First of all, our audience comprised the minister, local government and a variety of attendees: scientists, journalists, environmentalists, etc. Because of it, our team made sure that all members attired appropriate and color-coordinated suits. We knew that it would help us favorably impress our audience. The theme of our presentation was forest scenes, which is very relevant to our topic.
Secondly, our group did not take part in the Q&A session evenly. Johnson contributed most whereas others just answered one question or elaborated more for answers of other teammates. That led to groupthink, which is a seriously bad situation preventing group members’ creativity.
Moreover, I think our group did a good job in our oral presentation. Transitions between each member were smooth. The content was also delivered to audience, but we did explain and give more details besides what were in the slides.
Individual reflection
Firstly, I want to reflect on my verbal skills. I carefully prepared my own script and rehearse several times before the presentation. Hence, when seeing the video, I believe I made some improvements. I tried to think of other ways to depict my slides, which allow me to keep my speech coherent and less rely on the index card.
But my voice was not loud enough to enable me to make impression on people. I endeavored to use tone to make my speech more attractive. But it seems that I did not try my best as the emphasis did not contribute much to my presentation.
Secondly, I think my gesture and posture improved compared to my previous presentation. To maintain a good eye contact with, I divided the room into three to four parts. For each sentence, I looked at one group and switch to another group once finishing an idea.
There were still brief pauses during my speech, which made my presentation less attractive.
Some minor slide sequencing mishaps might have been avoided if I and Johnson rehearsed together. Although those did not spoil our presentation, it gave a bad impression to the audience.
Last of all, I did not actively take part in the Q&A session. There was only one question that I elaborated on Johnson’s answer. Therefore, it resulted in a very seriously problem, groupthink. I must admit that, I less and less attempted to answer questions as it was going to the end of our group oral presentation.
I was a little hesitant at the end of my part. So I need to practice more before any presentation.
3 comments:
Hi Thai Bao,
That was a very organized piece of writing! It is great that you have applied concepts from CG1413, like ‘groupthink’ in your reflection. Besides that, I am amazed by your unique technique to maintain eye contact which involved dividing the room into 4 parts & looking at part every line. I should definitely try it next time!
Since I was not there for your presentation physically, I cannot comment on how you performed. However, as you mentioned, there could have been better team integration as I think that’s what affected the Q&A session. I understand that we were given only 6 weeks to do this project and it is really hard when your team members are somewhat strangers and there is inter-cultural communication to be dealt with. In that aspect, I have to commend you, Thai Bao, to have easily assimilated and done your best in the presentation. Keep up the good work and continue improving! As you mentioned, practice makes perfect.
Regards,
Gulabi
Hi Thai Bao,
Thanks for your truthful reflections on the group project. I believe you have raised some relevant points, some reiterated in my blog post. The critical assessment of your own performance is something which I feel provides a self awareness which will help you improve.
However, I would have liked to see more suggested solutions to the problems which you mentioned. This brings me to mention that although there have been slight improvements to your presentation skills, from the last presentation, your pronunciation still requires working on. This could be a stumbling block for people, when it comes to understanding the points that you are trying to make.
Could I suggest that you converse more in English, whenever the opportunities arise? Perhaps you could watch the English news on the TV and practice speaking along with the newscasters. This could help a bit, in the event that you are not already trying that out. (:
Again, these are just friendly suggestions that could perhaps help you in your quest to improve your verbal English. Thank you for reflecting, and keep working hard!
Yours Truly,
Johnson
Hi Thai Bao,
Like Gulabi mentioned, I think this post of yours is written in a very organized manner. I think you have made some good observations about our team presentation. I could also see from your post that you made an attempt to have good eye contact with your audience. Good job on that! Although I agree that the slide sequencing mishap could have been avoided, I don't feel that it gave a bad impression to the audience.These things are very common during oral presentations but of course, we should strive for perfection!
Considering you are a foreigner, you spoke quite well but I think you should see more English Programmes like English news, like what Johnson said, to improve your English. This would greatly improve your fluency in the language.I also strongly believe that you can speak much better if you improve on how you pronounce your 's' sounds. (Remember, I told you ? :) ) Keep practising and don't give up! I'm sure you will be a great presenter one day!
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