What is an Edutainer? And why we need more of them

When you scroll through LinkedIn profiles nowadays, you will often see the title "Edutainer". I also use this term to describe my UVP since I started my blog in 2015. The interesting thing is that the majority of people I meet do not have a clue what I mean when I introduce myself as an edutainer.

Let's do some quick research! "Answer the public" and Google do not help. Zero questions in the first case, not a single article on the first SERP in the second case. At least two online dictionaries provide us with a short, almost identical, definition of an edutainer: "Someone who teaches while entertaining his or her pupils or audience; a blend of the words 'educate' and 'entertainer'."

So yes, I decided to close the information gap related to the edutainer term with this article today. My knowledge is based on my own experiences, the studies of various great edutainers and a book I read on this topic a while ago.

What is an edutainer? And what does an edutainer do?

Firstly, an Edutainer is a combination of an educator and an entertainer. A great teacher and a hilarious comedian. An inspiring leader and an engaging performer.

Secondly, such an individual shares highly relevant and appealing information and knowledge. His teachings are relevant to today's culture and zeitgeist. They are applicable, practical, pragmatic and connected to the lives of his audience.

Thirdly, a fantastic edutainer also empowers and encourages people to reflect and to find their own answers. Last but not least, a great edutainer makes sure that his audience understands that they need to take responsibility for their lives, their learning and personal development.

Wouldn't it be great if all keynote speakers, mentors, teachers, professors, coaches and trainers would be more edutaining? But what does it take to be an outstanding edutainer?

Characteristics of an outstanding edutainer

As the characteristics of an amazing edutainer are quite diverse, I decided to group the skills and traits into a hand full of categories:

1. Public Speaking

• Owns the stage
• Good in vocal variety and body language
• Engages and connects with his audience
• Shares (personal) stories
• Inspiring, motivates his audience to excel

2. Communication & relationships

• Great listener and speaker
• Understands the world of his audience: Their interests, fears, activities
• Encourages, praises and compliments his audience
• Genuinely cares about his audience, wants them to succeed
• Transparent

3. Kindness & compassion

• Warm, friendly
• Approachable
• Human, vulnerable
• Does not take himself too seriously
• Smiles, laughs, is humorous and fun

4. Leadership

• Competent, trustworthy, knows his stuff
• Up-to-date with the latest technology
• Passionate for learning, enthusiastic
• Not afraid of failure, flexible, willing to try new things
• (Self-)confident and healthy, a role model
• Good organizer and planner

Why the world needs more edutainers

There are enough reasons and social trends to write a separate article about this topic. Nevertheless, I will only share my personal top three, most important, reasons with you.

1. More and more information

In today's day and age, we have more access to information than ever before. The challenge lies in comprehending and in utilizing this information. Interpreting, analyzing, applying and adapting this information. Some people believe that everything they find in the world wide web - or in a library - is true. They don't know how to evaluate (the credibility of) the information they found. Reflecting on this information and building an own opinion also seems to be an ability that many are not equipped with.

2. Better results

Students (no matter how old they are) tend to be more successful when they feel connected to other students and to their teacher. I regularly hear my clients say things like "I want you to be proud of me" or "I want to become your prime example". These individuals work harder and experiment more. They get out of their comfort zones and therefore develop faster and grow further than individuals who do not feel a sense of connection.

3. The idolization of stupidity?

I have the impression that being liked (or getting more "likes" on social media), being beautiful and popular are not only values that become more and more important to teenagers but also to other age groups. The social pressure we create and put on each other gets higher. And advertising, TV and (social) media add fuel to the fire. It appears to me that sometimes the just mentioned entities even idolize stupid, almost anti-intellectual, actions and individuals.

The conclusion for more and more individuals? - Screw education! Forget learning! Why should I choose the hard way and invest in my inside, my knowledge and brain, if I can invest in my outside: A new expensive-looking outfit, a prestigious car and maybe even a new nose instead?

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a brilliant edutainer is a journey. It takes time, determination and the ability to play the long-term game. Furthermore an edutainer does not only need to be able to teach, manage, coach, motivate, guide and inspire others. In addition he also needs to be able to motivate, develop and manage himself. This is where the actual challenge lies. Hence, I think we all need to work a little bit more on the latter aspect. 

That said, being an edutainer is an incredibly exciting "job" worth pursuing. It does not matter if you are a keynote speaker, teacher, trainer, coach, professor or mentor. When you master the skills I've mentioned earlier on, you will be able to transform lives and to make a difference. You will be the reason why someone lives a better, healthier, happier and/or more balanced life.

So, imagine what would happen if we all spoke, taught, presented, coached, mentored in a more edutaining way! Imagine in what sort of society we would live in... 

What are your thoughts on this topic? Who is a great edutainer that you love to learn from?

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If you are looking for a coach to get your personal brand to the next level, email Action(at)thinknatalia.com. Use the same mail address to book me as keynote speaker for your business, university or event.

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