Introduction
Presentation is an important way of communicating ideas to public. The oral presentation in the 5903LAL course was an important experience for future presentations at bachelor degree, as well as for speaking in public. This assessment task focuses on the summary of presentation, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the possible ways to improve my presentation skills. The video clip called “Good and Bad Presentations” on YouTube and the peer feedback from classmates are used to support the discussion.
Summary of presentation
The presentation consisted of three sections: 1) background information on environmental disasters; 2) aims, curriculum and student evaluation; and 3) Question and Answer time. The background information on environmental disasters was explained by using two articles on a more current event (the oil spread in the Gulf of Mexico) and a more historical one (the nuclear hazard in Chernobyl in 1986). Then, the reasons for developing the course in environmental disasters, the three main aims of the course, the course curriculum and student evaluation were discussed. At the end of the presentation, our group members answered the audience questions.
Advantages
The speed of the talking/delivery is an important factor for an effective presentation. In this presentation, I could speak slowly and clearly and make meaningful accents. I could also answer some questions from audience because I understood the content of presentation and further information regarding environmental disasters.
As a group, we could gain attention of the audience as we showed the video clip of oil spread in the Gulf of Mexico from ABC news and other visuals. We could help each other with changing PowerPoint slides as well. Prior to the presentation, we met three to four times to discuss the PowerPoint slides and the contents of presentation. It helped to create better presentation materials.
Disadvantages
Body language, such as eye-contact and gestures, is an important presentation factor as well. During the presentation, I lacked eye-contact and gestures since I was reading from palm cards and my classmate had advised me to put my hands in my pockets. This lead to the loss of audience attention.
As a group, we had not practiced the complete presentation. As a result, we exceeded the time limit by 10 minutes.
Future presentation
To improve my presentation skills, I have to practice presenting the materials many times. It is a better idea not simply to read words from the palm cards but also to have eye-contact with the audience and to support speech with appropriate gestures. In addition, preparation lets me know the time length of the presentation.
As for the group presentation, I should arrange more times to meet with the members for preparing materials as well as for practicing.
Conclusion
The presentation given on the environmental disasters course was well-structured and supported by visual materials. The presentation lacked body language and the time limit was exceeded. Since presentation is significant for expressing ideas in public, it is necessary to learn the appropriate presentation style for the future.
References
Becker S.M. (2000). Environmental disaster education at the university level: an integrative approach. Safety Science 35, 95-104.
Dell’Amore, Christina. (2010) “Seeing and smelling the oil approaching Louisiana’s shore.” National Geographic News Watch. Web.
Good and Bad presentations. (2008). Web.
World Nuclear Association (2009) Chernobyl Accident. Web.