CST300 - Week 7

Final Research Video Project Planning

My team has communicated via our weekly meeting on Google Hangouts and through email to discuss the video project. We have been using Google docs to share research and have been sending different suggestions and idea topics. I am responsible for synthesizing the research and creating the script for the final videos. My team works very well with one another and everyone shares the responsibilities and splits up the tasks. I look forward to presenting the final video.

TED Talks

The first TED video I watched is titled "How Computers Learn To Recognize Objects Instantly." Joseph Redmon was animated and evidently passionate as he explained how computers detect objects in pictures or videos. He describes the YOLO system, an object detection system in real-time that is fast and effective. He explains that this type of program needs accuracy so that it can be used for self-driving cars and even for detecting cancerous cells in biopsy samples. His presentation was very engaging because he spoke clearly, slowly, and with excitement. He used visual aids to show the audience examples of object detection and even did a real-time broadcast with the audience using props. I think the presentation was organized, interesting, and captivated the audience's attention.

The second video I watched is titled "The Secrets of Learning a New Language." The speaker, Lýdia Machová, shares with the audience insight from polyglots (people who speak many languages) on how to effectively learn a new language. She explains the importance of finding enjoyable ways to learn. Additionally, one should use methods that will instill the knowledge long-term, plan and create a system for learning, and be patient. Her talk was presented well; she was poised and spoke clearly. She incorporated some images as visual aids which were mostly just to add to her talk, like depicting flags representing different languages, but did not add much value. However, they were interesting and did not take away from her speech.

Presentation Skills

I enjoyed reading and watching about presentation skills. In the video about how not to do a PowerPoint, Don McMillan is funny and entertaining, while relaying his message about the different mistakes people use when creating slides. Some examples of what to avoid are the overuse of acronyms, excessive charts and graphs, and writing each word that the speaker plans to say out loud.

While perusing the Toastmasters website, I read about methods and techniques to employ when giving different types of speeches such as accepting an award, technical briefings, and sales pitches. I also gained some important general tips to keep in mind while giving a speech, such as paying attention to your gestures and body language, rehearsing and practice a speech beforehand, and ensuring that you are catering to your audience which may be a diverse group.

Looking at examples of great PowerPoint presentations and watching the video which displayed a drawing technique gave me so many ideas and really started the flow of my creative juices. I look forward to incorporating some of these ideas in my presentation.