Walking the Talk
An introduction to live interpretation
The ephemeral nature of a talk means visitor contact can be quite minimal. Yet research shows that a well crafted and thoughtful presentation can leave a lasting impact on visitors. This workshop considers all the skills and techniques required to make these fleeting experiences inspirational, powerful and memorable.
Who it's for
Anyone who leads tours and talks or has responsibility for staff who provide guided presentations.
Where
Museums, country parks, historic houses, National Parks, Urban environments, anywhere that offers live interpretative programmes.
What will I learn?
- Understanding your audience, who they are and what they want.
- Learning styles
- Involving the visitor
- Principles of heritage interpretation
- Making your information relevant and revealing.
- Structuring - telling clear stories through themes
- Tried and proven communication techniques
- Questioning strategies
- Research integrity
- Presentation skills including voice, gesture and eye contact
- Setting interpretation goals and objectives.
- Evaluating what you do
How long
1 or 2 days. (9.00 - 17.00)
Compelling Telling
Practical Interpretive storytelling
An opportunity to learn the basics of good tale telling with the additional focus on using stories to interpret places, wildlife, objects, people and events. An invaluable communication tool to add sparkle and power to any presentation.
Who it’s for
Anyone who leads site based tours, talks and presentations for visitors and school groups.
Where
Museums, country parks, historic houses, National Parks, Urban environments, anywhere that offers live interpretative programmes.
Course objectives
- To introduce the art of storytelling and how to successfully integrate stories in a variety of settings.
- To increase confidence and develop skills in verbal and non verbal communication.
At the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Understand how to perform stories and incorporate storytelling within their own presentations.
- Be able to learn stories and make them their ‘own.’
- Know how to speak with greater confidence, expression, clarity and power to deliver truly engaging tours.
- Understand the many advantages of using stories in a variety of contexts.
How long
1 day (10.00 to 17.00) or longer if requested with additional workshops.
Stewart Alexander who teaches this workshop has used stories in his work since the early 90's. He has performed at many cultural and natural heritage sites nationally.
Great Explanations
Creating successful children's presentations
This complete workshop is similar to our Walking the Talk training but concentrates exclusively on making learning engaging, rewarding and fun for children.
Full of practical know how, this workshop will equip anyone with the tools to build great learning experiences.
who it's for
Heritage educators, museum learning officers or anyone who runs or supports site based sessions and programmes for school groups or families.
Where
Museums, country parks, historic houses, National Parks, Urban environments, anywhere that offers live interpretative programmes.
We cover
- Planning an interpretive session
- Key interpretive principles
- The National Curriculum and your programmes
- Freeing your creativity
- How to include participatory activities.
- How to structure information to optimise learning.
- Learning styles
- Questioning techniques and strategies
- Using storytelling, art, drama and magic
- Children’ s needs and motivations
- Best practice
- Safety
How long
I day (9.00 - 17.00) or two days if compelling telling element is added.