I first met John Brasier during Cosmic’s initial ‘Digital Mentors’ project in early 2010 via a previous U3A contact, Diana. John is a retired teacher who wanted to get himself into the 20th century. John had been giving talks for 15 years on the mass evacuations during WWII. John himself was evacuated during the war to Hertfordshire with his younger brother and so spoke from experience.
John has become an avid collector of books and memorabilia from that time, a time which touched him so deeply. John can even recall whilst living in Hasting one Sunday morning seeing a V2 ‘Doodle-Bug’ go over very low! He recalls how it scared the life out of him and he rushed back to the newsagents; unable to complete his news-round!
For many years John had relied on his trusty notes for his talk, taking it as he did to village halls, schools and organisations – now John wanted to set up a PowerPoint presentation. John felt his talk could benefit from a few images, may-be a video or recording; and that is where I came in.
I met John at Diana’s house and I set about helping him turn the well worn, well practised talk into a fully modern, sharp, and multi-media ladened experience. One thing John always wanted for his talk was getting the right feel and mood; may-be with air-raid sirens, videos of search lights and audio from the time. With a little IT support and guidance from me I ran John through PowerPoint and some of the ‘dos and don’ts’ of making a good presentation. John picked a great look and a feel and began to see his talk being reborn.
It was with great pleasure that John and Diana invited me to St Francis’s church hall in Sidmouth today to John’s first ever ‘digital delivery’ of his talk! The presentation had images, audio and had a crisp, fresh look! He worked well with the presentation, using it in the way I showed him. I asked him afterwards how he thought it had gone – immediately; putting his ‘teachers head’ on he said that there had been a few things, but he was generally pleased. I told him there’s no such thing as a finished PowerPoint presentation – it’s always work in progress!
He was pleased, the audience had thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I felt proud! That’s why I love my job!
Andy
Email recieved from John:
Dear Andy,
Once again my grateful thanks for so kindly attending the U3A meeting in Sidmouth this morning. Your presence, support and advice was greatly appreciated.
Do, please, let me know if there is anything I can do to “further the cause” in any way – either now or at some time in the future. With all good wishes for continued and inspiring success in your future teaching sessions.
John Brasier