Chapter 3

In chapter three of “They Snooze, You Lose” entitled “Celebrating Presenters,” author Lynell Burmark asks for one to examine their self as a presenter.  Burmarks specifies three categories as : the lecturer, the entertainer and the motivational speaker but also creates a fourth category, the educator.  The lecturer is describes as one that presents mind-numbing instruction that results in disengagement.  The entertainer is defined as one that offers mind-numbing performances that result in escapism.  The motivational speaker inspires us and has a long term or short term impact.  The educator category is created to combine all of the three categories into one and is described as empowering students to retain and transfer learning.   In this chapter, Burmark discusses a concept seen in the movie “Pay it Forward” and proposes an opportunity to reach attendees by applying the concept of teaching it forward to at least three other people and empowering other to do the same.  Students will apply transfer knowledge in this activity versus keeping knowledge inactive.  The author highlights ten tips from Steve Jobs and focuses on two tips when preparing a presentation.  Have fun presenting what you love combines the two tips.  Important things to consider are your audience interests and their learning style.  Understanding your audience will allow catering to their needs.  Presentations also need to be flexible.