About a year ago, I made a presentation to my coworkers (and bosses). Everyone enjoyed it and learned a lot. I loved it! In fact, I am beginning to develop a curriculum for Community Ed. Here’s a few tips:

You are the expert, at least for that 20 minutes or so. That has already been decided, or you not have been asked to present. Don’t waste their time or yours being self effacing.

Adult learners want to know how what they are learning can be applied to their lives. Give specific examples.

An attitude of “Here’s a cool thing I learned, maybe you will think it is cool, too.” never hurts.

If you have trouble finding the right tone, use the same one you’d used to give directions to polite strangers

You are the hostess, not of your home, but of your thoughts and knowledge. Be polite and welcoming, but own the space. You are the only one who knows where all the clean cups are or how to get to the bathroom. Your confidence will make them comfortable.

Have fun.

Disclaimer: As much fun as I had presenting, two months later I was unemployed and crying in my bathtub. I don’t think the two were related, but be careful.

Almost exactly a year ago I did a rockin’ presentation to my colleagues. Everyone loved it and learned a lot. I loved doing it. Disclaimer: two months later I was unemployed and crying in my bathtub.

Here’s a few tips for “teaching” your peers:

It can be hard to find the right tone. Talk to them like you were giving directions to polite strangers.

An attitude of “here’s something I think is cool, maybe you will, too” never hurts.

Kids like to learn for the sake of knowing something new. Adult learners generally want to know exactly how this can be used in their life to make things easier. Give specific examples.

You are, for this 20 minutes or so, the expert. They already think that, or they would not have asked you to present. Don’t waste their time or yours being insecure or self effacing.

Own the space and time. You are a hostess, but instead of welcoming them into your home, you are welcoming them into you thoughts and knowledge. Be kind and charming and helpful, but in control. You are the one who knows where the cups are how to find the bathroom. Let them know that.

Have fun!