Connecting with Your Audience: 2. Practical Matters
Scheduling Program Presentations
Through our years of experience in delivering the Dangerous Decibels Program to youth, we suggest the following in terms of scheduling:
- Determine available times for program delivery (ideally 45-50 minute blocks). If you cannot obtain a 50 minute block in a single day, ask for two shorter blocks on consecutive days and split the program up between modules. Ideally, there would not be more than 1 week in-between delivery sessions, otherwise the students forget what was presented previously. You may need a short review of the initial session before starting the second session.
- Allow for prep and clean-up time.
- Limit presentations to 2-3 per day to groups of 24-30 students. The program is not designed for large classes (>30 students) or assembly type presentations. For delivery to multiple classes, move the students in and out of one room if possible, rather than moving the presentation materials and educator.
- Plan to have access to the room for at least 30 minutes prior to program delivery. This allows for adequate set-up time, computer/internet connectivity checks etc. Accessing the room before school starts or over the lunch or recess breaks works well. Sometimes students will have library/reading instruction or gym class away from the primary classroom which also allows for setup time while the students are away. Identify the best place to unload and park prior to the presentation.
- Always honor the allotted time and do not run late. Practicing your program delivery will make sure this will not become a problem. Be sure and confirm the date and time the day prior in case unforeseen circumstances have arisen for the host.