Have you ever noticed how colourful a lesson can be when taught by the right speaker? How easily the topic is captivating your brain? How quickly you learn?
It is amazing how effective learning can be when you are having fun, when you are burning with the curiosity, when you desire to know more.
Well, this is not usually the case, isn’t it? When is that our brain refuse to learn? Get tired, turned off, disconnected?
Ah psychology, neuroscience and leadership, what an explosive mixture!
In this article we want to informally discuss such mechanisms.
"Let all communication systems serve you, but don't let them intrude."
- Jim Rohn
To start with, the topics are what they are, especially in science. One should do it formally, rigorously, with accurate vocabulary.
I am not sure hahaha. I am not sure this is what one should do, if the aim is to seduce the audience and take them focused, present, with you for hours.
To the last affirmation there are biological bounds: Attention does not last for so long. But what if there is a way to keep it on on average? An attention that comes in waves, so to say.
Second, is the way the teaching is implemented also affecting the result? I mean sounds, chalk, gestures, posture … even the colour of you clothes as speaker!
The answer is … “Of course!”
Why are you putting on a fantastic bright white shirt at the job interview? Well, because your professional appearance enhances the changes of a successful application. And so it is!
Then why should you refuse to be playful when the audience want to have fun? Why are you self-sabotaging yourself then? In the name of what?
Time has come to try strategies from business. What is that a speaker is selling?
Again … “Information!”
Why don’t we invest something in teaching marketing strategies? Hahahahahah
It is always about business. I know. It is a fact of life!
A seller may start navigating these questions: what kind of target audience do I have? What will be my personal strategy?
Some items for a list:
- How will I dress up?
- How will I speak? Including tone of voice, gestures, facial expressions, etc.
- Which colours I will give my presentation on screen?
- What sounds I want to include and have in the background?
- Which communication style? What linguistic register?
- etc.
Lastly, it is possible to teach science not teaching it scientifically? Well, formulas are there and should always be there, but the background philosophy, the why we are learning it, the hidden puzzle pieces, the connections? Sure we can include them in the funniest way possible: by making jokes! Or asking questions ...
When a joke is made, a smile will pop up, they will be happy, they will be emotionally taken by the joke. And … they will come out of the class excited as a baby in front of a chocolate cake!
Apropos …
There are tones of books on that out there, if you would like to read more. The best are from business!
Hope you enjoy this article and you will come back soon! Thank you very much for reading.
Federica
P.S. Feedback is always very welcome. :)