This is what a scientist sounds like!
Whereas Wayne Ranney’s audience tends to be people partaking in geological classes and tours, he acts as the perfect host in trying to validate everyones right to their personally held beliefs, while gently reminding them that geology does not traffic in belief systems but rather observation and data. See, he understands that he might have only this one precious moment to fill them with a sense of awe about the transformational nature of geologic thought. So, the learning is slipped in tactfully and danced around when necessary.
In contrast to that, the impression I get from having watched most all of Professor Nick Zentner’s many videos is that if you attend one of Zentner’s classes or lectures you’d better take it seriously and pay attention if you want to keep up, oh, turn off that phone!
He displays total command of his topic and the audience. On rare occasions we see him use his velvet hammer against some audience offender, it's incisive, and he doesn't miss a beat as he continues his talk. A beautiful thing to watch. I’d love to take a class devoted to studying Nick Zentner’s presentation style and structure. He makes it look so easy, as he conveys so much.
My one lament is that he’s in Washington state. I’m longing for someone like him to start giving recorded talks and short videos of the Colorado Plateau area. At least, I’ve traveled through Washington occasionally, so I can relate to his lessons and the landscapes from personal memory.
To be clear, Nick is a fun guy. I hope so, since I can’t resist introducing him with this:
Geology Video Blooper - Columnar Basalt - Nick Zentner
Tom Foster (http://HUGEfloods.com) and Nick Zentner (Central Washington University)
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