Seminars...

[St. George]

As many of you know - I moderate the "Historical Society Forum" here at Cas City - and also write "St. George's Notes" from time to time, as the urge to enlighten strikes...

I spoke at this past NCOWS Convention on the various things you may have on you as you build an Impression.

Here are a few questions for consideration.

When attending a Convention - what do 'you' want to experience in the way of a seminar?
And what would you like to 'see', as well?

We're not talking about the Workshops, since those are pretty well-structured and there's an end result.

We're talking about a Presentation.

Do you want to see (and hear) a low-key Oral presentation - a  Power-Point Slide Show - a Display featuring a 'Key" that you can peruse at leisure and ask questions of - a Combination of the styles - or what?

Obviously - there are folks deeply involved in the research and history - and have good reference libraries available to them, while others are new to NCOWS and its attendant focus on authenticity.

A good Presenter doesn't want to "Preach to the Choir" and really doesn't want to "Talk Down" to new folks who may be somewhat 'amazed' at what can go into the creation of an accurate Impression.

Ideally - a seminar leaves everyone with something to take away that they didn't know before.

Do you feel that an hour is enough time - or should it be closer to 90 minutes to allow for the Q&A period and subsequent 'short stories' that 'illuminate'?

And as you ponder these questions - remember - they're put on by single individuals like you...

Scouts Out!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Hello, all!

St. George, after more than a month I'm surprised to be the 1st responder.

I attended 3 seminars, including yours, and 2 were similar, and yours being different.  The first I saw was about Buffalo Bill and the 2nd was about Wild Bill Hickok.  Terry Lane did his as a retired W.F. Cody reflecting on his past life.  I'm sorry that I don't remember the name of the gent who did the Wild Bill show, but he did it as if it were before Jack McCall horned in on the story.  Terry had few props besides the outfit he was wearing.  "Wild Bill" had a few things to display.  As you know, but many don't, your seminar had many antique items displayed very nicely.

To tell the truth, I enjoyed them all equally.  Since the first two were about people, they worked well in the 1st person.  Your "What's in YOUR pocket?" discussion was well put together (especially since I'll bet you had a lot on your mind) and lent itself to the displays.

I guess to answer your question, a combination type of seminar might be very appealing.  I'm not sure about a Power Point presentation;  I guess that would depend on the resources that the presenter had available.  However, I'd MUCH rather look at a display like yours rather than a photo presentation of the same.  They COULD be skillfully woven together, but most of us don't have the talents required OR the resources.

[St. George]

My Lord - a reply...

I was beginning to think that if I wanted to elicit comment - I'd have to requisition a Dead Horse...

I posted this one to help someone who was thinking about doing a presentation at the Convention or at a big shoot - and in so doing, give him an idea of what to create for maximum effect in a short period of time.

I brief a lot...
And I've briefed at all levels in the Army - including NATO - and thanks to my experiences - I hate Power-Point...

On the other hand - it's an effective tool - used properly.

My own Presentation dealt with fairly small accouterments and sometimes - a larger, projected  photo is desireable.

Personally - I prefer a smaller-sized group - seated fairly close to the display.
That way - it becomes a 'Show and Tell', and folks can handle things (within reason) and in so doing, really 'see' how things are marked and how they look - for when they go out looking for them.

The thing I did notice at the Convention is that one hour (for the presenter) isn't enough time to get set up and ready.
Not if he follows a previous presenter.
I think rotating rooms or staggered times will fix that - allowing needed time to get things put where they're needed and to test any audio/visual device or computer being used.

We'll see - next year.

Glad you liked it, though...Thanks.

Scouts Out!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

You're right about the set-up time needed, especially in a case like yours where there were lots of "goodies" to be seen.

It was my pleasure, sir!

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy St. George & SHB,

Browsing again tonight and I have to add my 2¢ worth.

As a viewer of seminars I will list my absolute DONT'S for presenters:

There is nothing more boring than sitting for 45 - 60 minutes while someone READS a paper, often with little inflection or enthusiasm.  Even if it is a topic that I find very interesting, it is a real turn off for me.

Power Point presentations run the gamut from terible to outstanding!  When the frames are just the same words that the speaker is saying, it is as bad as reading a paper.  When the frames illustrate what is being presented, then, I like them.

What I LIKE is hearing someone who knows his topic well enough to speak with few or no notes.  It is even better if there is some kind of show and tell.  It is usually easier to grasp new information if you can actually see what you are learning about.

Of course, this is how I do my presentations.  Tonight (9-24-05) I gave a presentation in Glenwood, IA for the Missouri Humanities Council Lewis & Clark Program.  It was "The Uniforms and Equipment of the Soldiers of the L & C Expedition."  I began with a brief introduction on how the Expedition went from being a group of civilians exploring  foreigh lands (Spanish/French) to an Army exploration of new US territories.  From that point on, it was all show and tell with reproduction and period items.  I usualy inject a little humor where it is appropriate.  Seems to wake up the folks that have drifted off!

I feel fortunate that I am able to use this style of presenting.  My show & tell items keep me on track and usually I only forget to pick up and show a couple of items during the whole talk.  Tonight it was the neck stock and the Peace medal.  My hour talk lasted 80 minutes and then a few queations more.  Takes about 25 minutes to get it all set out.

