As I am just beginning as an environmental interpreter, I found this book and wanted to dive right in. It was very easy to read, but since it was published in 1980, there is a bit of a generational and technological gap. Although things are different in today's world, I could appreciate the main points of this guidebook. I'm sure it will still prove helpful down the road, as it reassures the things I already know, while sharing some new pieces of advice as well.
This book is a basic guide to interpretation skills. It needs updating as it was originally from the 1980s and some of the phrasing, technology and attitudes have changed. I don’t feel this should be the first book used to teach interpretation skills any longer, but is definitely a nice refresher. The checklist in the back may come in especially helpful for some.
Definitely written for a different time / audience. Focuses on the National Park Service. Presentation skills are all pretty basic, Toastmasters has been far more involved. A historic text and basic guide for the time being; looking to build on the knowledge with some other books like "the Interpreter's Guidebook 4th ed." and others.
This handbook is used by the US Park Service in training it's interpretation staff. It's pretty simple and easy to read...covers the basics and is a fine pocket reference. It's one of the five basic books used by the National Association for Interpretation's Certified Interpretive Guide course.