Presentation Appraisals - Self Reflection..

Reflecting on the good and bad criticism after the group presentations, There was definitely room for improvement, but I do feel good about how it went. After being allocated our groups, meeting up at different points in the week was easier than expected, as we all had conflicting schedules. During our first meeting, we made a decision on what area of our subject matter we would work on for the presentation, which was the history of 2D animation. The work was divided up by areas of date on a timeline, and we all agreed that research and preparations can be done on our own, as well as when we meet as a group. We also set up a page via Facebook, to post links and work showing each others progress and to make sure we were all singing from the same hymn sheet . With each meeting, everything went as well as it could and everyone put in a lot of effort for their share. The communication within the group was mainly very good, but on one occasion, there was some confusion with a group member as to who was doing what, which ended up with two people researching the same area. It was swiftly resolved and didn't really affect the end result. Overall we got on great together, and that really helped with the team dynamic; there was confidence to voice opinions, and ideas.

With the group working hard on what we were going to say, making sure particular dates were covered, we overlooked the visuals too much. When it came to the day of the presentation, I must admit that part was rushed. So I think for next time, we all need to acquaint ourselves with PowerPoint again, and really make sure there is allocated time for putting the visuals together appropriately. The research areas could have been broadened, as I got virtually all of my information online. I definitely could have ventured outside and gone to look at some books, so for next time I will, as I know it will improve my research information a great deal. During the presentation, we were all nervous, I know I was as I missed chunks of what I was going to say, even with a prompt sheet heavily highlighted! I'm used to talking to clients from the field I used to work in, and like to think I'm pretty experienced in explaining to someone how something works, and really selling it, but this was completely different and I felt like a real amateur. So, on that part we should have rehearsed altogether, so no mistakes were made.

I feel that it was a good start to the module, and I feel much more prepared and ready for more presentations in the future, as long as I take on board the improvements that need to made for next time.