1. Auditorium as theatre –lecturing in space
Arjen van Dalen
Center for Journalism, University of Southern Denmark
Conclusion
Sources and futher readings:
Remco Claassen (2011) Verbaal meesterschap. Houten: Spectrum.
Mark H. Gelula (1997). Effective lecture presentation skills. Surgical Neurology, 47(2), 201-204.
Richard J. Harris (1977) The teacher as actor. Teaching of Psychology, 4(4), 185-187.
Olivia Michell (2012). 9 Ways to use space in your presentation. http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/delivery/9-ways-space-presentation/
Simply Speaking (2004). Body Movement / Walking Patterns. http://www.ljlseminars.com/volume7no1.txt
Andrew Thorpe (2010). Speakeasy Presentation Tips - using movement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKxPtK6gShU
Contact: avd@sam.sdu.dk
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Auditorial theatre – Use of space in lecturHow can space be used in lectures to support learning?
A good lecture consists of more than a well-structured argument. Effective
use of body-language can improve learning outcomes and make a
presentation more engaging. Teachers are advised to make effective use of
space and move around the podium when they give a presentation.
However, advise generally does not go beyond “avoid being an immovable
object” or “never stand in one place”.
In theatre, actors carefully choose where to position themselves on stage.
Taking different positions on stage to better deliver a message is called
“blocking” .
Lecturers can incorporate theatre techniques in their presentations and use
the space of the lecture hall to underline their messages.
1. Do not move without a reason. Movement should support words
2. Organize movement around a central “base” position to which you return
3. Do not move all the time (audience is not watching a tennis match)
4. Movement has to be authentic and fit with your personality
Four golden rules for moving around the auditorium
Why move during lectures ?
-Makes presentation more dynamic
-Makes presenter look more confident
-Effective movement can support story
1. Lectern:
Presenting behind a lectern should be
avoided if possible, since it creates
distance from the audience, and it
encourages reading from text.
Lectern
2. Base:
Start your presentation from one central
position, a virtual spot which marks
your ”base”; this is the place which you
return to during your presentation.
4. Horizontal axis:
Move left and right to emphasize different
points of view. E.g. move left to discuss pros
and move right to discuss cons.
You can use the full length of the stage to
illustrate developments over time. Remember
to move from left to right from the audience’s
perspective.
5. Vertical axis:
Move to the front or the back of the stage to
stress differences in intensity. E.g.go forward
to emphasize relevance.
3. Use of screen:
By physically turning towards and away
from the screen you can draw attention
to and away from your slides.
Remember not to talk to your audience
when you are turned towards the
slides.
6. Among audience:
You can leave the stage and move among the
audience to answer questions or have a
dialogue. Keep at least 40-60 cm distance and
do not ignore the audience behind your back.
Communication=
7% Content
38% Voice
55% Body language
Screen