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Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you all.
When a tour guide stops to introduce a scenic spot, here are some tips for a better presentation. Besides the spot introduction you communicate to your clients (which shall be knowledge preparation in advance), your on-site control matters.
Choose a place capable of holding all your clients. Then you can present with less disturbance. If you stop at entrance or narrow sidewalk, your group will need to make way for passers-by. Both your clients and you are less focused. If you have to stop at such location, make your words brief and elaborate in the following places.
Start your introduction after your clients all gathered in front of you. This is to avoid people missing your major points. Also, it saves your efforts to repeat same information. You may raise your voice a bit higher to catch the attention of all.
In small-space popular sites like temples or museums, it often happens that several tour groups stop at similar time. Try to keep a distance from other tour guides, so that your clients can hear you clearly. Leave your back to the other guides and make yourself heard. But remember, do not shout.
When your stop is outdoors, take notice of the natural environment. It’s ideal to have clear weather without wind. But these elements are not in the control of a tour guide. What can you do then? Find a sheltered stop when possible. Do not let your clients facing the sun (makes dizzy and turn away). Have your clients stand downwind, and your voice can be carried by the wind.
Small details make big difference. What do you feel is most important to rember during an on-site presentation?
Wednesday 18 March 2009
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4 comments:
A few more points that I teach guides I train:
1. Stand between what you are talking about and the group, so the point of interest is behind you. That way, everyone can hear you clearly, see you AND see what you are talking about.
2. Never turn your head away from the group and look at what you are talking about. Your voice will project away from the group and people will miss what you are saying. If you have to look at the object, pause... look, then turn back to the group and continue.
3. Slow... down... when... you... talk. Many guides speak WAY too fast. Take your time. Pause. Make your words count.
4. Encourage the group to move in close. Explain to them at the start of your tour that you want to avoid shouting so people at the back can hear. I also ask that taller people let shorter people (especially children) stand in front of them.
Jason Kucherawy
Travel Consultant and Guide Trainer
www.eyesthattravel.com
"Many guides speak WAY too fast." That's quite true. Maybe too farmialiar with what they are saying.
Fantastic point about less is more when speaking to a group for a long period of time.
The group will be getting tired so short but well made + clear commentary will be favoured.
Dave C
Chief Exploring Officer
Author point out such a useful & key points in really nice way. I thing most of travel guides have problem with their speaking power.
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