Confessions of a Course Director: What We’re Really Thinking During Your Presentations
You’ve practiced your briefings, honed your confined water demos, and polished your cue card choreography. But have you ever wondered what’s actually going on inside your Course Director’s head while you nervously present? Spoiler: it’s not just “Pass or fail.”
Here’s what we’re really thinking (but usually too polite—or too professional—to say):
1. “Please Don’t Skip the Objectives”
We love a confident start, but we also love structure. When a candidate launches straight into their lesson without listing the learning objectives, we silently will the cue cards into their hands. Don’t forget: clear objectives help you stay on track—and make us sigh with relief.
2. “That Demo Looked… Painful”
When your mask removal involves water up the nose, a face contortion, and a brief existential crisis, we’re not judging—okay, we are, but supportively. We’ve all been there. Smooth, slow, and exaggerated wins the day.
3. “Where Did They Learn That Signal?”
Every so often a candidate invents their own underwater signal. We blink slowly, wondering if that awkward arm-flap was meant to mean “share air” or “I’m a penguin.” Note: PADI hand signals exist for a reason. Use them.
4. “I Can See the Panic Behind That Smile”
We get it. Presenting underwater is weird. Everything feels exaggerated and slightly ridiculous. But you’re doing better than you think. A shaky start isn’t the end—how you recover matters more.
5. “A+ for Creativity, D for Standards”
Some candidates get creative with their scenarios. We appreciate the effort, truly. But when your “equipment exchange” scenario involves juggling fins while blindfolded… we start flipping through the Instructor Manual real fast.
6. “This Candidate is Going to Be Amazing”
Sometimes we just know. The way you handle a nervous student, keep your briefing concise, or turn a mistake into a teaching opportunity—it’s impressive. We make a mental note: “Future staff instructor.”
7. “Please Ask for Questions”
Nothing wraps up a great presentation like checking if your students understood. Forgetting to ask? That’s like diving without checking your SPG. Just one little line—“Any questions?”—goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
Course Directors aren’t robotic evaluators with clipboards and judgmental stares. We’re mentors, cheerleaders, and your biggest supporters (even when we scribble a 2.5 on your slates). IDC presentations are a chance to grow—not just pass.
So the next time you’re demoing neutral buoyancy while talking about lung overexpansion injuries, just remember: we’re rooting for you. Even if we’re silently praying you don’t drop your weight belt.
Now go forth, present proudly, and give us something to smile about behind our slates.
