Improvisation

As a presenter you need to be able to think on your feet and improvise.

This is sometimes easier said than done though. The best way to get more used to it is to practice which is exactly what the next exercise is all about.

The task will be explained in this step but completed in the next – there is a reason why though I promise.

In the next step you will see a list of words, these are everyday words that we will all come across rather than being anything technical. I would always advise this approach with this activity as it is the skill of improvisation we want to focus on. Don’t look at the words in advance, part of the exercise is that they are new to you.

You will need to select a word then film yourself talking about it constantly for one minute.

The rules –

1. Pretend there is an audience – don’t just talk to yourself, really present this as if you have a full audience watching you.
2. Do not pre-prepare anything. The idea is that you use what is in your head and learn to improvise not to prepare.
3. Time yourself for 1 minute.
4. Don’t stop – this is tricky but try not to stall or stop all together – just keep going and see what comes out.
5. Don’t worry about what you say – you don’t have to tell a story or relay facts unless you specifically want to, you just need to keep going.

If you feel comfortable to you can film the presentation and add it to the Padlet wall for other learners to see.

Make sure you have your timer and recording device ready before you move to the next step so you can choose a word and start recording immediately.

Are you ready? Lets go!