Module
103:
Preparing & Presenting an Effective Interpretive
Talk
Competency
Curriculum
The
following curriculum components outline the developmental
learning elements that compose the skills set for this
competency. From these outlines, 1) employees and their
supervisors can determine learning needs and
strategies, 2) instructors can develop sessions and
lesson plans. Each component also contains a list of
useful references and developmental activities.
Objectives
At the end of this module, participants will be able
to:
Present
an effective talk which includes and demonstrates
a cohesive development of a relevant idea or ideas,
without relying on a recital of a chronological
narrative or series of related facts, and provide
an opportunity for the audience to form an intellectual
or emotional connections with the meanings/significance
inherent in a resource;
Describe
the interpretive talk development and delivery techniques
necessary for an effective talk such as themes,
goals, objectives, written outline (with citations),
use of source materials and research techniques,
presentation techniques.
Topics
Public speaking skills; accurate and balanced data and
historical and scientific research skills; information
sources; interpretive effectiveness; themes, goals,
objectives and compelling stories; program organization;
interpreting in a broader context; techniques for effective
programs; interpretive ice-breaker techniques with various
groups, questioning strategies, dealing with groups,
reading visual clues.
Audience
All park rangers and NPS staff with public contact responsibility,
both permanent and seasonal. This includes other staffs
with public interpretation responsibilities in National
Park areas, such as cooperating association employees,
volunteers, concession employees, and park partner employees.
Delivery
Classroom and lab, park, region, servicewide course
for rangers, universities, National Association for
Interpretation workshops/seminars, professional training
organizations.
