to look at other than you (much more nerve-racking if all eyes are on you).

You'll be fine - it's much more scary beforehand than when you are actually up there.

Having just said all that, I did have 2 people fall asleep during a talk I once gave, so my advice can't be that good! (I blame the dark room...)

Good luck!

[KeenTeen17]

thanks flowergirl. most of the audience when I talk will be over 60. the room is usually dark so it won't be as nerve racking because the only thing theyll be able to see is the screen rather than me

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

thanks flowergirl. most of the audience when I talk will be over 60. the room is usually dark so it won't be as nerve racking because the only thing theyll be able to see is the screen rather than me

Enthusiasm and humour and probably a loud voice if the audience is all pensioners
Your nervousness will leave you once you start, it's always horrible talking to an audience unless you do it as part of your job or are used to it. Good luck