Introduction to Teaching

How To Make A Good First Impression

 

Introduction

In this section you will learn how to make a good first impression in your classroom. Can you recall a time that you were in the audience of a good speaker? Do you remember how you felt? You probably felt that the teacher was prepared, that you were going to learn something interesting and that the teacher had your best interests in mind. Here you'll find practical ways of introducing yourself and your material so that your audiences will feel that way about you.

 

All teachers, especially new ones, can feel a twinge of apprehension on the first day of class. Do your best to adopt a confident attitude. Remember, what you feel as nervousness will probably be perceived as energy and enthusiasm by your students. So take your nervousness and translate it into high spirits.

 

Before and After

Have you ever listened to a lecturer who started off by saying they weren’t going to be very good? Or how about one who let’s you know how much information you are NOT going to get because “there wasn’t enough time.”

 

For example, let’s say you are running out of time. Which is the better phrase?

 

  1. “I was going to cover all this other material, but I’ve run out of time.”
  2. “It looks like we’ve got about five minutes left. Here are the high points.”

 

Take a look at these videos and see if you’ve ever heard these phrases before. Listen how the same teachers can re-frame their statements to make a better first impression.

 

  1. video This is a tough class… and you're going to fail.
  2. video I should know the answer to that… but I don't.
  3. video I'm not a real teacher…
  4. video They just asked me to come in at the last minute, so I'm not very well prepared.
  5. video The subject is so huge you can't learn it all…
  6. video (Following a good speaker) Well I'm not as good as Mary…
  7. video This is my first lecture after a vacation. I hope it is going to be all right…
  8. video The Internet is down, so my lesson won't work…

 

Remember, you wouldn't have been hired if people didn't think you could do the job. If you don’t have confidence in yourself, your students won’t either.

 

Resources:

Public speaking tips from Toastmasters
Top Ten Icebreakers from Coach U