presentation skills

This week's class was on presentations and presentation skills.  As we know this class is about proper communication and presentation skills.  In class we watched a video given by a professional speech coach.  His presentation skills were amazing.  Learning all the little tid bits that make up a great speech are important.  I used to think that presentation skills were all about the person and that anyone could deliver a great presentation is they were a skilled public speaker.  After 6 weeks of instruction I am learning that I was wrong, and that is a hard thing for me to admit!  I have noticed my fellow classmates grow in their presentation skills just by digesting the information presented in PH 663.  Of course I still think that in the moment when the rush of adrenaline hits you as you are about to "take the stage" will probably wipe all your known skills from your mind...setting yourself up for a good presentation with key constructs will help tremendously.

In our field, giving a comprehensive, information rich yet attention keeping and fun presenting is the holy grail.  In my work with the Health Promotion Department within Student Health Services, I have learned on the fly how to adapt a presentation to the audience intended.  I recently gave a presentation to a sorority on campus about alcohol safety.  Throughout the presentation I tried to tie in the aspect of civil responsibility and love for their fellow sisters.  I hope that they took away the important messages from my presentation.  After seeing the video in class, I can only hope that it helped.