Observations from recent presentations: how can we improve?

As part of the Elevate Team role, we are often asked to record student presentations for assessments. The following are a few observations from a recent set of recordings. The question is, do you do these? and if so, how might you improve your presentations?

The following observations are not exclusive, and are intended to make you reflect on your practice.

• Reading notes - this is OK, but try to use small cards and not A4 pieces of paper. From the observers perspective it is more obvious when reading of A4 than a small card. The use of small cards will encourage you to simply points, and expand. Which will also encourage you to slow down and not rush what you are saying. If you rush, the audience will not follow your argument.
• Positioning - often you need to present as part of group work, so think about where and how you stand when you aren't presenting. Try not to hunch over reading your notes, but stand up and engage the audience with eye contact and smiles.
• Positioning - don't stand in front of the display (projection area) if you are presenting. As an observer, you get in the way, and also it becomes more difficult (without turning around) to refer to the presentation.
• Use of Technology - keep it simple and effective. If slides go wrong it is very confusing for you, and this sense of anxiety quickly spreads to the audience. Think hard about transitions between slides
• The Audience - engage with the audience through eye contact, smiles, and questions. Remember, they need to feel part of the presentation if they are to follow your argument and suggestions.
• The slides - you need to think carefully about the role of the slides, what are they going to accomplish. If you are using them, you need to refer to them. Don't leave it up to the audience to read them and try to connect those ideas to your presentation
• The slides - think about the text and images ... less is more

If we assume you'd like to improve the effectiveness of your presentations, what can you do? We'd suggest, contacting Learning Services for information on the next workshop session.

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