Presenter Skills Unveiled

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 6 students in New Zealand as part of the "Media Storytelling Skills" unit (Lesson 3 of 8). Students will explore the role of presenters—TV hosts, news anchors, radio announcers—and focus on understanding their skills and responsibilities, especially through the lens of Māori presenters. The lesson develops students' oral communication, role-taking, and understanding of audience engagement aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum, specifically the English learning area and the Drama capabilities embedded within.

---

Curriculum Links

Learning Areas & Strands

• English (Oral Language / Presenting to Others):
  • Present ideas clearly, with attention to audience needs and expectations.
  • Plan and adapt the content of presentations to suit specific audiences and settings.
  • Use voice control: tone, volume, pace to engage listeners.
  • Develop interpersonal and non-verbal communication such as facial expressions, gestures, posture and body language to convey meaning.
• The Arts - Drama:
  • Take on and sustain roles, showing understanding of character and context.
  • Use voice and movement to express ideas.
  • Engage actively in collaborative drama activities.
• Key Competencies Developed:
  • Thinking: Interpret information critically and empathetically.
  • Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Adapt presentation styles for different audiences.
  • Relating to Others: Communicate ideas and listen actively.
  • Managing Self: Plan and deliver presentations with confidence and self-awareness.

(These align with NZ Curriculum pages 83-86, Te Mātaiaho English in the NZ Curriculum Years 0–6), , .

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of different types of media presenters.
• Identify and discuss vocal and non-verbal techniques used by Māori presenters.
• Demonstrate appropriate presenter skills including tone, volume, pace, and body language.
• Take on the role of a presenter with awareness of audience needs.

---

Resources Needed

• Video clips of Māori TV hosts, news anchors, and radio announcers (pre-selected and age-appropriate).
• Projector or smartboard for video display.
• Speaking space or “mock studio” setup if possible.
• Reflection sheets or prompts for group discussion.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Connection (5 minutes)

• Brief chat: Ask students what they know about presenters (TV, radio, media). What do presenters do?
• Explain today’s focus: "The Role of the Presenter" including Māori presenters' styles.
• Set intentions and success criteria: Speak clearly, listen well, notice voice and body language.

2. Video Viewing & Observation (10 minutes)

• Watch 3 short clips of Māori presenters with different roles (TV host, news anchor, radio announcer).
• Ask students to note:
  • How does the presenter use their voice (tone, pace, volume)?
  • What non-verbal communication do they notice (gestures, facial expressions, posture)?
  • How do these techniques help make the presentation clear and interesting?

3. Guided Discussion & Analysis (10 minutes)

• Lead a whole-class discussion around observations using prompts such as:
  • "What made the presenter easy or interesting to listen to?"
  • "Did they use clear body language? Why is that helpful?"
  • "How did Māori culture appear in their presentation styles or language?"
• Highlight the importance of adapting style for different settings and audiences (news vs radio vs hosting).
• Link to NZ Curriculum: awareness of audience, planning content, and using voice and body to communicate meaning effectively, .

4. Role Play Activity (15 minutes)

• Divide class into small groups (4-5 students each). Each group selects or is assigned a type of presenter role (TV host, news anchor, radio announcer).
• Provide a simple script or topic relevant to their role (e.g., weather report, introducing a cultural event, short news snippet).
• Groups prepare a mini-presentation focusing on: clear speech, appropriate volume and pace, expressive non-verbal cues.
• Encourage incorporating elements observed in Māori presenters (e.g., Māori greetings, expressions, respectful body language).
• Groups present briefly to the class or in small circles.

5. Reflection and Feedback (5 minutes)

• After presentations, reflect together:
  • What skills did you use as a presenter?
  • What was challenging?
  • How did using body language or voice help?
  • How did you show respect for your audience?
• Teacher to provide positive, constructive feedback linking back to learning objectives and NZ Curriculum expectations.

---

Assessment Ideas

• Formative: Observe students’ participation, use of vocal and non-verbal techniques, and engagement during role play.
• Self/Peer Assessment: Use simple checklists or thumbs up/down for use of volume, pace, expression.
• Reflection: Students can orally share one thing they learned about being a presenter.

---

Inclusive Teaching & Cultural Considerations

• Recognise and respect diverse cultural and neurodivergent communication preferences; allow alternative ways for students to express themselves (e.g., visual supports or roles with less speaking).
• Highlight Māori cultural perspectives throughout, ensuring presenters’ styles reflect Te Ao Māori values where appropriate.

---

Extension Ideas

• Record students’ presentations for playback and self-review.
• Explore how presenters prepare for their role, including script writing and audience research.
• Invite a local Māori presenter for a Q&A session or guest workshop.

---

This lesson will inspire Year 6 students to confidently step into the shoes of media presenters while honouring the rich cultural identity of Aotearoa, all within the framework and competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum.

If you wish, I can provide a printable formatted version or further resources to support this lesson.