I am speaking to a group of college students about my job in the probation officer world. What kinds of things are college students interested in? Web sites for outlines, etc. would be appreciated as well. Any ideas?? I also get extremely nervous and my voice is shaky too, any advice?
2007-03-31 08:02:17 · 4 answers · asked by mixster 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Public speaking can be difficult. Feeling self-confident makes it easier. One thing to remeber with your audience in your situation is that you are the expert. You know more about your topic than anyone else. Practicing in front of several friends may help too, espeically if they are seated, facing you, while you stand and speak to them.
As far as what the students are interested in... probably at least one story about one of your days at work. Something that may make them see you as a real person, rather than just another speaker.
2007-03-31 08:20:43 · answer #1 · answered by Glen W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is your voice shaky when you are talking to someone on probation? Probably not... That is because you realize you are in a position of authority. Take a moment to realize that when you are publicly speaking, you are, again, the authority figure. The people who are there to listen to you are there because they want to hear what you have to say. (If they didn't they'd skip class - No truancy in college!)
College students are almost adults. When dealing with adult learning styles, you should try to incorporate visual, audible and tactile learning.
The words you will be speaking take care of the audible learners.
Try to include some imagery for the visual learners - pictures or video of your topic - Perhaps a photograph of some security measures at a half-way house or a picture of your station. A picture of your office. Maybe also include a picture of you doing something else that you enjoy (and they might enjoy too), like mixing music or drinks (based on your nickname). This will allow them to relate to you as an individual and see that anyone can be a probation officer, not just the stereotype (if there is one?)
Finally pass something out. Or at least pass something around. If you don't have a hand-out, then do a show-and-tell. For instance, pass around a pair of handcuffs (bring a couple of keys). Maybe pass around one of those tracking devices that go on the ankle? That'll take care of the tactile learners.
Hope that helps!
2007-03-31 08:20:22 · answer #2 · answered by J.C. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a college student, I would say that powerpoint is boring, but effective. You can do a powerpoint slide that will help you say what you want without have to fully say it. You can read off of it and use it to remind you of things that you may want to elaborate. Videos are the best best thing you can have. College students get bored of someone just talking and talking about something. If you have a video, you can really bring your point home. College kids also love to laugh. If you had something funny in there maybe in the beginning, you would completely have their attention.
The best way to avoid being nervous is to be prepared. As long as you have everything you want to say ready, you will be fine. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be great
2007-03-31 08:18:09 · answer #3 · answered by cocacolacrazy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Practicing in front of a mirror and using PowerPoint are OK ideas but here's my suggestion: Stories. Stories Stories.
I don't meant The Little Engine that Could. I mean, relax and tell them that funny story of the time one of you 'clients" got caught breaking probation and then tried to excuse it by blaming Jerry Springer. Or the heart touching story of the one that broke probation, but only to see the child he never knew he had.
You get the idea.
2007-04-03 11:30:58 · answer #4 · answered by Green Arrow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