Not a teacher but I have conducted classes. Most important is to know your subject matter very well. (Take references with you for those questions that stump you.) With knowlege in hand your confidence comes naturally. ... Be brief and don't let hypotheticals waste your speaking time. ... Stay away from notes, props and podiums as much as possible. More often than not, they are distractions. ... Speak with hand gestures and voice pitches. Talking statues are not interesting. These few basics should make your class a success.

As a teacher for many years, I have found that you first need to make a basic outline of what you want to teach the class. You need what is called a hook when your first start your presentation. If you can come up with something funny, ask a question, or an interesting point at the beginning of your presentation that is called it breaking the ice. After writing down the ideas, practice in front of the mirror. Also, if you get nervous look at the top of people's heads, or find someone in the audience who doesn't make you nervous and focus on them for a minute or so. However, you will need to have eye contact with the rest of the audience. Smile and take a deep breath! Smiling is contagious and when your audience smiles back that helps with nervousness. I really like powerpoint presentations. I create a powerpoint using photos and write key ideas in the presentation. If you can give your audience handouts that would help, too. Then, I use a projector for the students to view. They are more interested in the powerpoint then staring at me.

How exciting! :) First, I'd suggest you make an outline of the topics you want to cover. Then you may need to get rid of half of that because trying to cram "X" amount of info into "Y" amount of time can be frustrating and counter productive. Better to cover a smaller amount and do it thoroughly. So think hard and focus on what you feel is the most important subject to cover given the time you are allotted. Then think back on the teachers you had that were the best. Think of the ways that they taught, how they interacted, what you liked most about them. Odds are their teaching involved some sort of hands-on activity. Studies show we remember 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we hear and see, 70% of what we say, 90% of what we say and do. Learning by doing is a great way to make knowledge more permanent, and it's a fun way to learn. I teach nutrition education and with adults in groups often I will have them pair up and do an activity. For example, when discussing planning healthy meals I'll ask each pair to plan a quick meal together in 1 minute. (They have a plate template for guidance) Then they report back to the group what they chose. If we're discussing dealing with picky eaters (or smart grocery shopping), I'll ask them to share one tip that has worked for them. Finding common ground is key. You will be great- they asked YOU for a reason! Good luck!

A one time class? Make it anecdotal, tell informative stories. Share your enthusiasm. You've not time for nuts and bolts. Show them why it's worthy of their passion.

Some good icebreaker links: http://www.group-games.com/games-by-type, http://dragon.sleepdeprived.ca/games/icebreaker/icebreaker.htm, http://wilderdom.com/games/TeamBuildingExercisesWebsites.html. :)

being in the army for over 20 years I gave thousands of classes, most important is you need to know the subject matter. practice by your self, then practice in front of your kids, husband. time your self during the practice classes, Stay on subject, Use 3x5 cards with topics to cover. add extra content to your cards in case you run fast, and you can refer to them as fillers, after you do classes for some time you can ad-lib.

Thanks everyone for the awesome advice! I knew the Allrecipeeps would come through!! :o)