Structuring Your Content and Presentation for Maximum Impact

Dan BanachProgram Manager, Autodesk Education

Program Manager, Autodesk Education Using Autodesk products since AutoCAD R9 Certified Inventor Professional, Autodesk Certified Instructor and Autodesk

Certification Evaluator 19 years teaching and consulting in the Autodesk channel Authored / coauthored 19 books:

3 - Mechanical Desktop 16 - Autodesk Inventor

2 eBooks: Autodesk Inventor available on Apple Bookstore for free 16 year speaker at Autodesk University

Lectures Labs

Introductions

In this webinar you will learn how to prepare and deliver a world class Autodesk University presentation.

Webinar summary

At the end of this webinar, you will be able to: Write a well structured handout Develop a PPT that captures the students attention Delivery an outstanding class

Objective for an instructor is to: Transfer knowledge

Key learning objectives

The Handout

Objectives Make them clear and measurable Write the paper to support the objectives

Flow Outline the class to ensure that the paper flows

Layout Add images that support the topic If it is hard to control image location - use tables

Steps Be clear and precise (not long winded) Add images to clarify the process Add tips to the handout – students like to take tips back to the office to share with others

Handout

Grammar counts Have a non-technical person read your handout Use the speell cheker Use the spell checker

Technical accuracy Have a technical person review and edit your handout Accuracy is everything

Submit the handout on time Students will have access to the handout two weeks before AU

Handout

The PPT

Follow PPT template with correct class title from AU site Introduction slide

List relevant experience Convey your expertise (its not bragging)

PPT should support the handout – not replace it Minimize the amount of text on the PPT Add relevant images or videos Avoid acronyms Add a slide for each Demonstration (will keep you on track) For Labs add a slide for each Exercise (list major steps)

PPT

The Class

Pre AU Know how to

Display computer screen on a projector Switch between applications; Ctrl + Tab vs. Alt + Tab

Practice, practice, practice Practice with projector Practice with projector and in front of others

At AU – a day or two before the class Test the screen resolution – in the speaker Ready room or in the room If you never used a lapel microphone, get into the room and

practice with the microphone

Class

Before the class starts Arrive early Start your computer and ensure power is plugged in Duplicate screen on projector Start only required programs

Some applications don’t like having the resolution changed after they are started Close Outlook, IM, Skype, Facebook, etc.

Open PPT and display the name of the class Talk to students as they walk in, you’ll be less nervous when you see faces you know

Class

During the class Handling nerves

Breath deeply

You are the expert that the students want to learn from –

students want you to be great

Relax and enjoy the experience – this is why you practiced Start on time Be energetic and enthusiastic – its catchy PPT

Use PPT to keep you on track

Don’t read the PPT

Spend minimum amount of time in PPT

Class

During the class - continued Share real-world scenarios / stories Engage students to verify knowledge transfer

Ask open ended questions Stay active – don’t stand or sit in one place Use a tool like ZoomIt to enlarge area of the screen Know when you will take questions from the students

Questions can derail a class by going on tangents

Redirect off topics questions – “let’s talk about that after class”

Restate questions Do NOT sell – students are paying money to learn

Class

Have a backup plan – what if The software locks up or computer crashes

Stay positive – send in the crash report, Autodesk reviews them Restart software or computer Could take questions while computer restarts

Plan for the unexpected

The Lab

Divide lab into small digestible sections Save iterative files for each section Practice timing Usually you will cover less material than you think Submit dataset on time Ensure dataset is loaded on lab computers – verify folder location Engage with lab assistance before AU

Ask them to run through the material before AU During the lab

Introduce a section – why is this topic important Demonstrate the steps / process – get the students attention Students exercise time – give the students time to complete the tasks Do not interrupt the student’s exercise time Walk around and answer question (turn off your microphone)

Lab - same as class +

Handout – clear, precise and accurate PPT – support the handout and help keep the class on track Presentation – be energetic, be confident, and transfer your

knowledge Ask questions on the AU speaker forum Have fun Questions

Conclusion

Thank You

Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2013 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.