Note: Although this paper is written with a schools and educational slant in mind, I believe these considerations are important for any occupation

Occasionally, teachers will be asked to prepare presentations for colleagues, school staff, parents committee meetings and other audience groups. As they are more comfortable when working with children and students in a classroom context, presentation requests can take teachers outside their usual comfort zone. Suddenly they are confronted with a new arena.

Often, people are asked to prepare a presentation to react with stage fright. Presenting in a formal or semiformal matter causes them a great deal of nervous reaction. Some become so nervous they refuse point-blank to participate.

In an informal or social context, people are comfortable conversing and exchanging experiences. Yet when asked to present to the same people and others more formally, those selfsame and confident communicators clam up!

There is no doubt that the first time is the hardest when it comes to presentations. Relaxation of the mind and not anticipating “the worst” is critically important.

I would strongly recommend to teachers and all professionals that they consider joining Toastmasters, Penguins, or some other speech and speaking club. Membership in such groups enables people to develop confidence in speech presentations. Graduated programs help recognise the essential ingredients of speech. Graduated development means progress in understanding the rudiments of a presentation, with presenters building on previously acquired skills. Membership in these groups also facilitates critical listening, with a view to members evaluating each other and, through that process, honing their self-evaluation skills.

Many people in high places have great difficulty when it comes to presenting. Some have managed to sidestep the challenge by resorting to PowerPoint presentations. Still, the essence of delivery can be stilted, uninspiring and predestinated to leave the listening audience feeling bored, flat and unconvinced.

Speaking up with confidence does not come naturally to a lot of people. However, it is a skill that can be acquired and, once gained, builds confidence in people called upon to make formal presentations or contribute to organisations and groups.

Details of such groups are often available by word of mouth, online, and telephone book entries. Although membership has a fee attached, this can be tax-deductible because it involves professional development.

I unequivocally recommend this course of action for your consideration.