In 2005 I attended a session with my son in preparation for him entering high school.  The presenter was a teacher of teachers and shared with the parents the teaching style of the future. 

He said that in this age of information availability, “facilitators” will go by the way of the dinosaurs. The reason being that with the click of a mouse we can access whatever information we need! We don’t need someone to simply read from a textbook or power point slides. 

But I’m not sure all teachers got the memo; in fact, I was on a course not long ago and the unfortunate victim of a boring facilitator who simply read slide after slide.  The information was good but because of the presentation style, I had a tough time getting excited about what I was learning.

When you were growing up, do you remember a teacher who inspired you to learn and experience?  Did you walk away from their class feeling like something in you changed? 

Aha.  “Teaching is not the filling of the pail but the lighting of the fire.”  It’s certainly my sentiment but William Butler Yeats’ words.

Teachers are change-agents … and … whether we realize it or not, we are all teachers.

But here’s the second Aha!  We teach with our knowledge.  We inspire with our passion.  When someone is electric with their belief and shares stories to bring their knowledge alive, your spark can’t help but feel ignited.

The next time you’re asked to present, do so willingly.  And consider less the content and more the enthusiasm for what you’re sharing.  Remember that people may not remember what you said but they will remember how you made them feel. 

YOU are the gift you bring to the room. 

This weekend I will be presenting at a 7K precious metals regional event.   I look so forward to taking the stage and sharing my belief and passion for what we do and why.  I’ve got my stories all ready.