Giving Presentations

In the process of getting ready for the IAYC conference, I went through the Yiddish theme files. One was the handouts at presentations I have made since 1990 when I became interested in Yiddish. Several titles were used in repeated presentations.

Shtetl Mayses

“Essential Yiddish”

The Jewish Storyteller

Yiddish in Our Heritage

Yiddish: Its Present and Future

Yiddish in the San Francisco Bay Area

Yiddish in America – Elderhostel Program

Sholom Aleichem Community Recognition Day = SACRED

CAJE XXIX - Yiddish in America: the Immigrant Experience

The Yiddish Language and the Culture of East European Jewry

Yiddish: Tradition Continuity and Heritage – Jewish Women International,

Biennial Convention

There is an art in public speaking. Many knowledgeable people are poor speakers. To me the best part of any session is the Q & A at the end. Here are a few hints.

Always repeat the question. You are facing the questioner and usually can hear the person. People behind the one asking the question usually cannot hear it clearly. In repeating the question ask the person if this is what the person means. If you do not know the answer, say, “I’ll find out and get back to you.” Then compliment her.

Do not let questions drag on into speeches.

People can and should disagree without becoming disagreeable. If a person disagrees, thank the person and say, “That’s an interesting point, won’t you stay for a few minutes after the program when I’ll have more time to have you explain the matter.

Never try to talk over a distraction, recognize it, and make an appropriate statement—humorous, if possible.

The Orientation Session opening up the IAYC Conferences have become a tradition and my favorite time. It’s a relaxed time to meet and greet old friends and make wonderful new ones.