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auctioneer, auctioneers, auctions, CE, classes, college, continuing education, education, presenting, school, teaching, training
In addition to being a full-time auctioneer, I have taught classes involving a variety of topics for 25 years.
Most notably, I’ve taught real estate and auctioneering prelicensing and continuing education classes since 1995, and was charged with “train the trainer” responsibilities at a community college in Columbus, Ohio.
As now I also hire instructors, and help less experienced teachers prepare for their teaching responsibilities, I have developed a list of 10 things all instructors should endeavor to practice.
Before someone teaches at The Ohio Auction School we ask this list be reviewed. We invite all those in the auctioneer education business to use this list to any extent it can help.
- Stand (don’t sit) in front of the group, and not behind a podium nor anything else. Let your crowd see all of you.
- Use sound amplification equipment. A wireless lavalier microphone is best, allowing free motion and use of your hands.
- Introduce your topic by telling the group why the information you are about to impart is important to them.
- Use PowerPoint or other visual aids, but make you and your voice the focus of your presentation, and the aids just that.
- Utilize textual, pictures, graphics and/or video media, keeping in mind that, “less is more.”
- Be passionate about your topic. Speak confidently, accurately and enthusiastically about the subject matter.
- Teach from your heart, and your mind. Don’t read slides, nor read notes to any extent.
- Give examples of key points and/or illustrate major principles with a story.
- Be moderately funny. Humor invites better audience attention and retention.
- Move around the room, and engage all with eye contact and physical nearness.
Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that instructing (teaching) is not something everyone can necessarily do well.
Just because someone has immense subject matter mastery doesn’t make him or her a good teacher — and, just because someone uses good presentation techniques doesn’t make him or her a good teacher. It requires both.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at: Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, Keller Williams Auctions and Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. His Facebook page is: www.facebook.com/mbauctioneer. He serves as Adjunct Faculty at Columbus State Community College and is Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer Blog 
As one who retired from full-time teaching after 41 years, and who still teaches part-time at the university level, I just want to say this: GREAT POST!
Great points Mike. I would add, “Don’t be afraid to gesture, move your hands and have presence. Wooden Indians only sell cigars.”
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