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So
You Want To Be A Presenter…
Sharon
Donaldson
Are
you ready to shine on video?
Thinking
about applying to be a presenter at an upcoming Can-Fit-Pro
conference? The application deadline is July 31st, 2003
for all 2004 events, so now is the time to start
writing your workshops, preparing your application package,
and recording your video application. That last one – the
video application – seems to be the part of the application
that most wannabe group fitness presenters have trouble
getting done, and getting done well. But a great video can
separate you from the crowd, so it is important take enough
time to get it just right. If you’re thinking about applying
for a lecture presentation, a video is not necessarily required,
but the tips in this article will help you prepare a professional
application (more about lecture applications below).
With
the field of fitness presenters spread across the four corners
of the world, the only practical way for fitness convention
organizers, including the selection committee at Can-Fit-Pro,
to fairly evaluate your work is to request a videotape of
you in a teaching situation. The videotape application shows
the actual teaching style and content of a movement class
or lecture – these are qualities that simply don’t come
across on paper.
According
to Maureen Hagan, Director of Education for Can-Fit-Pro,
the video shows the applicant’s ability to entertain, as
well as educate. The difference between good and great is
being able to step out of your comfort zone and create entertaining
and memorable experiences. To properly assess your skills,
the videotape needs to show enough of a warm-up and class
content to demonstrate that you are current in your knowledge
base, able to modify movements for your audience’s ability,
and able to give clear, crisp cues. Mirror-imaging is also
important – only in the most complex combinations should
you ever turn your back to the audience. And finally, regardless
of your topic, make sure you are presenting with passion
– love your work!
Aprile
Peishel , Director of Event Programming for IDEA Health
and Fitness Association, gives a true insider secret when
it comes to preparing a videotape application. “One of my
pet peeves is lazy instruction. Expressions like ‘take it
up’, ‘take it around’, ‘push it’, ‘pump it’. These mean
absolutely nothing at all. I would challenge all
teachers, and not just applicants, to take the word ‘it’
out of their vocabulary altogether. This requires the teacher
to be more succinct. The quality of one’s instructional
skills immediately goes up a notch.”
For
the actual creation of your videotape application, it is
not necessary to submit a professional quality video. In
fact, many events will not accept a professionally produced
video for your application. Event planners are not looking
for a high-end production of you on a sound stage. They
want to see you in a real life setting teaching a real class.
So
this means it’s time to get a friend with a camcorder who
will work with you to create the best video possible. To
show your interaction skills with a group, you need to be
teaching in a real class setting. Do not teach to an empty
room or to the camera.
Once
you have chosen the date to tape yourself, give your members
some advance notice. Get permission of everyone in class,
regardless of whether or not they are going to be seen on
the video. It is a good idea to plan the date 10 days in
advance, get permission from your fitness club, put up a
notice and make some announcements to your regular attendees.
A few years ago during the Can-Fit-Pro application process,
we had an applicant who couldn't send the video because
a member in her class objected to being recorded, and refused
to let her send it in - and this was after the applicant
had gone to the trouble of taping the whole class! Does
this mean getting everyone to sign a release form? No, but
ensure you have verbal consent of all participants. In most
cases they are pleased to be part of something as exciting
as “their instructor” showing off his or her work to the
outside world.
Other
hints for video tape success:
•
Check the sound quality – can they hear your voice and the
music?
•
Check the picture quality - can they see you clearly?
•
Teach facing the class (mirror image) 90% of the time –
how often do you see a fitness presenter on stage with their
back to the group?
•
Energy, energy, energy - even more than you would normally
use in class.
•
Ask for their feedback during class - keep them moving,
watch their moves, give modifications and corrections, and
"stack" the class with your friends who you know
will cheer and yell for more.
•
Don’t leave it until the week before the application deadline
– anything can go wrong, so make sure you have time to get
another take done if needed. It is unprofessional to call
in with “the dog ate my homework” excuses, so get it done
on time!
•
Get the permission of everyone in class, regardless of whether
or not they are going to be on the video.
What
about applications for presenters who are not applying for
a group fitness presentation?
Lecture
candidates are scrutinized just as closely as movement candidates,
but Can-Fit-Pro does not require a videotape as part of
the initial application. This is where your qualifications
on paper must speak for you loud and clear. Preference is
given to those who have the proper credentials to support
the topic being proposed, and checking those credentials
may require a call to the applicant to discuss the topic
and course content. If a video or audiotape is required
to make a final determination, one would be requested at
this time.
Should
you have back-up instructors “on stage” with you?
Think
about it this way… if you were going for a job interview,
would you take a friend along who could help you with answers?
No. If your application is for you alone, then don’t have
other people clutter the background, and potentially distract
from you and your work. Obviously if you are presenting
as a co-applicant, then both of you need to appear on the
video.
How
long does the video need to be?
Can-Fit-Pro
wants to see your pre-class introduction, a warm-up, cardio/choreography
segment, and cool-down. Modify the content accordingly depending
on the type of class (i.e. yoga, stretch, MSE). In some
cases, the selection committee may fast-forward through
the repetitive combinations, but you want to give them enough
class time to clearly evaluate your work.
Do
I need to send in a video for each workshop I’m applying
for?
The
selection committee at Can-Fit-Pro will be able to judge
your skills for related topics (i.e. your video shows step,
but you are also applying for hi/lo), but if your topics
are wildly different (i.e. step and yoga), you should submit
two classes on the same videotape.
Will
my video be returned to me?
Can-Fit-Pro
keeps applications and videotapes on file for consideration
for all six of their annual events. Videotapes are not returned
unless specific arrangements are made.
Whether
for a convention presenter application or just for your
own self-improvement, videotape evaluation remains the best
way to continually improve your work as a fitness professional.
Making a video of your class is a good exercise for all
fitness professionals to do at least once a year. By taking
a critical eye to your work, you are able to evaluate your
skills, pinpoint areas for improvement and recognize why
your members love your classes. Lights, camera, action!
For
an article on “Five Tips To Get Noticed When the Competition
is Steep”, visit www.fitnessresume.com
From
1995-2002, Sharon Donaldson was the Convention & Special
Events Director for the Can-Fit-Pro Conferences and oversaw
its growth from one 500-person conference to a series of
6 annual events from coast-to-coast. Sharon is currently
owner of Fitness Resume, a consulting business for established
as well as novice fitness presenters, offering services
including development of conference application packages,
video application review, web design and presentation coaching.
Sharon can be reached www.fitnessresume.com or
sharon@fitnessresume.com
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