(3 Soft Skills) Soft Skills (how to go about your presentation) Session 3 Part 1

Summary

In this online teaching and learning video, the host discusses the importance of soft skills in creating presentations, a crucial tool for various professional and educational settings. The session emphasizes the need to consider the audience, logistics, and content delivery, advocating for a systems perspective. The host also stresses the importance of pre- and post-presentation activities, suggesting that a successful presentation involves more than just the slides. The video promises a follow-up on how to write and create slides from a philosophical standpoint, aiming to keep the content engaging and under 15 minutes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of soft skills and their role in presentations was introduced in a previous video, emphasizing their relevance in various aspects of life.
• 🎨 The presenter encourages audience participation and discussion, highlighting the value of a diverse community in learning and sharing experiences.
• 🔗 The video provides links and resources in the description for further learning and reference.
• 📢 The presenter requests viewers to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with the channel's content.
• 🚫 The script warns against overusing animations in presentations as they can be distracting and detract from the message.
• 📚 The presenter mentions using textbooks and popular books to prepare content, combining knowledge of soft and hard skills.
• 🤔 The audience is asked to reflect on their own presentation preparation methods, including their philosophy and approach.
• 👥 The significance of understanding the audience is stressed as it sets the tone for the presentation's content and delivery.
• 🏢 Logistics and the physical aspects of a presentation, such as location and technology, are highlighted as crucial for a successful presentation.
• 🕒 The script introduces the concept of 'pre', 'post', and 'some time later' activities, indicating that preparation and follow-up are continuous processes beyond the actual presentation.
• 👕 Dress code and the formality of the presentation are adapted based on the audience and the context of the presentation.
• 📈 The presenter suggests having extra slides prepared for questions and additional information, emphasizing the importance of being ready to engage with the audience's inquiries.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video session?

The main topic of the video session is creating presentations, focusing on the use of PowerPoint for various purposes such as meetings and courses.

Why is it important to watch the introduction to soft skills video before this session?

It is important because the introduction to soft skills video provides a comprehensive overview of soft skills, their importance, and their definition, which is foundational knowledge for understanding how to create effective presentations.

What is the presenter's stance on using animations in presentations?

The presenter is not a big fan of animations and advises against overusing them, as they can be distracting and take away from the content being presented.

What does the presenter suggest should be considered when preparing for a presentation?

The presenter suggests considering the audience, logistics or physics of the presentation, the content, and how the content will be delivered as essential aspects of preparation.

What is the 'systems perspective' mentioned by the presenter when preparing for a presentation?

The 'systems perspective' refers to thinking about the presentation as a whole system, including the audience, the logistics, the content, and the delivery method, and how they all interact with each other.

What is the significance of understanding the audience when preparing a presentation?

Understanding the audience is significant because it sets the tone for the slides and the content delivery. It helps tailor the presentation to meet the needs, interests, and expectations of the audience, making it more effective.

What are some logistics considerations mentioned for a presentation?

Logistics considerations include the location of the presentation, the technology available (e.g., type of computer, screen), transportation to the venue, weather conditions, and the room setup (e.g., number of participants, presence of an LCD screen).

Why is it important to consider the 'physics' or logistics of a presentation?

Considering the logistics is important because it ensures that the presenter is prepared for the physical aspects of the presentation venue, which can impact the success of the presentation. For example, knowing the location and technology available helps avoid technical issues.

What does the presenter mean by 'pre' and 'post' activities related to a presentation?

'Pre' activities refer to the preparations made before the actual presentation day, such as studying the audience and preparing the content. 'Post' activities refer to actions taken after the presentation, like following up with the audience or sending updates about the product.

Why should a presenter have extra slides prepared for a presentation?

Extra slides are important as they can provide additional data, graphs, or information that may be needed to answer questions or elaborate on points raised during the presentation. They also show preparedness for unexpected inquiries from the audience.

What is the presenter's advice regarding the inclusion of business contact information in a presentation?

The presenter advises to always include business contact information in a presentation because it allows interested parties to follow up after the presentation, which could lead to business opportunities.