Interpretation is an indispensable tool for connecting visitors to the wonders of the natural and cultural world while ensuring their protection. Now more than ever before, smart, light-handed management is essential, and this comprehensive book will guide you through the theories, techniques, and strategies for effective interpretation. Covering everything from the history of the practice to the future of the profession, Conducting Meaningful Interpretation is a vital resource for guides and interpreters in natural and cultural resource management programs. Whether you are a docent, volunteer, or a lifelong career interpreter, this guide will help you master the basics of one of the most enjoyable professions. Book jacket.

Carolyn Widner Ward is a professor and researcher of interpretation at Humboldt State University in Northern California Alan E. Wilkinson taught interpretation at Humboldt State University

Foreword	p. ix
Preface	p. xiii
Acknowledgments	p. xv
Interpretation from Past to Present	p. 1
Defining Interpretation	p. 2
Types of Interpretation	p. 4
Nonpersonal	p. 4
Personal	p. 4
The History	p. 6
The People	p. 6
Federal Agencies	p. 9
State Agencies	p. 11
Local Agencies	p. 11
Private Agencies	p. 11
Conducting Meaningful Interpretation	p. 15
Connecting the Visitor to the Resource	p. 16
Information and Orientation Services	p. 17
Education	p. 19
Inspiration	p. 23
Accomplishing Management Goals and Objectives	p. 23
Protect the Resource	p. 24
Protect the Visitor	p. 25
Promote the Agency	p. 26
The Foundation of Interpretation: Communication	p. 31
Communication Process	p. 32
Interpreter	p. 32
Credibility	p. 33
Message	p. 35
Creates	p. 36
Persuasive Techniques	p. 41
Translation	p. 44
Visitor	p. 44
Filter	p. 45
Feedback	p. 47
Real World	p. 47
Planning for Success	p. 51
The Planning Process	p. 52
Research	p. 52
Resources	p. 53
Public	p. 55
Management	p. 60
Identifying Primary Messages	p. 62
Designing Interpretive Opportunities	p. 63
Program Goals and Objectives	p. 63
Writing Objectives-A Step-by-Step Approach	p. 64
Target Audiences	p. 64
Evaluation and Feedback	p. 65
A Basic Structure: Program	p. 69
The Message	p. 70
Defined	p. 70
Purpose	p. 70
Creation	p. 71
Research	p. 74
Developing the Theme	p. 74
Conducting Research	p. 74
The Story	p. 76
Developing the Body	p. 76
Theme/Subthemes	p. 76
Narrative	p. 77
The Ending	p. 78
Purpose	p. 78
Creation	p. 78
The Beginning	p. 79
The Basic Program: Talk	p. 85
Types of Talks	p. 87
Formal	p. 87
Informal	p. 88
Preparation	p. 88
Getting Started	p. 89
Practice	p. 89
Overcoming Stage Fright	p. 90
Voice and Vocabulary	p. 90
Adding Pizzazz	p. 91
Questioning Techniques	p. 92
Presentation Strategies	p. 93
Characterization	p. 94
Demonstration	p. 95
Storytelling	p. 96
Puppets	p. 98
Guided Imagery	p. 98
Guest Speaker	p. 99
Techniques	p. 100
Before the Talk	p. 100
Make a Positive Impression	p. 101
Be a Good Host	p. 101
Props	p. 102
After the Talk	p. 107
Taking the Talk on the Road: Walk	p. 113
Types of Walks	p. 114
Resources-Natural and Cultural Settings	p. 115
Facility-Visitor Center, Historic Structure, Museum	p. 115
Site-Demonstration, Research, Cultural, and So On	p. 115
Specialty-Night, Wet, Vehicle	p. 115
Planning	p. 116
Topic and Theme	p. 116
Route Selection-Choosing Stops	p. 117
Thematic Map and Outline	p. 118
Practice	p. 120
Mechanics	p. 120
Getting Started	p. 120
First Stop	p. 121
Leading	p. 121
Timing	p. 122
Group Considerations-Field Tips and Techniques	p. 122
Being Heard	p. 124
Large Groups	p. 124
