Determine the Content of the Presentation
Avoid the temptation to give an extensive overview of all that Love and Logic has to offer. It is more important that people leave with just one or two techniques that they can use immediately. The odds go up for success and desire to learn more if a person has a smaller set of techniques that they can apply immediately with tangible success.
Limit the number of concepts to be presented. The most powerful presentations are those during which no more than 3-4 ideas are explored.
Pick a couple of the techniques listed on the handout, Love and Logic Parent Playbook. Provide story examples and opportunities to practice. Your audience needs to practice saying the right words in the right way.
Two sample lesson plans have been included in your packet. You can use them as is, or you can use them to provide a pattern for developing your own lessons.
Plan Your Opening Questions
The first few minutes of the presentation make the difference between a great presentation and a typical boring speech. Don't waste time with pleasantries. Dive into the presentation with a question or two.
Hook your audience into the subject and help them bond with you with questions that will be answered during the presentation. Example: "When was the last time your kid tricked you into arguing with him? How would you like to turn the tables on him the next time?"
Determine Which Examples/Stories You Will Use
Each concept or technique you teach will need several examples or stories. This is what gives life to your presentation. Plan these out and make sure that they easily point out the essentials of the technique.
If you use a story out of your own life, it is best to tell the story using a fictitious name so that you don't come across as bragging. Example: "I know one dad who..."
You can use a story from one of our video or audio sets. Be sure that you have the track cued up so that no time is lost.
Process the story afterwards, helping the audience see how the rules of Love and Logic were played out.
Audio/Visual Needs
NEVER DEPEND UPON SOMEONE ELSE TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS. Be familiar with the equipment. If you're using a projector test it out and make sure you know how to change a bulb if necessary.
Arrange for good amplification. Audio that sounds good in an empty room may not be loud enough once the room is full of people.
Be prepared to tell the story or example if audio/visual equipment goes down. You will be a lot more relaxed if you know that all the contingencies are covered.
Provide Handouts
Handouts can help your presentation become valuable. Feel free to download and photocopy the Articles for Parents and Educators in volume without violating our copyright.
Handouts reduce the necessity for overhead transparencies.
Plan to Greet the Participants
Arrive early enough to have everything set up so that you can start greeting the participants 20 minutes before presentation time.
Discover who the "enthusiasts" are before the presentation starts. These are the people you will be looking at during the presentation. They are the ones who will provide the nods, smiles, and laughs that help build your confidence during the presentation.
Focus your attention on the enthusiasts during the presentation. They are the ones who are ready for your message. Don't try to convince, or sell, Love and Logic to those who act either unsure or resistive. Remember that their time will come, but not during this presentation.
