Announcement! NATURAL RESOURCES COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP January 8-12, 2007

The Natural Resources Communication Workshop, sponsored by the Western Section of The Wildlife Society, is designed to help natural resource workers more effectively communicate with general as well as technical audiences through personal presentations using good visual aids. The workshop focuses on the use of computer-generated images (i.e., PowerPoint images). The workshop is practical-oriented and enhances participants' communication skills in planning, preparing, presenting, and evaluating presentations. Since many of the problems in natural resources management are people-oriented, more effective communication can significantly improve many management programs.

Workshop Content:

1. Discussion topics include:
   • Planning: communication principles, audience analysis, graphic design
   • Preparing: creating computer-generated graphics, photographic composition, rehearsal tips
   • Presenting: equipment setup, speaking tips, dealing with difficult audiences
   • Evaluating: evaluation of performance
2. Each participant will bring a selection of computer-generated images (ex., graphics created with PowerPoint or other presentation software programs) for organization into an illustrated talk
3. Each participant will prepare graphics (titles, graphs, charts, maps, cartoons, etc.) to be used in their presentations.
4. Each participant will give a 5- and 15-minute presentation (which will include graphics prepared during the workshop). These presentations will be evaluated by the class and the instructors.

Location: California State University, Chico (90 miles north of Sacramento)

University Credit: Participants receive 1-unit CSUC Continuing Education credit; the workshop is worth 32 hours of continuing wildlife education credit through The Wildlife Society's Professional Development Program (Category II).

Application Procedure: The initial deadline for applications is Tuesday, October 31, 2006. Late applications are accepted (such applicants will become participants if the workshop is not yet full; otherwise, they will be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations). The registration fee is $645. The workshop will be limited to 16 participants. To apply, send a letter, fax, or email describing: (1) your current position within your agency or organization, (2) how you will use the training, and (3) any special reasons why you feel you should be chosen as a participant. In your application, include your address, phone number, fax number, and email. To apply or for more information, write or call:

Dr. Jon K. Hooper
Dept. Recreation and Parks Management
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0560

(530) 898-5811 or 898-6408
fax: (530) 898-6557
e-mail:

Agenda

"NATURAL RESOURCES COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP"

January 8-12, 2007 at Cal. State University, Chico

Jon Hooper and Ethan Rotman, Instructors

Monday

8:00 - 8:30 Registration

8:30 - 10:00 Workshop Overview (Step 1: Pass the “Source Test”)

10:00 - 12:00 "Planning the Presentation Using the Targeted Design Approach" (Step 2: Determine Your Target)

12:00 - 1:15 Lunch

1:15 - 4:00 "Outlining the Presentation" (Step 3: Organize It)

4:00 - 5:00 "Designing Great Graphics"  (Step 4: Visualize It)

Tuesday

8:00 - 10:00 "Designing Great Graphics" (continued)

10:00 - 12:00 Lab Exercise: "A PowerPoint Presentation Anyone Can Create"

12:00 - 1:15 Lunch

1:15 - 2:15 “PowerPoint Pitfalls (and How to Purge Them from Your Presentation)”

2:15 - 4:00 Lab

4:00 - 5:00 "Adding Audio and Video to PowerPoint”

Wednesday

8:00 - 9:00 Lab Exercise: "An Introduction to Photoshop Elements”

9:00 - 11:00 Lab

11:00 - 11:30 “Digital Photography”

11:30 - 12:00 “Presentation Do's and Dont's"  (Step 5: Plan Facilities and Equipment)

12:00 - 1:15 Lunch

1:15 - 1:45 "Adding Presentation Sheen" (Step 6: Rehearse It)
                   "Working with a Host" (Step 7: Use a Host)

1:45 - 3:00 "Verbal Victories: Dealing with Difficult Audiences" (Step 8: Present It)

3:00 - 5:00 Lab

6:30 - 9:00 Lab (optional)

Thursday

8:00 - 12:00 5-minute briefings by participants  (Step 9: Evaluate It)

12:00 - 1:15 Lunch

1:15 - 4:00 5-minute briefings by participants

4:00 - 4:30 "Cataloging Your Digital Images Using Photoshop Album”

4:30 - 5:00 "Hints from the Pros” (time permitting)

Friday

8:00 - 12:00 15-minute briefings by participants

12:00 - 1:15 Lunch

1:15 - 4:30 15-minute briefings by participants

4:30 - 5:00 Summary and workshop evaluation