Delivering Explanatory Lecture...

Brethren:

I have been asked to give the explanatory lecture for an upcoming EA degree. This will be my first.

I feel that I know the lecture very well, as I have gone through it time and time again on my daily commute (up to two hours-a-day in traffic). In addition, I have practiced this within the lodge room to "visualize" the delivery. I have traveled to a number of different lodges, and have seen the lectures delivered on numerous occasions -- each have varied upon the "engagement" spectrum.

Do any brethren have any pointers for the delivery? I tend to use my hands when I speak, is this frowned upon? Is it delivered in more of a "lecture style forum"? Ultimately, I would like for the delivery of lecture to be engaging, sincere, and impactful for the newly initiated brother.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you, brethren.

I can not comment on the specific lecture you refer to, as in PA, we do not have it. I will comment, however on speaking style and how it relates to the impact on a candidate. I have observed four distinct styles of the delivery of Degree lectures which vary greatly in how well they impart the desired information. Here in PA everything in a Degree, except parts of getting the candidate into the Lodge Room and to the Altar and possibly the Charge, is done by the Worshipful Master for the Degree. This may be the Installed Master, a Past Master or a Warden. The four styles I have observed are 1) Newbie - A Warden doing their first conferral of the degree - They typically are hesitant, require prompting and have little to no expression in the delivery. B) This is typically another first or second timer who knows the work well, however they rush through saying things as fast as possible as they think that is the only way they can get them out. C) Monotone - The words are perfectly delivered, but with no emotion or expression. D) Expressive - Much emotion, changes in inflection to reflect the intention of the words, but occasionally missed words or words somewhat out of order. In MY opinion the last version gives the best experience to the candidate.

So yes, include use of your hands if that works for you, change the volume and inflection of your voice to match the intended mood of the words. Try to make the work sound "alive." Just think back on your own previous experiences...Did you learn more from lectures delivered in a monotone with lack of emotion or those delivered with passion and intensity?

I am not saying that memorization of the exact wording isn't important. I had to be tested on this for each successive Office i stood for election. But JUST knowing the words is not enough to truly give the Candidate the best experience in the Degree conferral.

I agree with the above though it is possible to be expressive and get the words right, take pauses for effect, move around where appropriate, use gestures and understand the words.
Locally our DC is the only one who prompts- make sure they know that you will look at them if you want a prompt and not to cut you off.

David612 said:

I agree with the above though it is possible to be expressive and get the words right, take pauses for effect, move around where appropriate, use gestures and understand the words.
Locally our DC is the only one who prompts- make sure they know that you will look at them if you want a prompt and not to cut you off.

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I agree 100% it is possible and desirable to have BOTH the 100% correct wording AND be expressive.

May I ask, what is a "DC"?

Director of ceremonies.
Functionally he is the only prompt.

However he announces certain visitors, will collect brethren for presentation to the master or to deliver work, does the final check on candidates and closes the working tool box.
They tend to be given a bit more leeway in what they do as the role is generally filled by a PM

Thank you all incredibly much for your insight. I will take it to heart and do my best to provide an impactful lecture.

TXTraveler said:

Thank you all incredibly much for your insight. I will take it to heart and do my best to provide an impactful lecture.

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Also don’t beat yourself up too much, I know I do, it’s a process and learning the work take time and delivering it with passion Is another level.

Keith C said:

D) Expressive - Much emotion, changes in inflection to reflect the intention of the words, but occasionally missed words or words somewhat out of order. In MY opinion the last version gives the best experience to the candidate.

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Agreed.

David612 said:

Also don’t beat yourself up too much, I know I do

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Lol....me too!

Keith C said:

I am not saying that memorization of the exact wording isn't important. I had to be tested on this for each successive Office i stood for election. But JUST knowing the words is not enough to truly give the Candidate the best experience in the Degree conferral.

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I do ritual (Christian, not Masonic) as my day job, and I agree 100%. The point is to convey what you're saying ... even if it's a rote script ... with feeling. It's not just about knowing the order of the words; it's about _knowing_ the words, if you see the difference I'm flagging up here. We all have to find our feet with these things, but I've observed that with practice and experience, the material gets embedded bit by bit in your heart, and then suddenly one day you notice you're not just performing, but you're telling a story that you've bought into and you're making it come alive. I've no doubt that the OP will get there.