Top tips on how to make your lectures interesting

On PowerPoint - both a bane and a boon - my method is simple. There is a series of images, which trigger what I'm going to say next - this means I don't need notes and can concentrate on the people to whom I am speaking. Conference organisers hate me, because if they ask for the slides for the website, they aren't much use! (Then I found a trick for that too, every 2nd slide is hidden, with bullet points of what words accompanied the previous slide's image.)

Socratic dialogue is a very important device too. If the lecturer is sympathetic and encouraging, never allows herself/himself any sarcastic comments, chooses the questions wisely and selects at random students who are to answer them the class engagement is overwhelming. Particularly if the students are told that if they don't understand something at least 30% of the class don't, and so, "I don't know" is a helpful professional answer!

Great to see some interesting stories and tips on how to deliver positive lectures. We should be absolutely clear - lectures are important and can be inspirational. In the age of weakening communications skills of students we want to get them to learn together, not purely through on line content. I have taught at business schools for 18 years. I see the power of great teaching. For me, one key tip is to absolutely know your subject matter. Looking at your notes whilst trying to teach creates a barrier and undermines student confidence. It's all about holding their attention and getting them involved, even in a large lecture theatre. I have written two books on business school teaching but there are tips here which I believe can be helpful for any academic. The books are both free downloads, no catch, just there to help. Simply go to www.marketechoes.co.uk Julian Rawel