One mistake presenters should never make and 8 strategies to avoid it

Whether workshops, panels, keynotes, or classes there is one mistake presenters should never make. It is a mistake I learned to never ever do from a wise lady early in my career. I've heeded this advice and seen the negative ramifications of those who do not. Ramifications such as a frustrated, unsatisfied, and anxious audience as well as less than favorable reviews and feedback. Additionally, when presenters, don't heed this advice, the chances of their audience incorporating what they've learned into their work, decreases.

Fortunately, if you remember this one piece of advice, your future presentations will be brighter and your audience will leave more satisfied.

The advice is…

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The Hottest Posts Everybody's Reading

Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Innovative Educator blog. Below you’ll see the top posts along with the number of page views. I hope there's something that looks of interest to you.  If it does, check it out. If you’re inspired use one of those icons below the post to share it with others and/or leave a comment.

Entry	Pageviews
Stop Letting Good Students Do Bad Presentations Nov 19, 2014,	3391
Does Twitter have a minimum age requirement? Jun 13, 2013,	2227
Interactive whiteboards: A Comparison + Some Alternatives... Nov 5, 2014,	2065
Going #GAFE (Google Apps for Ed)? Here's a Great R... Nov 2, 2014,	1609
Conversation topics for educators in the age of social media... Nov 12, 2014,	1429
Great Digital Citizenship Activity for Teens to #SayThanks ... Nov 23, 2014,	1257

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Tech Requirements When Innovative Educators Present

Innovative educators are sharers of their craft. As such they present a lot. When they do, they’re asked to share their tech requirements. It’s surprising that this is still a question as needs are standard. If you present or if you arrange for presenters, below is your list.  

1. Computer

• High speed and less than three years old

2. A place to project

• A modern projector and then make sure you have…
• Adapters
• HDMI, Apple and or whatever new device comes along.
• Find out what the presenting device needs (if they are not using the one at the facility) and get it.

OR

• A flatscreen television that can connect to a device
• WiDi, Apple TV, Chromecast, AirTame

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Engage Any Audience with Google Voice Texting

Innovative educators love presenting to tech-savvy audiences. It's backchannel galore with as folks Tweet, tag, and hashtag away. It's great fun to live Tweet from the stage and pull audience polls up while on stage. However there are times when I speak to an audience that simply isn't quite that savvy. Texting to Poll Everywhere, Cel.ly, or asking folks to use a hashtag leaves audience members scratching their heads. 

But, there is a way you can engage audiences even if they are not tech savvy. 

Today, everyone knows how to text. So, simply ask them to text your Google Voice number. Why Google Voice verses your regular phone number? Because with Google Voice the texts go to your Google Voice account so you have the ability to project the texts for the audience to see. See the below screenshot for an example:

If you plan to show a short video you can even respond to the texts, and copy/paste the questions and answers in your Google Slides presentation so everyone has the answers.  

A nice benefit of this strategy is that there is no one who leaves your presentation frustrated that their burning question or thought is left unheard/unanswered and everyone can be involved.  

If you don't have or know how to set up Google Voice on your phone, read this.  

Watch the below video for directions on texting via Google Voice.

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