Technology is wonderful, tools like zoom enable us to communicate with people on the other side of the world. But sometimes it can make us feel lonely and isolated.
The oral presentation of a research project is an opportunity to share something about which we are passionate and communicate our subject material with others who share our passion and it was a part of the MAPP experience I was really looking forward too. Unfortunately the experience did not live up to expectation. On the day I felt isolated and lonely as I explained my research to my powerpoint and to people I could not see.
Of course there are advantages with zoom. Not only can we easily connect with people from the comfort of our own homes, studios or offices but also once we have shared our powerpoint on the screen we can happily read a polished and well written manuscript giving a professional and balanced presentation.
But that didn't work for me. Although I know that everybody listening out there was willing me to do well and was listening intently, because I could not see them, I could not use that positive energy to quell my nerves, nor could I judge if I was speaking too fast or if people were really understanding what I was trying to say. I felt alone and disconnected from my audience.
So my advice to anyone doing a presentation on zoom is to make sure you have someone in the room to it share with. Grab your husband, daughter, friend or co worker, indeed anyone who is prepared to listen and ask them to be your audience. Then you have someone to share your passion for the subject with, someone to engage with and someone to give you that calming energy that will bring your presentation alive for the people listening on zoom.
Sharing your work should be a positive experience. The subject material is something you have engaged with for a long time and it is something you are passionate about, so enjoy showing it to the world and good luck!
