Trauma presentations without traumatizing your audience
I've been to a number of trauma trainings during my years as a therapist. And each of them rely on shock value to get their point across. I make it my goal to teach about trauma without using these tactics. I make sure my trauma trainings are not only clear and concise, but actually engaging, use multimedia and interactive elements.
Complex ideas.
Simple language.
If you listen to the podcast, you know I can present complex ideas in plain language. I do the same as a speaker, using my real life anecdotes from my work as a therapist in numerous settings. You also know that I can present about trauma... without being traumatic. I don't use specific details of traumatic events. It's just not necessary.
Informative, fun
& interactive
I don't just stand and talk. I use many tools throughout the presentation to boost audience involvement:
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live polls - Audiences can use their preferred devices to interact with polling software anonymously. The results are shown on a big screen immediately, creating a fun experience that is free of judgment.
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video & audio clips - You'd be surprised at how effective a clip from the Office can be at showing defensive autonomic states. Or how Ferris Bueller's Day Off can be the perfect example of vocal prosody.
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large & small group discussion - I fluctuate between the two based on how much time is available and the participation level of the audience. For example, I found an audience of police officers to be reluctant to speak in a large group, so I switched to the small group, which they had a much easier time with. And then I used that to transition back to a large group format.
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fun "experiments" - things that are done in vivo to experience state shifts, like talking to a partner while the other is not allowed to show facial expression.