Ask the Expert > Use of notes - fear of stalling/loosing my way
Anne, welcome to the forum and thanks for taking the time to post your query: I'm sure we can help you. There are several issues to deal with here:
1) So far we're dealing with a concern that something might happen, as opposed to something that actually has - good - so what follows is a set of steps that'll boost your confidence in your seminars going well.
2) You're used to extensive notes (it's your professional training, I have no doubt) and are now having to get used to shorter notes.
Let's get back to basic structure:
A) What are the absolutely critical messages your audience must take away with them? Write them down on brightly coloured cards (not paper) and have them on stage with you. Index cards measuring approx 4x6 inches (10x15cm) are ideal.
B) Write one key message in the centre of each card. If you only have one key message, then that's only one card - great. (If you find yourself with a dozen cards, then your seminar is way too full - nobody's going to remember that much).
C) In the top, right-hand corner of each card note the introduction for this message (i.e. how you segue way yourself in the story).
D) Follow this by noting in the bottom right corner the story that illustrates the key message.
E) Number the cards top left, in case you drop them.
F) Buy a collapsible music stand - the ones that fold up really small. Have this with you on-stage and put your notes on the stand.
G) You can set these stands quite high, so you don't have to break eye contact with the audience too frequently. Also, as they are lightweight, they don't obstruct the audience's viewpoint.
You should be set to go – let us all know how you manage.
1) So far we're dealing with a concern that something might happen, as opposed to something that actually has - good - so what follows is a set of steps that'll boost your confidence in your seminars going well.
2) You're used to extensive notes (it's your professional training, I have no doubt) and are now having to get used to shorter notes.
Let's get back to basic structure:
A) What are the absolutely critical messages your audience must take away with them? Write them down on brightly coloured cards (not paper) and have them on stage with you. Index cards measuring approx 4x6 inches (10x15cm) are ideal.
B) Write one key message in the centre of each card. If you only have one key message, then that's only one card - great. (If you find yourself with a dozen cards, then your seminar is way too full - nobody's going to remember that much).
C) In the top, right-hand corner of each card note the introduction for this message (i.e. how you segue way yourself in the story).
D) Follow this by noting in the bottom right corner the story that illustrates the key message.
E) Number the cards top left, in case you drop them.
F) Buy a collapsible music stand - the ones that fold up really small. Have this with you on-stage and put your notes on the stand.
G) You can set these stands quite high, so you don't have to break eye contact with the audience too frequently. Also, as they are lightweight, they don't obstruct the audience's viewpoint.
You should be set to go – let us all know how you manage.
June 26, 2006 |
Chris Davidson
Chris Davidson
The fear of losing my way or stalling has become a problem for me (although it's not really happened thus far).
Can you advise?