My first test was the GT and to think about
it, GT was really a turning point for me. Without the GT, I wouldn't have
realised the mistakes that I would never have been conscious about. Since
the GT, I would always make it a point to reflect back and remind myself that I need to be
softer, slower and, not to forget, that content is the gist of the whole
presentation.
The next test that I had was the report writing component. Drawing out lessons from the GT, I told myself that content is the
king of a report and I must work doubly hard on understanding the issue. I did
a lot of research in order to draw out the appropriate links. Of course,
considerable amount of time was also put in to make the report comprehensible
(and of course, to meet the word limit). FOP came not long afterwards. To be
honest, I was really anxious with the FOP because I really want to do well for
the presentation. The situation was compounded further when I realised that I
had really poor eye-contact during the trial practice. On top of the 3 problems
that I had in GT, I had to improve my eye connection with the audiences and it
took me, admittedly, quite a long while before I could “re-wire” my eyes to
make such connection. I was really relieved my hard works in producing and
delivering good content was eventually paid off by edging ahead of my friends
(and I must admit that they did really well too!). In term of delivery, I was
really happy that my eye contact had improved drastically and my pacing and
volume was also improving. On the consultation day, Brad and I had a
heart-to-heart talk and I realised that to be a better presenter, I would have
to establish more authentic eye contact. Using cartoon in presentation had also
provoked controversy (maybe the word “controversy” is a bit serious but I
really take their opinions seriously) and I told Brad again how I could work
round this problem. Brad enlightened me that I could use real photographs and probably I could start establishing a photo-bank, which I thought is a great idea especially
when I am still so young. J
I went home that day and I sat down deep in
thoughts, pondering on the things that I could improve on as well as how I could make “authentic” eye
contact that Brad was referring to. I am not sure if I had gotten what Brad had meant about the "authentic" eye contact but during the FIPD, I attempted to
create more lasting eye contacts with my audiences by looking at them more deeply and passionately during the FIPD. I also put in considerable efforts in
improving my pacing as well as the volume. Of course, not to forget, the content was only done after considerable understanding of the issue. Photographs (instead of cartoons) were also used in the slides. However, FIPD came at a "tough" time, especially when I had 4 presentations in that week alone and the week
before the FIPD, I just had my FOP and marketing presentations. I am not sure if
I am coping and doing it well but I did put in my very best.
And today, I had my last lesson with Brad. I
am really happy to hear that Brad was proud to see my improvements from the GT
to the Report to the FOP and finally the FIPD. I wanted to say to you in class
(but I am pretty shy because I am introvert who prefers to pen down my
feelings) that I am really proud to be your student and to have you as my
tutor. Thank you, Brad (as well as the very warming ice miloJ). Really hope Brad could get to see this
message.
Here a summary of what I have learned and of
course, these would serve as important reminders for for all my future
presentations. Thank you ES2002.
Learning Points from GT
-
Pacing
should be slower- Volume/voice should be softer
- More efforts are needed to improve the content
Learning Points from Report
- Choice of words can be more positive (e.g. Don’t use words like “complaints”. Instead, use words like “concerns”.)
Learning Points from FOP
-
Establish
“authentic” eye contacts- Using real photographs and establish a photo-bank
