| Summer
is a great time to begin writing talks. If you haven't assigned
presenters for your next Spiritual Exercises season, think about doing
so soon. If a person has not given a presentation before, he or she might
spend several months researching and preparing for their presentation.
Starting early can make the difference between a good presentation and a
great one.
Some things to consider:
 Interns should not present. They
enough to do just learning how to direct.
If
you are giving the talk for the first time, talk with someone more experienced before
you present to the other directors or
the directees. Discuss nuts and bolts of presenting such as
length and effectiveness of examples as well as theological accuracy
and focus.
Read
through Taking the Exercises
to the World--Speaker Check Sheet and Talk Evaluation Form (pages
175-177) . Make sure you include all aspects covered in those sheets
before you present to other directors.
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Now that your
presenter is ready, see page 175 in Taking the
Exercises to the World. This page gives
directions for directors to evaluate the talk more formally. We
have had some emotional experiences as we evaluate talks. People tend to
grow very attached to their written words even when the words aren't
effective or appropriate. So be careful, be kind, but try to be honest
nonetheless. Please pray before you begin. We have found that
the best way to stay focused on God's agenda rather than our own ego. I
have included a prayer, but of course you don't have to use that
one.
TRAIN
LISTENERS: Some training of listeners is helpful,
too. Make sure they know ahead of time what they should listen for. See
page 176 for specifics, including the main points of the topic, a good
hook to introduce, and a good wrap-up.
EVALUATE:
Have presenter and listeners both
complete page177 to see if what they learned is what you hoped the
presentation would teach.
FEAR
NOT: Don't be afraid to challenge someone to
improve if you feel it is needed, or even recommend that he or she
should step down from presenting if you feel they cannot provide an
adequate presentation.
LET
GOD LEAD: Mostly, remember to allow God to lead,
and you should have wonderful, rich presentations every time.
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