Research Presentations - BOOO(ring)

Today was the second time I presented the origins and history part of my research presentation – let’s just say, it went horribly. The first time I presented, I had a lot more energy and seemed very excited about what I was talking about. The second time, since I was talking about the same part of the presentation rather than my moment of theater or my performance convention, I lacked the enthusiasm I had the first time since I had done the exact same thing the previous class. I also didn’t get much sleep, so I could barely bring myself to move around or talk with a loud voice to the class. It was so boring, that I bored myself. Mrs. Morris cut my presentation off at the end, and reiterated to me what I had been thinking the whole time I was talking – IT WAS SO BORING. I think today is the first time I’ve had to think about the other aspects that go into this theater presentation besides the actual content. I thought since I was following the feedback Mrs. Morris gave me on my script and by giving a thorough description of this theater tradition’s origins, I was all set for a good presentation. What I didn’t realize until today is that half of a presentation consists of the excitement and energy I put into it - I have to make others want to jump on their feet and learn more about this tradition. I also have to look like an expert in what I am teaching, so I can’t be constantly glancing at my paper – eye contact is essential!! I am so thankful for the harsh feedback I received from the class today – I really needed it to see the importance of enthusiasm, energy, and eye contact in a presentation. After all, I don’t want to be boring the IB examiner to sleep with my presentation, even if I have covered all the aspects I need in the research presentation.

Another really important aspect of the presentation I need to put under consideration is time. I will only have 15 minutes to present my theater tradition’s origins, its performance conventions, a moment of theater, and a reflective and thoughtful conclusion, while also adhering to the rubric in a non-superficial manner. How will I do this??? I think I will need to practice, practice, practice, to make sure I fit under 15 minutes, and I need to keep all the information I present relevant to my tradition/convention/moment of theater while also summarizing information in a concise way. This will definitely be a huge challenge for me, as I’m a perfectionist when it comes to the information I present in presentations: I can go on and on, for hours even. This is why I will continue to cut down unneeded presentation while practicing speaking in a more concise manner. I hope I can cut it down to 15 minutes!