I think that most students do not like to do oral presentation as it is rather demanding. It requires much confidence, knowledge on the presentation topic, charisma, logic, good slides, visual/ audio aids, etc. However it is inevitable, so I would rather that we take them positively, making every presentation an opportunity as well as challenge to practice, improve and prefect our presentation skills.
For the URA's presentation, specifically, I think that my group make good use of visual aids, was rather persuasive, the flow was smooth and there was good teamwork. And of course, we made mistakes, I could have placed myself in a better position when Alvin's was having his turn and I could be more calm when Greg signed that there was 5 minutes left.
Generally, some of the positive points that I think I have is that I make sure that I know the content of my presentation very very well so that I minimize the possibility of "blank out". Also, I try to make the slides helpful for me and my audience. The slides should be able to help me recall my script and allow my audience to follow. However, I still have many weaknesses which I wish to conquer. Just to name two, I am not confident enough to do away with the script and I lack charisma that good presenters have.
A way that (I think it is rather useful) we can improve our presentation is to critique and evaluate other people's presentation. Learn their good points and avoid making the same mistakes.
Hi Zhiyan
ReplyDeleteI have also observed the same mistake you have pointed out. No matter how prepared you are in terms of content wise, the sight of you with your script on the table reduces your image being a persuasive speaker. By reading from your script minimises your eye contact with your audience. What's more, you will have the tendency to hold your script and this does not encourage you making any gestures to animate your speech.
Perhaps you could prepare what I call a "Big Picture" in mind. It is like a mind map in your of what you need to present. Having a big picture reduces your words used in your speech. It will also help you to engage your audience with concise ideas that are easy to understand and visualise. For me, I have already created a big picture beforehand of what I intend to persuade and this reduces the need for my script. I hope this approach of mine will help you in your future presentations.
Hi Zhi Yan! Thank you once again for reading my post and here I am to share with you what I feel about your presentation style =)
ReplyDeleteWell just to elaborate abit more on on your two rooms of improvements you have mentionted in your post.
Firstly, for confidence, of course it will come in when you practise your speech more. More importantly, it is how well you know your content. You can always dress up until you think you look really good that day to gain confidence as the saying goes "when you look good, you feel good". But most importantly, it is to hear yourself out on what you say. If you can convince yourself with the speech you are going to tell the audience, your confidence level will definitely increase!
Secondly, for charisma, I believe it is the smile that makes the magic work =) It is hard, but you have to smile, even if its during your presentation, or during the Q&A session. Your smile will win the hearts of the audience no matter what and that is charisma.
That's all on my side, all the best for your exams!
Hi Zhi Yan. Good job on your group's presentation:)
ReplyDeleteI would like to share with you some of my experiences about presentation. Feeling nervous before and during presentation is very common. This is what I usually do. Write down what you want to say during the actual presentation in a piece of paper and link it with the powerpoint slides. By doing that, your ideas will be in line with the slides.
I would try to practise few days before the actual presentation in front of the mirror for many times. To me, the only thing to calm yourself down is by knowing that you are well prepared. Only by then, you can speak with confidence.
That's all from me. Good luck in your exams!!
Hello! The method I use to do away with the script is to know the material you want to present very well beforehand. Put key phrases or points on the presentation slides to help remind you what topics you are going to talke about - these trigger phrases should be short and general, the deatils should all be in your mind already (from repeated practice). And of course, try to relax and smile at the audience! (they won't know even if you accidentally miss out some details on the slides, and this can be clarified in the Q & A if they raise questions)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your contributions to our team, and all the best for the upcoming exams!
Hey Zhi Yan!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading other peoples' comments I just have to speak up a bit for your part. =)
As we all practised together, I am thoroughly sure that you know your parts very well. So it is not really because you are unsure of your part that you had to have a script to refer to. I feel it is really more on the lack of confidence on your part that you simply could not do without it. Perhaps we should have all practised without the speech written in the presentation slides. It is partly my fault I feel if that is the case, I apologise.
To counter that, you need to cross the obstacle of having the fear that you can't do it without that paper to refer to. Keep practising without one and eventually you will get the hang of it. Again, perhaps we should have done that more often during our rehearsal.
Okay about your presentation, confidence is your main flaw, but on the whole I think you did a really good job. Despite being so nervous your voice was very calm and you spoke with a very good pace. Another suggestion is that you can be more lively in varying your tone but that comes with confidence, so build it up! =)
Thanks for your invaluable contributions to our group, it has been a pleasure working with you. Not just on the proposal and presentation, during class discussions on scenarios and the Hougang interviews, your views were always interesting and contributes much to the ideas that we often discuss during meetings. All the best for your finals (I'm really dreading those 2 core modules) and keep in touch! =)
Ting ting: this is the first time I am hearing 'Big Picture'. I guess it is pretty much like compartmentalizing you points?
ReplyDeleteZurong: I think I am more of facing the mental block than not having enough practice. Your dressing up suggestion is good because not only you feel good, your audience will also think that you are well prepared and is enthusiastic.
Greg: I have not tried practicing in front of the mirror. I think it will improve my charisma. (Just like the game "The Sims" you make them to practice in front of the mirror to gain more charisma points.)
Alvin and Jon: It is not Alvin's fault as we did presentation and proposal at the same time as it was convenient. Creating the first speech helped the proposal was it was detailed and well elaborated but we forgot that we have only 20 minutes for the presentation and that we thought we have more than enough time. However, Jon and I managed to condense the speech and condensed slides was created.
Thank you guys, for all the comments and sharings during class and on blog posts. It has been a wonderful 13 weeks. I wish you all the best and keep in touch. You can always add me on FB.
Thank you!
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ReplyDeleteHey Zhi Yan,
ReplyDeleteIt isn't easy to deliver an effective presentation and I'm sure all of us tend to be nervous at some point. While you might have been nervous, I felt that on the whole it didn't caused you too much trouble or affected your presentation greatly. I also felt that you provided enough elaboration to your parts and your pace of speech was comfortable.
I agree with what Zu Rong mentioned - it is really useful to smile as it allows you to reach out to the audience.
While smiling too much might be inappropriate or informal, delivering timely smiles delivers warmth to the audience and portrays an image of confidence. More importantly, it allows yourself to feel more composed.
To better our presentations, what we can do is minimise areas of concerns (e.g. practicing enough, knowing what you want to say and dressing to make yourself feel confident) which is clearly evident from yourself.
You shouldn't think that you have a lack of charisma, it's just that you haven't gotten yours fully figured out yet. :)
I feel that everyone has his/her own charisma so keep trying and I'm sure you'll make yours work for you!
All the best and see you around school!