Introduction
After conducting thorough evaluation on a short video by Amy Cuddy the researcher will assess how the speaker delivered the message to the audience; how the environment affected the effectiveness of the presentation; development of the speaker’s content and the speaker’s delivery skills.
The researcher will base the critique on fundamental principles of effective communication and presentation. Therefore, the study will begin by developing a theoretical framework on effective communication and presentation then proceed to apply the concepts to the scenario. For a good flow of the essay, refer to the brief outline above.
Effective Presentation
Researchers have noted that any presentation should be simple, precise and that technology should not play the bigger role. This is because the facilitator of any presentation hopes to have the entire audience recall the quality of his research and not the “PowerPoint wizardly” (Atwood 34).
The facilitator should also take into consideration the logistics involved, for instance; the size of the hall where presentation takes place, time factor and other equipment such as microphone, internet facilities or connections and computers just to mention a few.
In terms of disaster planning, the facilitator should take necessary precautions so as to avoid what could go wrong and instead take measures accordingly. The other point is the need for backup including usefulness for hard copies’ handouts that would cover the slides. Moreover, they should be legible (Atwood 38).
The other consideration is that the facilitator should arrange the material body and ensure to address the main points. In addition, he should use concrete methods such as statistics, examples, comparisons and reiteration. In the same vein, there should be good organization of the material, for instance; the presenter ought to give a summary and put emphasis on the most salient points (Atwood 34).
The other factor is format where this invites the facilitator to focus on the environment itself, such as the room. In this regard, if a dark room is used it should be accompanied with a dark background and light letters. In the same context, the slides should be conducted on a light background including radiant letters.
The fonts should also be big enough, for instance, 32 points or more (Mandel 22). Use of graphs is highly recommended while doing presentation since it helps to capture attention of the audience. This is because use of accurate graphs help in driving home the facilitator’s points (Mandel 33).
In terms of delivery skills for the presentation, the facilitator should ensure the voice is audible enough, eye contact is good, proper use of gestures and the posture and movement should be up to the mark (Kaul, 46).
In the same context, the presenter should use tone variations, put energy as well as animation in the voice just to mention a few. There should be eye contact since it keeps the audience engaged at the same time acting as a major source of feedback; the eye contact should extend to the entire room (Jacobson 45).
In line with the points above, the facilitator should maintain simple use of gesture and that no one or two gestures should be overused. It is important not to remain static in one place but at least make good use of the stage (Jacobson 45).
Analysis and Discussion
Looking at the different concepts above it can be said that the presentation by Amy Cuddy was above average. In fact, the best way to describe it is that it met most of the criteria for effective presentation as discussed here above.
The delivery of the message was good and the room was well structured including the use of lights and the stage. This is because the audience could follow her presentation and the voice was audible enough to have the listeners engaged.
The use of computer and PowerPoint was satisfactory; however, the presentation was done more using PowerPoint contrary to the requirement to use little of it. However, inasmuch as this may seem a shortfall in the presentation it played a great role in articulating to the audience the critical points.
The other observation is that Amy Cuddy tried to maintain eye contact with the audience and the manner in which the latter reacted demonstrated there was connection with the presenter. Indeed, the audience seemed very attentive and was engaged in the entire presentation. It was commendable to see that the presentation had graphs which enhanced good presentation.
Last but not least, the presentation was not characterized by clear and precise conclusive remarks since the presenter went ahead to introduce other scenarios such as her experience in the past. Well, this was relevant though did not act as a recapitulation of the main points
Conclusion
By and large, the presentation done by Amy Cuddy was lively and moving. This is so because of the way the audience remained attentive and engaged throughout the session. However, there were some minor shortcomings with the way she delivered to the audience but that does not deter anyone to appreciate the richness of this video as an exemplar of good presentation.
Works Cited
Atwood, Gabour. Presentation Skills Training, American Society for Training and Development, 2008. Print.
Jacobson, Susan, Communication Skills for Conservation Professionals, Island Press, 2009. Print.
Mandel, Steve. Effective Presentation Skills: A Practical Guide for Better Speaking, Crisp Publications, 1999. Print.
Kaul, Asha. The Effective Presentation: Talk Your Way To Success, SAGE Publishers, 2005. Print.