Truth is, every job requires effective communication because you’ll have to work with other people. Regardless of whether it’s interpersonal, or within the office, or to clients, most likely you’d have to be presenting at one point in your working life. Therefore, it stands to reason that presentation skills are extremely important and critical to our success.
When I was in secondary school, presentation = going up to the whiteboard and writing your answers down. Or, it could mean ‘standing up and reading out your answers’. In my first year of university (and in fact, right up till the day I took this course), presentation meant typing out exactly what I was going to say and reading it out to the audience (with occasional glances up which were sporadic and looked like muscular twitches, to say the least).
But in the past 3 months, I have come a long way since then. Although I have received comments that my last presentation was not as good as my previous attempts, personally I felt that I have gained a lot in terms of experience. It really helps to learn how to present in front of a small class size, where everyone’s friendly and genuinely interested to help each other improve, and everyone knows everyone. Giving three presentations in a module also proved the old adage “practice makes perfect” to me. I have gained confidence, I have seen many inspirational role models, and come to realize that hey, giving the perfect pitch or presentation is actually within my reach, after all.
Nevertheless, there were still some things that I wish I could have done better. I have realized that having a good night’s sleep beforehand is extremely essential (although I wish I could have learnt that the easy way), and planning your wardrobe choices should be done the day before to prevent last-minute panic-attacks and hysterical ransacking of your closet; I also learn that standing up and clicking on your slides while vocalizing your speech also helps, rather than just sitting down and muttering to yourself, or thinking things through your head. Somehow, hearing my own voice is much different from thinking it. But then again, that’s just me. And lastly, there’s really no need to be nervous about the much-dreaded Q&A session that comes after. People are not “out to get you”, lecturers included, contrary to popular belief; the Q&A session is just to clarify people’s doubts about your presentation.
On that issue regarding Q&A: not sure about anyone else, but in the past when I have time constraints, ie. too much content to present within too short a time, I tend to leave important parts out in the slide, thinking, “I shall just leave it to the Q&A session so I can anticipate what people will ask.” But I’ve come to realize my mistake. Time constraints will always exist, but that does not give us the excuse to take out important parts. To me, the job of the presenter is to make sure that your audience’s knowledge is on par with yours. If they ask you about something you have already covered, then it probably means you weren’t doing a good job.
One thing that occurred to me after the presentation: when practicing and planning presentations, I should always leave buffer time for thought. And whenever faced with time constraints, never NEVER ever rush through by speaking in fast-forward mode: that just makes you unclear and ineffective as a speaker. You’re no longer speaking TO the audience, as should be, instead you are speaking AT the audience, and that does not engage them and hence make them lose interest. Instead, I have compensated by summarizing key points and leaving out details. After all, most audiences listening to pitches are typically concerned with whether the targets are met. (At least, that was what one lecturer confided in us after another presentation we were graded on, so it may differ on a case-by-case basis). Details could be included if there is sufficient time.
Once again, I thank my audiences for taking the time to read my thoughts here, and feel free to leave comments!
3 comments:
Hello Kirstie! Don’t be discouraged! It doesn’t mean if you didn’t do as well means you’re not good! In fact, there are instances that are worth commending! For example, I thought you handled the technical difficulties of the clicker really well! If that had happened to me, I think I would really panic! But you were calm and composed - that’s good!
And I personally think you put in the effort to really dress up appropriately for each presentation that you had! It’s really impressive! That kinda gives a good first impression to people so keep it up!
Were you really nervous during your Q and A session? I thought you stood and answered the questions confidently and professionally! I too am always afraid of the Q and A sessions! That was what motivated me to research thoroughly for the Q and A sessions! Do you do that too?
Well although you could have done better, don’t forget that we all also have room for improvements. And you probably already know, but the best is always yet to be so don’t be dishearten! I truly believe you’ll perform at the presentations you’ll have to deliever at your future jobs. Keep it up Kristie! (:
Hi Kristie!
I really liked you presentation. You were very clear. Even though there were glitches with the slide changes, I thought you handled the situation really well by remaining calm and cheerful.
I feel that this OP was a more technical presentation so it justified why you were not as enthusiastic as you were for the peer teaching. You were more serious, which I feel was a good thing because this OP was a formal one.
On the whole, I honestly feel you presented well that I cant not find anything to pick on!
Keep up the good work! :)
Hey kristie!
One strength of yours when presenting is that your diction is really great. You don't mumble and you enunciate your words really well. Thus it really makes it easy for me to understand what you are saying. Furthermore you have this comfortable pace of speaking that aids in the understanding..
I agree, important parts of the presentation shouldt be missed out and thus come the issue of how to select the salient points. I think the best way is to clarify the "story" you want to tell the audience and see if it makes sense if you miss out those points. If it doesnt, then that means that idea has to be in your presentation. Logical thinking is important here..
All the best kristie and keep up the good work!
On a personal note, i like your energetic character when it comes to talking stuffs aside from the module, such as Inception. Hehe. Gonna understand the movie after exams!
:)
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