Academic Librarians Day Workshop at Delta College
"Speaking with Style: Effective Presentation Skills for Librarians"

Sarah Fabian, Librarian Substitute, Wayne State University Undergraduate Library, ab0605@wayne.edu

On April 19, 2002, the Michigan Library Association held a workshop at Delta College in Saginaw on public speaking skills for librarians, in honor of Academic Librarians Day. Four different guests spoke on a number of public speaking and presentation skills during the daylong workshop. Presenters included Phil Fox, a retired professor from Wayne State University's Department of Theater and Alumni Relations; Elaine Didier, Dean of Oakland University's Library and President of the Michigan Library Association; La Ventra Ellis-Danquah, Librarian II at Wayne State University Shiffman Medical Library; and Deborah Armstrong, from Wayne State University's Office for Teaching and Learning.

Phil Fox, with his theater background, spoke on the use of performance during presentations and public speaking. Fox discussed three main acting tricks that help in making speeches and presentations go smoothly: First, Fox suggested that "putting on a character" when presenting (as an actor would on stage) allows the presenter to relax, as this allows the presenter the freedom from the fear of doing something foolish. Second, Fox suggested that rehearsing is another important trick that actors use, that is also helpful in being confident during speeches and presentations. Finally, Fox stressed the importance of "the pause" during speeches and presentations, as it ensures that a person is not speaking at too fast a rate. Fox also discussed the various reasons for giving presentations and speeches (to inform, teach, motivate, persuade, and/or entertain), and the importance of eye contact, engaging one's audience, and being prepared.

Elaine Didier's presentation was concerned with presentation skills for leadership roles in librarianship. The first part of her presentation dealt with different elements of successful presentations given by leaders. Didier, an experienced leader in the field of librarianship, noted that in order to be successful in giving presentations one must articulate his/her vision, communicate honestly, engage others, facilitate interaction, have a positive attitude, motivate others, and present himself/herself professionally. Other important elements for successful presentations that Didier stressed were planning, preparation, composure, pacing, projection, eye contact, and animation. Didier also noted that leaders have a great deal of impact upon others when communicating, because of their ability to project confidence and control. The last part of her presentation dealt with presentation and management skills in meetings. Didier emphasized that the main characteristics of outstanding meetings include a sense of accomplishment at the meeting's end; little decision rework or need to meet again; high quality decisions; and that those involved in the meeting have had fun.

La Ventra Ellis-Danquah presented on her experiences being involved with Toastmasters International®, an organization geared toward preparing individuals for speech and presentation giving. She discussed the ways in which being a member of the organization has helped her in her career as a librarian, as it has allowed her means of improving her presentation and speaking skills-important aspects of any librarian's job. The club's mission and purpose is to "provide a mutually supportive, and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth." In her presentation, Ellis-Danquah discussed ten tips for public speaking, the history of Toastmasters International®, the different communication and leadership requirements for the various Toastmasters® leadership awards, and a sample Toastmasters® meeting agenda.

Deborah Armstrong presented on the topics of communicating content, and effective use of technology for public speaking. An abstract of the full-length summary of her presentation, appearing in the next issue of The MLA Forum, can be found below:

What does it take to deliver a presentation with confidence and ease? As with so many professional endeavors, careful thought and pre-planning are essential keys to success. The two most critical elements to keep in mind when planning a presentation are the message and the presenter's behavior. The message includes the content and its organization. Media selection will also impact the message. Effective presentation behavior includes appropriate body language, interaction with the audience, and media use. Many details require attention ahead of time. The ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) is a systematic tool that can guide the entire process, from audience analysis to presentation design and media development, through presentation implementation and evaluation.

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