Jenny's Art Blog
Jenny's 60+ years' experience brings you commentaries about the creation, process, techniques and other information concerning the visual arts.
Hello Blog visitors. My name is Jenny Burrow. Art is my passion. Ever since I can remember art has been an integral part of my life. I have a lot of experience over the years as a practicing artist and art teacher.
I am assuming you are here because you are interested in art as well. These blog posts are intended to share my experiences with not only the creation of art, but the thinking process art takes us through. There will be commentaries on art techniques and materials, process and goal, emotional and logical assets of participating in the art experience. I hope you enjoy these blog posts and can learn something from the many years I have of experience to share with you.
Enjoy~!
Presenting and Not Quite Ready!
All of us who present or teach know how it feels to be expected to deliver and you aren’t quite ready, your thoughts aren’t polished enough! It’s a pretty hairy feeling to be in this corner at the last moment. This could be caused by an over busy schedule, or the mere fact that time slipped away and you didn’t realize you were that close to THE day! It happens to all of us.
If this happens to you, no need to panic. Here are a few tips to whip something presentable up in less than 24 hours.
Actually 24 hours is a long time if you use your time well. No doubt you will be discussing something you know a lot about. Don’t try to deliver information on something unfamiliar or you haven’t researched thoroughly. Talk on something you know a lot about. Chances are your audience will not know as much as you on the topic. (Hopefully)
If you are an experienced speaker, you can talk a long time “off the cuff”. Most teachers are able to do this because of that experience. If you are new at this speaking thing, better organize your thoughts a little better.
Begin by making notecards. Chances are you won’t use these during the presentation. But writing information down and putting it in order is another way to train your brain to remember. Make your note cards brief. A heading and a couple of sentences or less max.
Make personal connections to your information. People like it when you give a personal touch to your own experience or observation.
Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror. Watch and listen to yourself. Chances are you will do a much better presentation than in practice so don’t worry if it doesn’t go wonderfully. From my own experience in music, a loose rehearsal produces a good performance.
Find a couple of peers or family member to listen to your presentation. Its better to have more than one so no one feels put on the spot to say something positive. Listen to their suggestions especially about voice and body language. I’m sure you will have the content.
Get a good night’s sleep before the day of the presentation. You don’t want to go up front tired.
A few suggestions I hope you find helpful. These usually work when you are in a jam for time. The best scenario is to plan ahead so you aren’t pressed for time putting yourself in this predicament.
