Structuring Your Content and Presentation for Maximum Impact

1. Structuring Your Content and Presentation for Maximum Impact Dan Banach Program Manager, Autodesk Education

2. Introductions • 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

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

4. Key learning objectives 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

5. The Handout

6. 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

7. 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

8. The PPT

9. 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)

10. The Class

11. 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 andpractice with the microphone

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Plan for the unexpected 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

16. The Lab

17. Lab - same as class + • 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)

18. Conclusion • 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 Thank You