At the PhD Confirmation Seminar

This is myself at the PhD confirmation seminar. My friend DC sent me some photos today. I cannot believe that the seminar was held almost a month ago! Somehow I look so happy. Unfortunately, other photos were not clear enough to see. I feel strange and nervous when I see this photo because it reminds me that time. Hope I can perform better at a conference next Wednesday.

What I learnt through that experience is how I can engage audience and keep them being interested in my presentation. Interacting with audience is essential. Presenters should pay attention to not only their talk contents but also other verbal aspects including: tone and pitch of voice, pace in talk, and pose between sections. Non-verbal aspects are also vital, such as gesture, eye contact, position, posture, and appearance. Body language needs to be aware of because some hidden intentions are revealed to audience that sometimes gives them surprising meanings.

I will definitely use a technique, posing between sections, and a magic word, "Are you comfortable so far?" People suggested me just to say, "Are you with me?" or "Are you following me?". But somewhat I am really uncomfortable with using these phrases. So, I used the first one. It worked! The audience nodded with smile. Then I said, "Then, we shall move onto next section". Some people grinned.

After the presentation, my friend DC said, "You were too polite. It was a little bit strange". However, I cannot change my style so easily. Perhaps I will do the same thing next Wednesday.