Presentations are almost too easy

Today I made 2 presentations entitled “Are you Published?” for Showcase 2008.  You can get all the details including the slidedeck and the video (posted below, so if you’re planning to attend this session on Tuesday, this may or may do it for you). In most cases, I rarely walk alone, whether it’s a pre-call out for ideas or links, or live appearances, I have a plethora of resources that I can tap into anytime. Today was no different.

I invited Will to return the favour (btw Will, you still owe me a few more appearances) and share some ideas (about the 14 minute mark) about publishing which sparked some great discussion and questions. So he gets in from sledding with his kids and chats with us for about 10 minutes. I carry on. Then David Warlick watches via Ustream and at just the right moment (35 minute mark), skypes in to share his thoughts on Lulu.com ( I had asked David earlier so it wasn’t a purely random interruption). So I went to the back of the room, grabbed a water and allowed David and Will to do their thing.  It’s been said often, that the minute you open up your laptop, you’re no longer the smartest person in the room. I never was anyway. But this is what learning ought to look like; finding and connecting to others that help you learn more. Easy, free and personal. Low hanging fruit.

I realize this is not profound or new, but I just wanted to share.

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9 thoughts on “Presentations are almost too easy

  1. Christian Long

    Dean — While I can’t make out much in the video, I have had it playing in the background — just listening to your voice as I simultaneously watch Dave Letterman (you’re in good company), I suddenly found myself looking up as the music in Wesch’s “Information R/evolution” video was kicking in. What a compelling little musical element.

    Had just re-watched that video this past week…and thought it an ideal provocation for you to share with your audience (oh, and the rest of us). Good call at that moment early on in your presentation!

  2. Dean Shareski Post author

    Christian,

    The only thing I have in common with Letterman is that he claims you’ll never learn anything from his show….Stick with Letterman.

  3. Gary Ball

    Dean, I was at your Friday morning session and really enjoyed it. Sounds like I could have also gained something by going to your afternoon session as well (as opposed to the other session I chose). It is good that you don’t use a “canned” presentation. That way it is more of a conversation rather than a stand and deliver lecture. Good job of demonstrating what you advocate.

  4. Jake S.

    Hi Dean,

    Great presentation! I was wondering if you could point me to the research you mentioned regarding the near-zero risk of online predation due to students publishing. It seems my school blocks more and more potentially valuable resources every day and I’d appreciate some ammo help stage a meaningful protest. Thanks.
    Jake

  5. Kathy Cassidy

    Great presentation as usual, Dean. Now that I have seen it in the comfort of my own home, I can attend another session next week. Not sure why we didn’t hear the yackpack. Maybe it was recess.

  6. Kelly Christopherson

    Dean, great presentation. As usually, I was able to gather some more great information. I always enjoy being able to interact during the presentation. I like the fact that you UStream your presentations because it provides another level of discussion about what is happening. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. You rock!

  7. Teddy

    Hey, Dean, I really enjoyed your session: you provided thorough coverage of all the 2.0 possibilities out there, in a way that was totally accessible to your audience and also highly engaging. Great job! I watched through ustream, but you couldn’t “see” me, since I still can’t enable chat because of my firewall. My audio garbled the bits by Will and David; maybe I’ll try again with the link above. Thanks for ustreaming this and for noting on Twitter that you’d be doing so.

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