Presentations

Assess your learning

Below are two videos for you to watch and assess the presentations. Think about the following questions on points we have discussed in this module:

  1. How well do you think the presenter planned and prepared for this presentation? 
  2. Do you think there is a clear beginning, middle and end to this presentation?
  3. Were you able to follow the points of the presentation made by the speaker?
  4. Does the visual communication support the speech of the presenter?
  5. Is the visual communication clear and easy to read/understand?
  6. Is the speaker using prompts?
  7. How well do you think the speaker manages their nerves?

Watch the first video and note down your answers to the questions above and any other observations you might have. 

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Watch on YouTube

Now watch this second video and note down your answers to the questions above and any other observations you might have. Think about any differences you observe between the two videos. 

YouTube video player
Watch on YouTube

Reflect on your learning

There are a few big differences between these two presentations, but perhaps the most striking difference is how the two presenters managed their presentations.

In the first video we saw how technology failed the presenter. Although the speaker tried to continue without their prompt, the speaker's nerves and embarrassment made them leave the stage without completing their presentation. Situations like this can easily be avoided with enough planning and preparation:

  • If your technology fails, carry on without it. You should have prepared and practiced your presentation and therefore know what to say without your prompt and visuals to support you.
  • If you make a mistake, stay calm and carry on. Take a few deep breaths, apologise to your audience and correct your error. We all make mistakes; it is about how we manage them.

In the second video we saw a very well-prepared and practiced presentation. How do we know?

  • The presenter shows a lot of confidence in their presentation delivery and body language.
  • The presenter does not need any prompts to help deliver their speech. 
  • The slides have little text but communicate exactly the point being made by the speaker.
  • There is a clear beginning, middle and end to the presentation and the speaker's storytelling.

If you have delivered a presentation in the past, reflect on what went well and what was less successful in your delivery. How could you improve it for next time with what you know now? Use your experiences, what you have learned in this module and reflections on the exercises above to develop and improve your presentation skills.

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