Audience

All the world's a stage...

This morning at breakfast, a discussion on politics led to the observation that actors are often effective public speakers. Consider the actress on stage. Her key focal point is that she is loud enough and clear enough that the audience will be able to follow her message. She has a repertoire of delivery styles and will choose the style based upon the audience. There have been many rehearsals all, again, with the mission to clearly deliver her message.

Consider the word "delivery." There is a specific recipient in mind. Packages come to our doorstep. They are prepared according to the contents and how they will be received. They are not left out in the rain or by the side of the road. Their receipt is acknowledged.

Are teachers effective communicators? Do we look to our audience as conscientiously as the performer? Do we deliver our messages - messages prepared with the sole intent of being understood? Do we assure that our delivery has been received?

One secret to assuring that a delivery will be received is to send something that the recipient cares about. I hope this is the direction that technology in the classroom is going - toward lessons that engage the learners emotionally. The use of Web 2.0 applications provide infinite opportunities to give learners a sense of connection.

It's been said, "Technology is about connections." Indeed - of many kinds.