Reflections on oral presentation

First of all, I must thank Gail and Baowen for the awesome research project experience, and I am really glad that everything when on smoothly. Even though I blank out after speaking for two minutes, I really gained a lot from this experience. Not only have I obtained essential tips for speech preparation, but also gained beneficial insights to oral presentation.

For speech preparation, I must confess that this is the first time I scripted out my whole speech. In the past, I will usually write down the main points, and put the points together using my “broken” English. This time round, since I am taking a language module, I thought that should draft it out to ensure the fluency.  I did manage to “swallow” down my script and managed to regurgitate the facts during the pre-presentation trails. However, I was too nervous and the words choked me during the presentation. After the presentation and Brad’s debrief, I realized that I focused too much on my language and neglected the key points for oral presentation. In fact, I should have presented with my passion and understanding for the project, instead of harping over the “language fluency”. 

In addition, like Dalai Lama, he may not speak proper English, but he is able to fluently advocate "a secular approach to compassion" at Standford University.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=20MnLcOL7Ks

From both the presentation experience and Dalai Lama, I learnt that presentation fluency is based on our understanding of the project, while articulation of thoughts is just an add-on feature which prefects the oral presentation. 

As for oral presentation, presentation slides are important visual-aid which act like a double-edged sword. Good slides help in the delivery of thoughts, while bad slides turn audience off. I started off drafting my speech without slides, as I tend to over-rely on the slides. Like what Brad has previously said “It will be good if everyone’s attention is on you “. And so, I practiced my speech without the slides. After several practices, I realized that a summary slide might help to summarize my main points. Then, I incorporated a slide, but I really regretted having a summary slide, as it was too content-heavy and everyone feedback that it turns audience off. Nonetheless, my group mates and I have other slides and figures which are clear and effective. In future, I will minimize words on the slides and add on more demonstrative figures which will aid, instead of hinder, the delivery of my speech.

Furthermore, confidence is crucial for all persuasive presentation. For both school and work, it is inevitable for us to deliver persuasive presentations. After the two sessions of oral presentation, I noticed that confident speakers tend to be more persuasive.  Additionally, I thought everyone had done a very good job in “selling” their ideas.Therefore, in the future, I aim to become a convincing speaker who can present my results/project confidently and fluently to my audience.

Even though I sobbed after the presentation, I am neither traumatized nor intimidated. Instead, I will learn from my mistakes, absorb the essence and eventually become a confident speaker who is able to deliver a fluent and persuasive speech. 

Thankyou for reading my blogpost J