“Life only demands from you the strength you possess.
Only one feat is possible – not to have run away”
Dag Hammarskjöld
Finally, the entire string of grueling presentations is over! Looking back at all these, I must say that I have learnt a huge deal about making oral presentations. In fact, I am also proud to report that I am actively applying what I have learnt from these into other subsequent presentations as well. Through the rounds of presentations I find myself attaining a much better understanding of my abilities, in addition to having better control over my displayed emotions. I have learnt much with regards to the entire process of preparing and delivering a presentation, as well as tailoring additional media to enhance the effectiveness of the delivery process.
In preparing for my presentations, I referred, first and foremost, to the team’s proposal. From there I was able to draw the content which I wished to convey. Yet a presentation is particularly different from a written proposal. It essentially should be a summary of the proposal, but still manages to capture every salient aspect of the subject in question. Tidying up my slides and making them coherent was a tedious and often infuriating task, but ultimately the effort did pay off. In addition, I had the intention of including a timed animation which was to be played as I spoke. This required immense accuracy and concentration. The feat took me a number of tries before I was able to manage a speech that flowed together with the tour. In addition, I went through the process of writing a full script, matching it with the slides, before condensing everything into a point-formed set of cue cards. The effort was done with an intention to deliver a large amount of content with both a sense of conviction and confidence.
On the day of the presentation I rehearsed my parts innumerate times. The first few came off rapid, with me forgetting a good number of important points I needed to cover. Nervousness got the better of me as I delivered my speech with practically breakneck speed. However, subsequent tries allowed me to calm myself down, as I found myself remembering things better if I slowed my pace, contrary to my previous convictions.
During the actual presentation, I was able to compose myself, and kept to a pace which I felt comfortable in. However, as a result of wanting to deliver a presentation with substance and a strong sense of passion, I somehow forget the need to loosen up a little. As a result, while the content and the delivery was sound, somehow there was a lapse between my emotions and the way I displayed them.
Through the pointers provided by my peers, I soon understood the need to loosen up, in order to meld my thoughts and emotions into a complete and cogent presentation. A good presentation often involved a harmonious duet between the two aspects, with the addition of meaningful eye contact. I must say I have enjoyed myself tremendously in this round of presentations. My peers have been nothing short of excellent audiences, and I am very sure the lessons I have learnt will be translated into valuable skills vital in my future career.
5 comments:
During your presentation, I felt that you were a very earnest and organized speaker. In addition, the incorporation of Goggle Earth into your presentation was ingenious. You had successfully set the wheels of our presentation in motion with a comprehensive and cogent introduction.
Though I wasn't around during your final presentation, I had heard all about your use of google earth and from feedbacks, it really was a good idea :) Your timing was perfect allowing your words to match the slides. Good job on that, you really had to practice didn't you.
And I would have to say that you do carry yourself well with confidence in each presentation :)
So sad that I didn't get to see the google earth part of your presentation! Anyway, it's always nice watching you present; you're always so prepared and you speak so well! But...chill abit lah! :P
Melissa
Jeremy, it is always a pleasure to watch you present. Whenever I do, I knew it would be something meaningful, well packaged, and worth my time! The presentation opening could not have been done better by me. Your use of key words trigger the appropriate thoughts in the audience, and that is your key strength in the presentation. You know what the URA wants, and you've presented to them a strong motivation and reason for our project proposal, all in a very concise manner. Good job!
Sorry, i meant to say, "...could not have been done better if it was me"
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