So, looking back, how do you think we did on the day?
I think a definite positive for the presentation was that it was ungimmicky in that the slides were minimal (and few), with no text - just images - allowing us to demonstrate the ability to actually 'present' our ideas rather than shuffling around nervously and referring to bits of paper or handily placed prompts or notes. Because of this, I think the major strength of the presentation was that we both just stood up and talked about what we were trying to get across - we both sounded confident and I think we engaged well with the (admittedly limited) audience. William's question was answered promptly and without hesitation (even though I'm not sure it was the answer he was expecting or whether it was answered in the way he would have liked).
On the minus side, I think perhaps we (as we do tend to do) lost a little fluidity once we started talking. We both knew what we wanted to say and why, but once the words started flowing, we followed a kind of stream-of-consciousness that may have come across as going off-point slightly, so a tip for next time might be to tighten the reins a bit in order to make the most of the points we really want to make.
Well looking back I think on the positive side we had a fair bit of positive feedback from the other (4?) students present but then again that could have been because we clapped theirs!! No seriously, I think it came across well. I agree that speaking without the benefit of a script can lead to a stream of consciousness and the nerves add to that aswel but I still think that that is preferable to reading out loud what is written on the slide.
ReplyDeleteI think if we do this again I would take in a tape recorder, sorry showing my age there, a dictaphone and then listen to it back because at the end I couldn't really remember what either of us had said (adrenaline, I suppose).
I think we stated what Ripperology was and why we believe it evolved. However, in light of Williams question we may have focused too much on the social conditions prevailing at the time. However, I agree that we did offer a prompt and detailed answer which I hope we get some credit for.
Oh and we did get some philosophy in there aswel. :o)
Overall it was a good learning curve and I think another thing I would change next time - is even more run throughs in your kitchen. We were worried about getting the timing right, maybe a few more run throughs would have focused us more on the detail.