imeche.tv

A resource that you may be unaware of is imeche.tv.

This site has a number of lectures and presentations recorded by IMechE in the UK. Some of the recent topics include:

• Nuclear Power (slides)
• Airbus A380 (slides)
• Sub-Surface Railway in London (slides)
• Developing Great People (slides)
• 50 years of the Bentley V8 engine (slides)
• Hybrid Traction Systems (Train propulsion) (slides)

The site gets updated with content from all over the UK so be sure to check back often.

Did You Know?

We are all well aware how much faster the world moves today compared to previous decades. Researchers Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod and Jeff Bronman are the creators of a fantastic video on the progression of technology. The section starting at 03:28 will be of particular interest to those still studying at university!

Many of you have already seen this video – this is the 2008 version – but it is always worth a second look. The video is just shy of 5min in length.

Tips for a Good Presentation (Part 6 of 6)

Part 6: What NOT to do

This is the final part in the six part series of presentation tips. A full list of all the parts with links can be found at the bottom of this post.

Some things you should avoid:

• Turn up late to the presentation
• Be caught unprepared; technology does not always work
• Rushing or skipping things in your presentation
• Too much information on your slides
• ANIMATIONS!!!
• Excessive colour schemes
• Hands in pockets, scuffing shoes, stroking facial hair, etc
• “Um’s”,” ah’s”
• Inappropriate slang, swearing, jargon, acronyms, etc

A few good examples of this is shown in the below videos:

Part 1: Preparation, Preparation, Preparation

Part 2: Short, Sharp & Shiny

Part 3: Slideshows

Part 4: Delivering

Part 5: Group Presentations

Part 6: What NOT to do

Tips for a Good Presentation (Part 5 of 6)

Part 5: Group Presentations

This is the fifth part in a six part series on good presentation tips. Part 1 can be found here, Part 2 here, Part 3 here and Part 4 here.

Working in a group is often one of the most challenging forms of presenting. There are a few key things you should keep in mind when doing a group presentation:

1. You are all part of the same group, so be consistent with your slides and structure.
2. Be aware of what others are going to be talking about; don’t overlap and talk about the same thing twice.
3. Work out in advance in which order you are speaking.
4. Practise beforehand together to identify any changeover issues or requirements.
5. Know what you each need to be doing during your other team’s presentations.

The final part of this series, Part 6: What NOT to do will be posted in the next week.

Tips for a Good Presentation (Part 4 of 6)

Part 4: Delivering

This is the fourth part in a six part series on good presentation tips. Part 1 can be found here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here.

This is one of the issues that most people struggle with, and that’s generally due to nerves. For some bizarre reason, most of us are terrified of public speaking, and this interferes with our performance. Many people will be disappointed to know that the best solution to this is practise and experience.

While there are a few well known tips out there for calming yourself, not all of them work for everyone (I don’t find a room full of naked people helpful, to be honest). A good approach to calming your nerves includes:

• Rehearse in front of others or a mirror (if necessary), out loud and without your notes or slides.

• Get a good night’s sleep.

• Get to your venue in plenty of time; don’t be rushed.

• Remember that most people hate public speaking too; you often have their sympathy if you stuff up.

• Don’t rush your presentation; be clear, be calm and be in control.

Some people develop nervous habits while presenting, which are often distracting to your audience. Be aware of your body language and what you are doing with your hands and feet while talking. A good video on body language (as well as general tips) during presentations is below.

Remember: Be prepared and practise your presentation. The next part in the series, Part 5: Group Presentations, will be posted sometime in the next week.