Galactic Activity 2

Everyone has something they are an expert on. This is for people to
give a presentation on something about which they are an expert.

Activity 2 – Be the Expert

Duration: 4 mins
Applicable Streams: Sales, Leadership, Learning & Development, Humour

Aim

In this activity you are aiming to

Inform, educate, persuade or entertain your audience on a topic you are believed to be the expert in.

Objectives

To do this, you will need to keep the following objectives in mind:

  1. Present a confident demeanour.
  2. Speak knowledgeably (or convincingly) about the subject matter.
  3. Use examples to support or provide evidence of your knowledge base.
  4. Convince your audience.

The Why…

You may be asked to present to a group on a subject you are thought to be familiar with. Even when you are not the subject matter expert, there may be occasions where you are called upon to give your opinion or to provide information from your knowledge base on a particular subject or issue.

The skills this activity helps you develop are:

  • Creative thinking skills.
  • Persuasive skills.
  • The ability to inform and impart knowledge in a meaningful way.

Where do I start?

  • Pick 3 or 4 key pieces of information to focus on.
  • Consider including a self-introduction/Resumé, promoting your credentials as the SME.
  • Bear in mind the time available and structure / plan / time the sections of your speech accordingly, i.e. you may have 4 minutes, with 3 main points and a convincing conclusion.

The How

Specific guidelines on how to tackle this activity.

With no preparation, you will be asked to answer questions as if you are a subject matter expert (SME) in an area – e.g. animal husbandry, economics, geology, fashion. The questions will continue as long as you have answered the previous question in full, and there is still time remaining.

Variations:

Impromptu, time to consider, or prepared (subject matter provided with Agenda).

Tips and traps

TIPS:

  • Try to think of either (a) indisputable things you know to be true about the subject or (b) things which no-one would know and will therefore be difficult to refute.
  • Use sources or evidence to back up your claims – this can include personal experience of how you’ve learnt about the subject.
  • Focus on your physiology/ non-verbal communication: body language, stance, gesture (open arms / sincere hands), eye contact.
  • Use language which will help people believe in you.

TRAPS:

  • Lacking sincerity / credibility: i.e. speaking too fast or too loud, joking too much, avoiding eye contact.
  • Adopting a ‘fake’ demeanour or attitude.
  • Trying to ‘bluff’ your way through something when you really don’t know what you’re talking about but want to sound knowledgeable.
  • Speaking as though what you know is ‘fact’, unless you can back it up with evidence or a source.

Guidelines for Program Director:

  • Provide suggested ideas for the subject matter to either (a) the Chair or (b) the Speaker.
  • Vary the activity to be (a) on the spot, (b) before the start of the meeting, or (c) with time to prepare.
  • Prepare the audience by letting them know beforehand what the subject matter will be so they can prepare questions (even for the impromptu option).