The purpose of this article is to introduce a model that makes presenting or 'speaking in public' easy and ensures all your listeners get the best out of your content.
It's called the 4-Mat model of learning which suggests that individual learners have preferences for how they perceive and/or process new information.
By understanding and employing the 4-Mat model, you can design and deliver a training or presentation in a way which will more effectively engage each member of your audience, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of your training or presentation.
It doesn't matter how short or long the presentation is or how technical or boring your topic is.
Does the thought of presenting to your peers scare you? Do you know your stuff but freeze in front of an audience? Do you find yourself rambling even with a script? The 4-Mat model is based on the belief that learners perceive and process information differently, and the model identifies the following four learner types: Imaginative; analytic; common sense; and dynamic.
The imaginative learner tends to ask 'why' questions, the analytic learner tends to ask 'what' questions, the commonsense learner tends to ask 'how' questions and the dynamic learner tends to ask 'what if' questions.
For this reason the 4-Mat Model is also frequently referred to as the 'what, why, how, what if' model.
Each of the four types of learner will have preferences for how they perceive and process information, as outlined below.
Analytic Learners focus on what they are learning, that is they focus on content,facts, and concepts.
They seek information, formulate and think through ideas and they favor abstract processing and reflection.
Learning strategies that suit this learning style include observing, analyzing, classifying and theorizing.
Imaginative Learners need to know why they are learning something, before they are 'hooked' in to learn the 'what' or content.
They seek personal involvement, meaning and connections in what they learn and they act concretely and reflect on their experience.
Learning strategies associated with this learning style include listening, speaking, interacting and brainstorming.
Common Sense Learners need to know how what they learn can be applied and they learn by doing, experimenting and applying ideas.
They gain information by active experimentation and process it abstractly.
Learning strategies favored by these learners include practical exercises, experimenting, manipulating, and having the opportunity to try something for themselves.
Dynamic Learners like to ask what if, as they think ahead and seek to apply, adapt and modify what they have learnt to new situations or contexts.
They like to learn by exploring, seeking possibilities, self discovery and trial and error.
They like to experiment and test their experiences concretely.
The dynamic thinkers use strategies such as modifying, adapting, risking and creating.
(How) At our business, I regularly have our staff present topics at our regular training nights using the 4-Mat model as a template.
We draw up 5 headings, and they fill in the content with dot points of relevance.
Even the dot points do not need to be complicated just quick reminders of what they are going to talk about.
It's simple, keeps them on track, helps them learn the content on a deeper level, and gives them experience presenting, as well as disperses the information to the rest of the crew effectively.
I have actually written this article in the 4 mat system.
The first 'what' - gives a broad outline of what's going on? Your listeners will like to know what to expect.
The first 'why' - are normally set up as 3 questions? Your listeners are thinking why do I really want to listen to this? You have to supply them with good reasons.
(Why's - can easily tune out if not convinced of the relevance to them, so they need to be hooked in early, and kept hooked in with regular reminders of why the training or presentation is relevant and they need to be there.
) The second 'what' is - to explain to your listeners what this "4mat system" is all about.
(What's - love the detail, often they are not as keen on the exercises, and often they don't like having a go themselves without full explanations, instructions or a walk through example.
They may need more one-on-one assistance during exercises.
) The 'how' is - for those listeners who need to do it.
( How's - can't wait to get into the exercise and practical component and are more confident of their ability to 'have a go' and work things out for themselves.
If they can get into the 'practical' straight away, they might not pay attention to the why and what.
) The last section is the 'what if' - these listeners aren't convinced and will want questions or queries answered before they will consider processing your information.
So if not in a position to open the floor then always finish the talk with some pre-framed question.
(What if's - think ahead and frequently pose questions about areas of course content that haven't been covered but quite possibly will be.
Therefore, it can be beneficial to acknowledge the 'what if' questions, and suggest holding the answers until the relevant section or module, or until after any practical exercises as often going through the exercise answers the questions being posed.
) (What if) Well you might ask me but what if I don't really speak in public? I guarantee you at some stage of your career you will find yourself in situation where this will be handy.
Especially if you have the confidence in the 4 mat systems, this will be an enormous benefit to you.
Good luck with your future speaking engagements.