Presentation Evaluation Journal Entry
Presentation Evaluation
After considering my performance as it relates to the grading criteria, I would say that I am strongest in my organization and weakest in my design. This is because my research was complete, and very well organized, but I struggled with my delivery.
Presentation Message was Not at an Appropriate Level
The criteria for the message required that most key data be present, or most of the questions answered, that all information was cited orally on the slides, and that a strong, clear and memorable opening be used to grab the listener’s attention, I also did not finish the presentation in a strong way, with a summary that created a clear closing statement. This presented a certain weakness for me, because I did not include all the necessary point. While I did include the key data to be presented, I realize, in reviewing my presentation that my hook was not really attention getting or memorable, and I did not cite my sources correctly. I also realized in reviewing my presentation that it was not long enough, which was a combination of providing insufficient material, and speaking too rapidly, which we will discuss further as part of the delivery.
Organization was clear and Straightforward, but Underwhelming
As mentioned organization was likely the strongest area of my presentation. The grading criteria states that the rhetorical structure is appropriate, main idea is focused and presentation is logical. I would certainly agree that my presentation was logically constructed and easy to follow. However, I realize in reviewing it that it may not be clear what the purpose of the presentation was, or who the audience I hoped to reach would be. In other words, while the information was organized in a simple and easy to understand way, it did not serve a greater functional purpose. Also, it was fairy basic, offering little creativity in order to stress certain elements or create interest for the audience.
While it is clear that my presentation met the minimum criteria for design, I realize in viewing the presentation of my peers that I did not utilize the design elements of the power point presentation software that I could have to improve the design of my work. While the basic criteria states that slides are high quality with few visible errors, and an appropriate amount of text per slide, the design element actually calls for “visual slide design.” I did not use any of the design elements of power point. My slides were plain white, without transitions or animation of any kind, and without use of any images or design elements to increase visual interest. This weakened my slide design, even if they were technically correct and error free.
Areas to Improve
If I were going to select two areas for improvement, I would especially focus on improving the style of my presentation, so that I could become a better speaker, and deliver my presentation in a more engaging and professional way. I would also focus on design, and ensuring that I use all of the features that PowerPoint offers in order to make a presentation that is more visually appealing.
