CST 300 Week 7

Part 1:

Arranging our ultimate research video project was a great experience for us as a team. The entire process was smooth, we all agreed with the concepts that were brought forth and maintained a steady vision during the planning phase. We collaborated mostly during our weekly zoom meetings. With different operating systems, we had to use various tools such as iMovie, powerpoint and Final Cut Pro (which is what I used). Looking back on it now though, what I would suggest is having timelines that allow us to finish the project at least a week early so that we can then look at it and try to improve it. However, our team has a strong bond so sharing each other’s ideas into our projects was easy for us.

Part 2:

I viewed Lera Boroditsky’s TED Talk “How Language Shapes the Way We Think.” The speaker discusses how much influence languages have on our thoughts and perceptions. She gives examples of different ways in which languages can shape reality, affecting even such basic phenomena as spatial orientation or color perception. This finding has been an eye-opener for me personally because now I see that we should take into account not only words but also their cultural context when communicating with others. It also made me realize that depending on what language I speak during a presentation it might change how people understand or get involved with what is being said.

This project helped me a lot in terms of what I learnt about presentation skills. The readings pointed out some areas where I could do better. What came out strongly is that my presentations should be made lively enough to catch and maintain the interest of the audience throughout. Also, I must take care not to overcrowd slides with too much information. People may fail to understand or forget everything if they see many bullet points at once; so it’s important that only main ideas are put on each slide which can easily be grasped within seconds. Moreover, when there is too much text on slides people tend to read word by word instead of listening attentively thus lowering interaction between them and speaker. Simplifying these visual aids while concentrating more on essential points will improve overall presentation quality.