Since I helped with the development of the uniform that we used in the official US Army re-enactment group (Frontier Army Museum Living Hisotry Assoc.) and have hand sewn several uniforms, it is a topic that I know really well.  That said, I have to know a topic really well before I will agree to do a presentation on it.

I am tenatively on the 2006 NCOWS Convention program talking about 19th Century Diseases and their Treatment.  I'm not a Dr., but I play one on weekends!      Well, that is when I'm not playing an Engineer.  Ain't one of those either, but I can design you a dandy field fortification and instruct you how to build it.

Guess that I have said more than enough!

[Forty Rod]

Huh!

I missed this entirely the first time it was posted.

Having been on both sides of numerous seminars and other presentations, I find I prefer the smaller, closer, and more personal type where I can interact with the attendees.  Question and answer sesions are always more fun, assuming that I'm quick enough to get the answers out and adept at keeping on subject...sometimes I'm neither, but then again, poboy's nerfect.

I agree that small items may need to have a larger scale picture projected to show details.  It also helps in some cases to have enhanced pictures projected to show small details on larger items, such as proof marks, manufacturers stamps, etc.

In many instances I enjoy a demonstration, if it can be arranged so everyone can see, of techniques, such as disassembly/reassembly of a gun (I could have used this with my first Ruger Standard .22 auto pistol.  I never could get it back together withour a major efort.)  Hands-on is even better, but seldom possible for any number of reasons.

Quality hand-outs are mandatory, but please, NO row upon row of tiny print rambling on and on.  hit the points with large, easy to read type, pictures or drawings, and color where possible.  Avoid charts and graphs unless they are essential to the subject (and outside of science, math, or statistical reports they seldon are).  No one can remember everything, even from a short session.

About Power point presentations.  They are fast, econmical, reproducable, bright, easy to create and use, and I hate them.  I've almost never seen one with any personality.

Finally, in addition to printed hand-outs, I have made good use, when money allowed, of audio and video tapes, and CDs and DVDs.

I hope this is what you were looking for when you posted the question.

Thanks for bringing it up.

[Wymore Wrangler]

One item I have always tried to do is have source material available for those that want to study the subject more indepth.  I tend to like power point briefings, but I would love to see information on how I can get those same reference books.  A seminar on how to find current printings of good reference material would be outstanding.  I'm wondering if Herb could get the Nebraska Book Store to come to the convention and set up a booth of to sell this type of reference materials in their inventory...

[St. George]

Thanks for the input, all.

It's appreciated.

I asked this question in order to assist some of those who may be just bursting with knowledge and dying to share what they know, but have never done so before now.
There's some great information on obscure things out there and the folks who know it have never even thought of getting up in front of a group and talking about their specialty - but should be confident in the fact that NCOWS folks want to learn and not sharpshoot.

I like instructing and teaching - two activities that should be synonymous, but sometimes aren't.

I've been doing it awhile, now.

I prefer a smaller Presentation not unlike the 'Foreign Weapons' classes that really planted the necessary information into your brain.
Being able to see something close up makes a helluva difference, should a guy be looking for something similar for his Impression.

Large audiences can benefit from charts and graphs, since they can add to the overall flow - but then and  'only' then.
If they're used as 'stand-alone' screens - they're quickly forgotten.

Handouts are good - the question being - in a case like my own - that focuses on a myriad of 'small' items - is just 'how' detailed does one of the things need to be before it overwhelms the individual - to say nothing of the wallet of the Presenter?
Or should such a thing have a price - and be laid out as a Guide?

I'd even given thought to having a static display with a 'key' - each item being numbered and the relevant information in a small handout.
That way - the material could be studied at will and questions asked as they occur, rather than having to wait until they're asked for at the end.

As to 'references' - an interesting idea - but in truth - none of the references I use ever came from the University of Nebraska Press.

For one reason or another - the University of Oklahoma Press seems to produce the best of the available research/reference books - and they're 'heavy' on the Old West.

Many of my books are long out of print - but persistence and patience can unearth them.
They just can't unearth them as quickly as one might want...

As to Power Point and Briefing style - I have seen some absolutely abysmal 'styles' over time.
All they do is reinforce the idea that the presenter doesn't 'know' his subject and can only 'read' the material in front of him.
Where was the class on 'Extemporaneous Speaking' when he needed it?

A Briefer that does that is quickly dismissed from the collective memory banks of all in attendance.

However - one who knows his stuff and imparts that fact can be listened to and enjoyed.

Anyone out there who can share his own enthusiasm - take note...

And anyone who puts up a slide - please remember - I can read far faster than you can speak - so put it up - keep quiet - glance at the audience and move along...

All that having been said - I did talk to Herb Gindulus on 24 September and there are going to be a 'whole passel' of Presentations at this year's Convention.

Again, thanks.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Terry Lane]

Howdy all,
I personally liked the Buffalo Bill show best since it is the only one I was able to attend due to my work schedule at The Fort. I thought it was excellent and well presented. The person who did it (I forget his name) was exceptionally well prepared and did an extrordinary job. I think that a variety of presentations is what interests me, with type of presentation (first person, power point, display) printed on the schedule of events. My salute to Herb. He's the best.

Terry Lane, Nebraska Territory

[Steel Horse Bailey]