THE BUSINESS OF PRACTICE: OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND CLINICAL PRACTICE


know when to ask for help. You can always recruit the assistance of a technology guru. For many of us, no one has taught us how to teach.


If you desire to pursue the academic pathway, con- sider taking some courses in faculty development. There are notable affiliations that hold symposia distinctly for educators of the equine discipline in order to facilitate sharing of information and ad- vance teaching methods.7,8 Staying relevant should also imply acquiring teaching skills to effec- tively create an active learning environment for our students.


Furthermore, consider another important dimen-


sion of competence as an educator. Being function- ally competent in order to teach a skill or a concept is necessary but may be insufficient. Albert Ein- stein declared, “It is the supreme art of the Teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowl- edge.” To ignite a passion for learning in others requires that an educator also brings forward value- added competence. Not only should we aim to ed- ucate the mind, but the heart as well. Successful educators demonstrate the abilities to challenge, en- courage, inspire, and unleash the potential of their students. Developing and modeling these leader- ship skills is paramount to becoming influential as an educator.


4. Delivering Your Message


Being effective as educators calls us to be excellent communicators. In conveying your message there are always three presentations to consider: the one you deliver, the one you wanted to deliver, and the one your audience receives. The intention is to have these three come into alignment in order to engage participants in a meaningful learning experience. Gaining proficiency and confidence in your presen-


tation skills will take dedicated practice. Continue to fine tune your writing and public speaking skills in order to articulate your message clearly, concisely and with energy. Pay attention to the techniques used by those you deem as highly effective present- ers. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs world- wide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking, and leader- ship skills.9 Get out there, stretch yourself, and find your voice. Capture your audience and develop strategies to maintain their responsiveness as you relay informa- tion. Frontloading, as an example, is a way of de- livering the most relevant part of your message first. Make sure everyone quickly understands the big ideas of your message before diving into the details. Rambling creates frustration and could risk losing the attention of your audience. Convey information in an organized manner that


leads to rapid clarity. Avoid overloading informa- tion. Structure your message by emphasizing a few key points and then add depth to each with support-


272 2016  Vol. 62  AAEP PROCEEDINGS


ing subpoints. Keep in mind that visual learning can be a powerful way to help people receive and integrate new information. Any time you can show rather than tell, you’ll reduce the risk that your receiver might misconstrue or confuse the message. PowerPoint has facilitated an easy delivery of our message, but we could risk boring our audience if we use too much text. If our approach lacks focus or becomes too wordy or dull we may miss the chance to earn the full attention of our audience. The text should serve to guide the presenter and audience with summary points. Be creative as you design your presentations with interesting and attractive visuals. Know when to use images, animation, and videos to help effectively communicate your mes- sage. Dr. Mary Beth Whitcomb has offered excel- lent advice on how to create engaging PowerPoint presentations and states, “although my techniques have evolved over the years, my philosophy was, and continues to be, that veterinarians are no different from toddlers transfixed on Sesame Street, in which the actors capture the kids’ attention with short, attractive, seemingly simple skits”.10 Maintain a connection with your audience. Un- derstand what is important to them and recognize how to deliver at their level of knowledge. Effective presenters have a way of reaching everyone in the room regardless of their previous level of knowledge. They also create a positive, candid tone that invites their audience to engage. If you come across as the condescending know-it-all expert you will likely lose your listeners. Strive to stay tuned into the needs of your audience as well. Do you need to speak across generational differences? Are you able to pick up the vibes of your listeners? Developing this sense of awareness will help you know when to adjust the pace, explain in greater detail, shorten your talk, invite participation, or actively listen. Can you use a relevant story to get your point


across? Stories can be inspiring, informative, and offer an invigorating break from the download of mind-numbing facts. Your story should be distinc- tive, have clear purpose, and resonate with the au- dience. Often, a story can help others process complex information in a way that connects the dots and brings new understanding. And you can have some fun with people. As a final thought, learn how to be prepared but


loose in your presentation style. That means let- ting go of perfection. Stop worrying about a flaw- less presentation. Your audience is more likely to relate with you as you “keep it real.”


5. Implementing Your Plan


Remain open and creative to possibilities as you seek a teaching appointment. Consider approach- ing Department Heads and Program Directors at targeted institutions to share your interests. Build upon your network of colleagues and friends to cre- ate connections. Be willing to volunteer your time. Perhaps this means offering a guest lecture or serv-


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