Now that I know I’m headed back to Las Vegas for Autodesk University this year, it’s
time to pass off some ideas about how to have a successful class. Whether you’re
a first timer or an old dawg, you’ve got to understand that presenting at a
conference isn’t the same as a regular training class, or presenting to your
buddies in the office. So let’s start with a few things that help your classes
get high marks.
1. Know Your Audience
If you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced instructor,
this is the most common mistake. Don’t teach symbiotic quantum physics to first
year AutoCAD users…and it may sound silly, but keep it simple. You’re not there
to impress them with your prowess or command of the English language. You’re
there to communicate ideas, instill excitement and passion, and motivate the
learner.
The AU crowd, for example is a little different. They’re a
highly technical bunch, but they also are in Vegas…yes, Vegas has them now. And
in most cases, they have a fairly good understanding of how the tools they’re
using work, but are looking for the gems and tips they can’t find in the books
or help file. When they signed up for classes, they were looking at your description
and skill levels. So whatever you’re teaching, you need to stay in that general
playground.
The key is to make sure your topic is something that is
valuable to them. Cruise the discussion groups, talk to coworkers and check out
the blogs to see what people are looking for. Since you’ve already submitted
your class, make sure you tune it as needed so the information is relevant. Even
if it’s advanced class, you’ll always get a few lost souls that probably didn’t
mean to sign up for your class, but could really benefit from the topic.
Know the Audience, Part 2
If you’re presenting for a first time, it can be daunting. I
was so nervous in my first AU class, I kept tripping over the screen stand
legs, which unfortunately stuck out about 3 feet in front of the screen
(appropriately the class was about interference conditions in AutoCAD MEP). Get
out and literally get to know your audience. If all you do is stand in front of
the podium, your first contact occurs when you begin to speak. I like to walk
around the room, introduce myself, talk to the users, even meet some outside
the door (I’ve also been known to take tickets and charge admission…oops, probably
shouldn't have said that). Ever notice how it’s easier to talk to friends than a
large crowd?
This requires that you make sure you get into your
presentation earlier, so have everything setup and ready to go well before the
presentation. Make sure the software is open to files you’re using, your
presentation is loaded. If you’re speaking at an event where there’s dinner or
lunch being served, don’t sit by yourself – or even with friends. Sit at a
table with people you don’t know and at least introduce yourself. You’ll find
it’s easier to connect with people before the presentation than during.
2. Preparation - Practice, Practice, Practice,
Practice, etc.
There’s a big difference between knowing something and
owning something. As much as I present, even the same things, it’s still a good
idea to go through the presentation – night before, etc. I used a short script
prompter, which contains the key points and sections. I leave it on the table
where my laptop is, if I’m driving, since this helps me stay on course. But no script keeps you from flubbing if you
haven’t gone through everything. I had updated my computer before AU, but didn’t run
through the steps in the exercise – my path to the lookup tables for pipe fittings in Revit was wrong…boom –
but we turned it into a teaching moment, and showed the class why it broke.
That’s rare, but sometimes you have to make quick adjustments. Try standing in
front of the mirror – watch your facial expressions, hand movement, body
posture – but nothing exudes confidence like owning the material. And never,
ever, ever rewrite material the night
before. Make sure you deliver exactly what you say you’re going to deliver –
set the right expectation for the class.
3. Relevant Topics – Stay on them.
As much as you may want to teach lisp programming that sets
layers to an Architecture crowd at AU, that may not be what the crowd is really
interested in. Find something that’s current and fresh – don’t dwell on how you
did things in the past, unless you’re using it to define context. For example,
a great expression is “I used to do this way, but then I learned a better way”.
And always
credit the person who taught you – it shows humility, and respect.
4. Presentation is everything!
At Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, in the Bellagio hotel, it’s all
about presentation – getting the fries to be fluffed up a specific way so they
look enticing. A former co-worker of
mine, David Garrigus, was a big inspiration – the ball and chain demo on ACAD
2000 was one of the best. You may have a style, but you can’t rest on it. You
can keep the style, but change it up – do something different at every event. I
may have fishing videos before the class, but every year I bring different
props.
One of the things that drives me nuts is a presenter who
hides behind a podium or desk, and doesn’t stop and step out. Engaging the
audience is mission critical at an event like AU. You want them to share how
you feel about what you’re teaching, but say it a little gently.
We even did the dating game once – but I won’t ever do it
again. Judge the response – if it works, tweak it. If it doesn’t, run away from
it. Don’t be afraid to ask people what they think – but also don’t be depressed
if your presentation gets trashed by one or two people. There’s always a critic
that thinks they can do better, or wants a specific presentation. Most
important – be yourself.
5. What to do when Things Break Down – and They
Will!
Beware
– if some disagrees with you, and they will, never trash them or their idea. Say
something like, “I hadn’t thought of that, but it sounds interesting.” Many
times, and unfortunately, there will be someone in the group that wants to
bring you down a notch. Don’t ever play into it – better yet, try to deal with
it after the class, and stay on track, so you can finish what you need to
cover.
If
something crashes, don’t dwell on it – even in a lab, you can still step out,
and talk about what you’re trying to accomplish. One of the things I do is keep
presentation or lab files saved at critical points, so a user can pick up and
keep moving if they get behind, or worse, if something breaks.
And
I’m a little superstitious – I always bring two laptops with me, just in case.
But Autodesk is great about providing powerful desktop systems that you can
use. One of the reasons I get to AU on Sundays is so I can spend time in my
labs on Monday, and make sure all of the datasets are current and correct. I
don’t recommend trying to customize the AutoCAD or other software on these
computers, as not everyone who teaches will share your ideas about how menus
suck and keyboard shortcuts are the only way to go. That’s when the dual laptop
method works best. All it takes is a little static – and you’re talking about
your kids for the next 75 minutes… and getting a crappy score.
To
wrap it up, understand that AU is not a traditional training event, so you can’t
approach it with the chalk and talk method. Be creative – engage the audience –
know your subject – but most of all, have a great time and enjoy the privilege.
Not everyone is crazy…excuse me, qualified
enough to teach at AU, so make the most of it!
Later - David B.
