Recall your oral presentation and think about these questions.

Question

1- was your topic appropriate for your audience? Do u believe that your presentation held the attention of the members of your audience and added to their understanding? If you were to change anything about your claim and findings , what would it be?
2- if your opinion, did your visuals and multimedia components help your audience , or did they get in the way of your presentation? Explain your thinking?
3- did your research help you build a deep understanding of your topic? Why or why not? What did you learn about how to conduct research so that you can confidently present on a topic?
4- dale Carnegie, the author of the article of public speaking once said there are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave , and the one you wish you gave . How does the presentation you gave differ from the one you practiced and the one you wish you gave ? Why do you think that is true?

Answer 1

Reflecting on your oral presentation can reveal valuable insights and areas for improvement. Here’s a structured response to your questions:

1. Audience Appropriateness and Engagement:

   • Topic Suitability: If the topic was well-aligned with the interests and needs of the audience, I believe it was appropriate; however, I would analyze audience feedback to ensure relevance.
   • Attention and Understanding: If I effectively engaged the audience through storytelling or relatable examples, it likely held their attention and enhanced understanding. To improve, I might clarify my claim or findings further and incorporate more real-life applications to strengthen relatability.
   • Improvements: I would consider revising my claim to ensure it resonates more with the audience’s experiences or expectations. Adding case studies or testimonials might improve relatability and comprehension.

2. Visuals and Multimedia:

   • Effectiveness of Visuals: If the visuals supported the presentation by summarizing key points or providing illustrations, they were beneficial. However, if they distracted or overwhelmed the audience, I acknowledge that they may have detracted from my message.
   • Explanation of Thinking: I believe visuals should be used judiciously—aiming for clarity rather than complexity. Simple charts, infographics, or relevant images can enhance understanding, while overly complex slides might confuse the audience.

3. Research Depth:

   • Understanding the Topic: Conducting thorough research usually deepens understanding, allowing me to present confidently. If I felt confident in my knowledge, it indicates that I had engaged with various sources and perspectives.
   • Lessons on Research: I learned the importance of sourcing credible information and synthesizing different viewpoints. Creating an outline based on my research also ensures a logical flow during the presentation and helps me anticipate potential questions.

4. The Three Speeches Concept:

   • Differences in Presentations: The presentation I gave might have differed from the practiced version due to nervousness or unexpected audience reactions, while the ideal presentation I envisioned might have included more elaborate points or smoother delivery.
   • Reflection on the Concept: This concept emphasizes the natural progression of public speaking. It highlights the gap between preparation and execution, and how live adjustments can lead to a different outcome than rehearsed. Acknowledging this can reduce post-presentation disappointment by framing it as a learning opportunity for future improvement.

In summary, reflecting critically on these areas can be a guiding process for future presentations, helping to refine both content and delivery for maximum impact.