Helpful Tidbits

Kathy Obear
Amherst, Massachusetts

1. Language Considerations

• avoid using absolutes: always, never, should
• never infer lack of knowledge of participants
• don't infer that a concept / skill is easy to learn or that they should know it already
• avoid acronyms
• always explain jargon / terms / technical words
• use very inclusive language and examples: no sexist / racist / heterosexist language
• avoid or always explain cliches
• write in short, easy to understand sentences and phrases
• write in the active voice
• use colorful / descriptive words to paint images
• use repetition to emphasize key points

2. Practice / Rehearse

• develop a thorough outline / script
• use a highlighter to emphasize key points / words
• present before a live audience
• tape yourself on a video or audio tape
• practice of the mirror
• practice in the actual room
• practice in the shower and while driving
• practice in your "performance" outfit
• arrive an hour before "show time" to setup
• use positive visualization to picture yourself successfully giving seminar
• use visualization to imagine your "worst fears" and how you successfully recover and move on smoothly

3. Stress Releasing Activities

1. the day before
   • practice in actual surroundings
   • mental imagery / visualization
   • exercise
   • eat very healthfully
   • get plenty of sleep
   • plan out your attire and get everything ready and packed
   • replace negative self-statements with powerful positive ones
2. right before you begin
   • wash face with cold water
   • deep breathing exercises
   • get a drink of water
   • stretches
   • isometrics: tighten and release muscles
   • do facial exercises
   • mentally imagery
   • give yourself positive messages
   • block any negative messages
   • imagine applause / positive feedback from participants
   • socialize with participants as they enter
3. as you are presenting
   • walk briskly to stage
   • channel nervous energy into enthusiastic gestures / energy in voice
   • deep breaths
   • lower your voice
   • stare at their foreheads
   • read audience for positive feedback
   • squeeze and release fists
   • take a drink of water
   • use gestures to release stress
   • remember: we never appear as nervous as we feel!

4. Helpful Hints

1. "Carboload" / Nutritional Considerations
   • the meal before the seminar, eat high energy / healthy foods fruit, yogurt, breads, juices, etc.
   • avoid sugar, fats, carbonated beverages, onion, garlic, alcohol, salt, caffeine, or anything that might cause indigestion
   • carry high energy snacks / juices for a quick fix at the breaks
2. What to Wear
   • dress equal to or just a tad better than participants
   • wear very comfortable shoes
   • avoid noisy jewelry
   • be aware how perspiration may show with some outfits
   • wear an outfit you are used to presenting in
3. Equipment / Audiovisual issues
   • do a sound / equipment check before participants arrive
   • if you use a table, have a floor length tablecloth
   • minimize the number of times you turn on and off lights for slides, overheads, movies, etc.
   • have someone ready at the light switch to avoid delays

Kathy Obear is a diversity trainer and consultant based in Amherst, Massachusetts (413) 283-2503.

Copyright © 1991 Kathy Obear. Permission is granted to copy and use this material for educational and non-profit purposes only. This copyright statement and acknowledgement of authorship should remain intact on materials you copy from this website.