College age students are sitting in a row in a lecture hall and are listening to their professor.

Overview

Lectures are by far one of the most common teaching techniques you’ll use, so it’s important to master them. Whether you deliver your lectures online or in person, a teacher who has the ability to explain concepts to students in a simple yet effective way can be a big help. This is especially true when you take the time to ensure that your lectures are engaging and student centered.

Examples of Effective Lectures

Strategies

Be Prepared

Take some time to organize the main points of your lecture and how you’ll deliver those points to your students. You should also take the time to pre-plan questions or activities for your students so they can interact with your content.

Don’t Rush It

Take your time, and don’t be afraid of pauses! Make sure your pauses are long enough to allow students to think about a question you might have asked or let a concept sink in.

Relax

The more nervous or uneasy you feel, the more uneasy your audience will feel. When you lecture, look straight at your students and make eye contact. Try not to be too stiff – just blink, breath and move like you normally would. If you are recording your lectures, the same rules apply. Have a one-on-one conversation with the camera, be yourself and let your personality shine through.

References

Related Resource Library Topics