Have an informal conversation with your students before class begins. The conversation doesn’t have to be related to the subject matter. Tell them about your day, make jokes or mention something interesting that you saw on the news. This warm-up chat will set a relaxed atmosphere, giving you a chance to assume a conversational tone for your lecture. Relaxed students may also be more responsive during your lecture.
Begin your lecture with a famous quote, startling fact or anecdote related to your topic. These types of introductions will grab the attention of your students. If you are dealing with a responsive class, you can also begin with an open-ended question. For example, “Are any of you familiar with the works of Mark Twain. If so, which story is your favorite?” Avoid using the same kind of opening with every lecture.
Make eye contact as you speak. While you may need some time to focus on your notes, slideshow or chalkboard, don’t forget to make eye contact with individual students. Avoid staring at one student or scanning over the class too quickly. In addition to eye contact, be sure to vary your body gestures and facial expressions as you lecture. This will help you appear enthusiastic and hold the class’s attention.
Continue to use a conversational tone as you deliver your lecture. Try to mimic the tone you used when casually talking to students at the beginning of class. Incorporate colorful words and vivid examples while avoiding complicated terms that may confuse your listeners. Repeat key terms you want the students to memorize.
Break the lecture in different sections and insert activities between each part. These activities should encourage your students to work together to complete tasks related to the lecture. For example, you can assign a series of questions they must answer before you begin the next section. Alter these activities to keep students alert.
Allow time for questions at the end of the lecture. You can ask the students questions to test their listening skills or allow them to ask you questions for clarification. If you have time, tell the students what the next lecture is about and how it relates to the day's lesson.