Giving a Talk on Reflexology
Delivering
Excellence
in
Reflexology
Giving a talk on reflexology
If you are asked to give a talk on reflexology and your first reaction is to refuse, stop for a
moment before you say “NO!” if you haven’t given a talk before it can be quite terrifying but it
can also be stimulating and rewarding. The more talks you give the easier and more rewarding
it gets.
Before you say “Yes”
You should find out as much as you can before you agree to give the talk. You will need to
know:
• Who your audience will be so that your talk can be geared to them. A different approach
may be needed for doctors or nurses, for instance, then you might adopt for pensioners
or mothers with young children;
• How many people are likely to be there;
• What equipment, such as an overhead projector, flip chart, slide projector, etc., may be
available
• How long the talk is expected to take;
• Exactly where it is to be held with directions how to get there if necessary;
• If you will be met and presented to the audience;
• Whether a fee is to be paid or only your expenses.
Preparing your presentation
When you have agreed to give a talk you will need to plan exactly what you want to cover in the
time available. The following are a few ideas which will help if you are not used to giving talks:
• Prompt cards, with the topics and key points you wish to cover, stacked in order and
printed clearly so that you can read them at a glance, are a useful way of keeping your
talk coherent and avoiding the danger of “drying up”.
• Using acetates to illustrate points is a good way of structuring your material and focusing
your audience’s attention, or, if there is no overhead projector you can prepare a flip
chart or a series of drawings, charts, etc.
• Photocopy any handouts you wish to give out.
• You will probably want to give a demonstration or perhaps have your audience work
briefly on a neighbour’s hand. Work out the timing for each part of your presentation.
• Before you leave home, put all your material together in the order you will need it. Take
a clock or watch so that you can keep track of time.
• When you are giving a talk and facing an audience remember that you are representing
reflexology and the Association. Dress neatly so that you look professional and wear your
badge.
• Have a glass of water near you and place the timepiece where you can see it easily.
A talk that has been well planned will be successful. We all know that reflexology is a wonderful
therapy so share your conviction and enthusiasm with your audience. People are interested,
want to know more and are usually responsive and appreciative. Giving talks is an excellent way
of increasing an awareness of the benefits of reflexology, of meeting people and perhaps finding
some new clients.
Some
suggested
topics
Introduction
Introduce yourself and perhaps give a few personal details. Ask the
audience if anyone has heard of reflexology or had a treatment.
Description of reflexology- What is it and how it works
Give a brief outline of the theory and practise reflexology with perhaps a little history.
(Reflexology: Art, Science & History by Christine Issel is a good reference book for History.)
The benefits of reflexology – What conditions may be helped and who can benefit
Explain that reflexology treats the whole person and not specific conditions, but you could
mention relaxation, easing back and neck problems, clearing sinuses, and helping with stress
related conditions. It can also be used to improve circulation and to balance the client on all
levels.
Reflexology and stress related illness
Describe the effects of stress on modern life-styles and how reflexology can help anyone under
pressure at home or at work – staff in hospitals, businesses, big companies, mothers with young
families or elderly dependents.
Talk about some of your own interesting cases
Keep these brief and to the point and never say anything that could identify your clients.
Amusing incidents go down well or anything unusual or out of the ordinary.
What happens on a visit to a Reflexologists
This can often be done in conjunction with a demonstration, briefly explaining about the need
for taking a case history and for client care. You can use your demonstration to explain about
the practical side of reflexology treatment session.
Break up the talk into manageable sections
If you talk non stop for 45 minutes you will lose a significant portion of your audience. Try to
break up the presentation with questions, discussions or a game. This helps to vary the talk and
maintain interest.
Uses for reflexology in a modern setting
You could give examples, such as; District Nurses, an how it can be most useful in midwifery;
care in hospices with the terminally ill; helpful for chronic conditions that often give doctors a
headache because they have nothing to offer; mental healthcare, combating depression, anxiety
attacks, etc.
Contra-indications
There are a few accepted contra-indications: cases of high fever, thrombosis and infectious
diseases.
Training to be a Reflexologists
If appropriate to your audience, talk about training to become a practitioner; the requirements
of an accredited course; opportunities for work; average fees for treatments.
The Association of Reflexologists
You might like to say a little about the Association; how and why it was founded and what it
offers to members and the public.
Reflexology in the UK, Europe and the World
The AoR can provide current information if you should need it and you can also save articles
from Reflexions and other journals.
Questions
It is a good idea to ask for questions before you move onto a new topic or you may leave your
audience behind. You don’t have to know all the answers! If you don’t, admit it, thank the
questioner and say you will find out.
Demonstration
It is often better to give a demonstration, or hold a practical session, at the end of your talk or
before a tea break because your audience may start to chatter. It is usually best to arrange with
the organiser beforehand for someone to agree to be a willing volunteer for demonstration
purposes. You can then request that your volunteer does not wear tights. As you work explain
how the body is reflected on the feet, (and hands). Charts are useful here. Mention the damage
we may do to our bodies by wearing poor shoes or having bad posture habits etc. explain the
causes of common foot problems, hard skin, corns etc. if you have any knowledge of biomechanics this can add interest.
Tea Break
You can use a tea break to answer individual questions or specific requests.
Conclusion
The end of your talk is very important. Round it off with a brief summary and draw your
audience together before you end your presentation before you end your presentation by
thanking them for their attention and interest. The organiser of the event may also wish to
thank you for your talk.
Some
Practical
ideas
•
The Association has a number of leaflets and help sheets which
you may find useful. Further information can be found in
Reflexions
• You may also like to buy a selection of drawings on acetate for use
with an OHP produced by the Association, or you can make some of your own. Please
visit the AoR sales website www.aor.org.uk
•
Take some of the Association leaflets to hand out or one you have produced yourself.
•
If your talk is local have a supply of your business cards to give out.
•
Laminating your posters makes them durable and they will easily stick to walls etc. with
blue tack.
•
Take along a selection of books, include the AoR Journal Reflexions.
•
Make sure you have a list of AoR Accredited Practitioner Courses in
Reflexology and know the AoR’s contact details.
Updated March 2009