I’ve no idea how it’s taken us over a week to spot this one (C’mon Google Alerts, pull your finger out!) but the Shadow Education Secretary, Stephen Twigg has floated the idea that presentation skills should be a (compulsory?) part of the school curriculum. (See here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18176952).
Given our experience of training people in making presentations, it’s hard to argue with that approach, to be honest. It does beg on (big!) question though – who’s going to teach it?
My guess is that it’ll get hived off to someone like the drama teacher (Hey, you know about being on stage, right?) or maybe the teacher who doesn’t un-volunteer for the extra work fast enough. Perhaps it’ll be an extra responsibility for the Life Skills/Citizenship/Whatever-you-call-them team.
But here’s a thought, why not get them taught be professionals?
Okay, okay, I’ve got a vested interest! :D
I agree with what you are saying, my thoughts are that it will me a member of staff that is used to teach the pupils presentation skills. Maybe there is still an opening for professional trainers like yourself to train the teachers how to train the children.
We have had a similar discussion over the last week regarding children being taught how to use computers and associated software but not being taught any simple programming at junior school.
Best Regards
Craig