Presentation Guidelines

Do's and Don'ts

DO:

• Tell them who you are, what you do, and that you are from UW-Entomology in the beginning.
• Keep the audience's focus and attention. Outline your talk in the beginning; tell them where you are in the presentation if they get antsy.
• Talk loud and clear.
• Use appropriate language for the audience's skill level.
• Ask them questions.
• Encourage questions; help if they are struggling, but move on quickly so they do not get embarrassed.
• Be enthusiastic, but professional (they will look up to you).
• Good eye contact is important.
• Remind the audience that the live insects will not hurt them.
• Repeat important points, for example: the difference between insects and their relatives (body parts), and the fact that not all insects are bad.

DON'T:

• Let the kids tell stories instead of answering questions.
• Let them take control by talking.
• Tell them directly that they are wrong.
• Tell them about the chemicals we use to kill the insects (cyanide).
• Let them pound on the glass or lean on the boxes.