Extended Walk	p. 124
Teachable Moments	p. 125
Rules and Regulations-The "Educational Exception"	p. 126
Ending	p. 126
Working in the Dark: Campfires and More!	p. 129
Program Types	p. 130
Night Hike	p. 130
Night Sky	p. 130
Campfire	p. 130
Audiovisual	p. 130
Mechanics	p. 131
Alleviating Fears	p. 131
Time Considerations-Dark, Full Moon, or Dusk	p. 132
Presentations	p. 132
Exploring in the Dark-Night Hike	p. 132
Night-Sky Interpretation-Stargazing	p. 134
Traditional Campfire	p. 136
Warm-Up	p. 139
Audiovisual Presentations	p. 142
For the Young at Heart: Children's Interpretation	p. 149
A Special Need	p. 150
Types of Programs	p. 151
In the Field (Informal)	p. 151
In the School (Formal)	p. 152
Children's Characteristics	p. 153
Energetic	p. 153
Curiosity	p. 154
Sensory Bound	p. 154
Developmental Level	p. 155
Mechanics	p. 159
Have Fun!	p. 159
Manage Behavior	p. 160
Focus on the Environment	p. 161
Name Names	p. 161
On Their Level	p. 162
Keep It Short	p. 162
Use Existing Resources	p. 162
Taking the Message to the Visitor: Roving Interpretation	p. 167
Reasons for Roving	p. 168
Carpe Diem	p. 168
Visitor Safety	p. 169
Resource Protection	p. 169
Marketing	p. 170
Public Relations	p. 171
Field Research	p. 171
Planning	p. 171
Location	p. 171
Visitors' Needs	p. 172
Props and Attention Grabbers	p. 172
Mechanics	p. 173
When	p. 173
Where	p. 173
How	p. 174
Essentials for All Programs: Critical Concerns	p. 179
Special Groups	p. 180
Visitors with Special Needs	p. 180
Elderly Visitors	p. 182
Visitors Who Speak Foreign Languages	p. 182
Distractions	p. 184
Emergencies	p. 184
Alternative Plans	p. 185
Bias and "Truth"	p. 185
Live Animals	p. 186
Publicizing	p. 187
Advertising-An Example	p. 187
Activity Schedules	p. 188
Bulletin Boards	p. 189
Media Releases	p. 190
Personal Invitations	p. 190
Multisensory Equipment: Audiovisual	p. 195
Equipment	p. 197
Cameras	p. 197
Lenses	p. 200
Copy Stands	p. 200
Projectors	p. 201
Screens	p. 207
Lapse Dissolve and Audiovisual Sync Recorders	p. 207
Sound Systems	p. 208
Microphones	p. 209
Other Types of Audio Equipment	p. 210
Computers	p. 211
Flip Charts	p. 211
Lighting	p. 212
Proper Operation and Maintenance of Audiovisual Equipment	p. 212
Batteries	p. 213
Cleaning Lenses	p. 213
Changed Circumstances	p. 213
Other Considerations	p. 214
Copyright	p. 214
Photography	p. 215
Practicing Defensible Interpretation: Evaluation	p. 221
Why Conduct Evaluation?	p. 223
What to Evaluate?	p. 225
Interpreter	p. 225
Audience	p. 226
Program	p. 226
When Should Evaluation Be Conducted?	p. 226
Before (Front-End)	p. 227
During (Formative)	p. 227
After (Summative)	p. 227
Who Conducts Evaluation?	p. 227
Audience	p. 228
Supervisor	p. 228
Peer	p. 228
Expert	p. 229
Interpreter	p. 229
How Should Evaluation Be Conducted?	p. 229
Traditional and Scientific Evaluation	p. 229
Objective-Based Assessment	p. 230
Putting It All Together	p. 236
Reporting Evaluation	p. 236
Closing the Loop (Modification)	p. 237
Growing from a Tradition: Professionalism	p. 241
What Is a Profession?	p. 242
From Practice to Profession	p. 244
Responsibilities	p. 246
The Discipline of Interpretation	p. 246
Organization	p. 246
Audience	p. 247
Resource	p. 247
Interpreter	p. 248
The Future	p. 248
Index	p. 253
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

We're the #1 textbook rental company. Let us show you why.

Conducting Meaningful Interpretation A Field Guide for Success

9781555915308

1555915302

Supplemental Materials

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Rewards Program