• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

First Climate Reality Presentation Wrap-up

August 8, 2014 @ 20:28 By Gavin Webber 8 Comments

Climate Reality Project Australia

I should have titled this post  “How my first Climate Reality Presentation went”, or “How to startle the audience when bumping into a microphone repeatedly!”

Funny story, however, before I start, I would just like to publicly thank Kellie for organising the event.  I really appreciated the chance to present to the Melton City Council Green Team about the reality of climate change.  There were even a few manager present.

The Venue

So without further ado, and only one photo (I was a little nervous at the start so forgot to take any), this is how it panned out.

The venue was the theatrette at the Melton Library and Learning hub.  It was a great venue that seats about 70.

I rocked up 30 minutes early as I normally do for this sort of thing.  Just to make sure that all the tech is working.  If I have any issues, there is usually time to source an alternative way of presenting.

The Tech

I took my own laptop to ensure that it was all loaded on the hard drive.  This is because the presentation was 1.4GB in size, which is massive for a Powerpoint presentation.  It has embedded videos all throughout the deck, which bloated the size.  Due to the size of the file, it does not run from a USB drive very well at all.  I borrowed a clicker/pointer which was much better than a mouse or using the keyboard to scroll through the deck.

With only one hour in which to present, I had pre-culled about 200 slide from the 568 slide deck.  Enough to get the message across in the time that I had.  Or so I thought (more on that later).

Climate Reality Presentation

credit: Kellie Hack

The Audience

So this is my opening slide, that I put up whilst waiting for the audience to arrive.  I estimated that about 35 people filed in to watch me speak.  Just the right size for my first time of delivering this material.

Kellie provided popcorn and a fruit platter, and everyone settled down for the show.

The presentation itself is divided into three main parts.  The science. The current consequence of climate change affecting the planet and humanity.  And then the solutions (aka hope) and the call to action.

The Delivery

I launched headlong into the presentation, having practiced for two evenings before, and memorised what I was going to say.  I think I did fairly well, because every time I looked into the audience, there were nods and looks of interest for the entire length of the presentation.

Unfortunately I didn’t time it very well, spending 45 minutes on the science and consequences, and 30 minutes on the hope and call to action.  I had stacked the deck too far to the doom and gloom, and ran out of time.  Some people only had an hour for lunch, and had to leave just as I was getting to the solutions.  Not good at all.

So I asked permission to complete the presentation, which the remainder of the audience was cool with, so I pressed on.  I think I finished pretty strongly, with a strong call to action, and enough solutions for them to act upon.

I looked at my watch and I had run 15 minutes over.  But then there was a hearty round of applause.  Phew.

The Post Mortem

One thing that I did notice distinctly was the way most of them left the theatrette.  I could tell that they were a little in shock, and thinking very deeply.  Thankfully that was the desired effect.  Not to shock people with the reality too much, but to offer some solutions on how they may move forward.

Job done.

After everyone had departed, I asked my two friends Kellie and Linda for honest feedback.  Linda rightly pointed out that the doom and gloom part was heavily stacked, and if I didn’t have an attentive audience, I might have lost them.  However the solutions part was just right however.  Kellie mentioned that she saw that nobody fidgeted or talking during the presentation which is a very good sign that everyone was keenly focused on what I had to say.  That was a good observation.

So my takeaway or two for the first presentation is to cut the slide deck down even further in the first half if I only have an hour.  I know that I can still reduce it and still get a powerful message across.

Also, I need to stop looking at the screen just a little, and stop bumping into the fixed microphone.  I was limited for movement as the fixed mic was one of those lectern types on a goose neck, so I couldn’t drift too far away.  However when I got too close, I hit it, making an awful racket.  Mind you, it kept them all on their toes!  The solution is to use a hand-held or radio mic.  That way I could walk around freely.

Pumped Up

All in all, I felt pumped when I finished which is a great feeling after a presentation.  The rush can be quite addictive, and it took me over and hour to come down from the high.

I have another presentation at the Melton High School on the Wednesday 20th August.  From what I can tell, I will be presenting to three separate classes.

Three talks in one day.  I think I will need a home-brew beer or two at the end of that day!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: climate change, Climate Reality

← Salami Making – Another Skill in the Bag Next eBook At Proof Readers! →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. rabidlittlehippy says

    August 8, 2014 at 23:44

    Well done Gav and yay for a successful first presentation. Here’s to even greater presentations in the future. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Lynda D says

    August 9, 2014 at 10:42

    I think with your self analysis of the presentation and taking the advice of Linda and Kellie on board you will have these presentations down pat. I also think that being able to move around will also allow you to use your body more for emphasis. Got to get one of those head set microphones. Fingers crossed that more schools get on board and you can make an impact on the next generation of movers and shakers. Being green needs to be seen as “cool” and we need to shift the culture towards self sustainability rather than blind consumption. Go Gav!!!!

    Reply
  3. Veronique - sustainableholdfastbay.com says

    August 9, 2014 at 20:15

    Well done, Gavin! I have not done a presentation yet, so very grateful for the feedback and ideas.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      August 11, 2014 at 07:34

      Thanks Veronique. Hope it helps you with what type of thing to expect.

      Reply
  4. Kellie says

    August 10, 2014 at 09:18

    It was great, you were great, and it was enough “holy S&!t” and “boy I gotta do something!” And I know it will get better with tailoring and practice! Well done and Thank You!

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      August 11, 2014 at 07:33

      Cheers Kellie. Thanks again for inviting me along to present.

      Reply
  5. Brigitte says

    August 11, 2014 at 08:33

    Fantastic work, always great to analyse how you went as well. Might be an idea to ask the audience for feedback via a short survey or questionnaire at the end, can help for future presentations and allow for you to collate data on the audiences views of what works in your presentations. Will be interesting to see how you go with the secondary school audience. Maybe for future sessions you might look at some audience participation as well….(you might already do this)….keep going Gavin, your’e doing an awesome job!

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      August 11, 2014 at 14:46

      Thanks for the suggestions Brigitte. I believe that Kellie may have sent out feedback forms, which she mentioned she would share the results of with me.

      Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

Strawbridge Family Inspiration
The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Quince Paste
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Black Aphids On Garlic
It's Not Easy Being Green TV series
Broad Bean Rust
Broad Bean Seed Experiment Results
African Horned Melon

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023