The Best Presentation I Have Ever Seen!

The best presentation I have ever seen was extremely easy for me to pick. It was a video shown to me in a sociology class. At first, I assumed it would be another boring video about the fundamentals or concepts of sociology. However, to my surprise, I immediately found this video very interesting and when it was shown to me for the second time this year, I obtained the same interest. Personally, I think if you can watch something over and over again and still be intrigued, then it is clearly set up and presented well. For example, take the programme 'Friends', a programme that is still being replayed on television 10 years later.

The presentation that I found to be so interesting, is by Sir Ken Robinson. It is a diagram formatted presentation approach to the changing education paradigms. Although we are unable to see Sir Ken Robinson in it, the video itself is unbelievably easy to understand and follow due to Sir ken Robinson's expression of tone. I found his tone of voice so convincing and easy to listen to. This significantly helped my understanding of education patterns, a main reason as to why I found this presentation to be so good and helpful.

What makes a good presentation?

Well according to the Academy of Art University (Academy Resource Centre), the key to the making of a good presentation is entirely up to the presenters skills.

1. Delivery: Things like a loud voice, variety in the voice, and a relaxed atmosphere are important when presenting, and Robinson effectively masters them.
2. Organisation: If the "concept and support is easy to follow" and the "information mixed with interesting examples and stories" (Academy Resource Centre), then it will be easily viewed by the audience. In this particular presentation, humour is brought into it which added interest for me.
3. The Presenters Enthusiam: If the presenter talks about the topic with passion and excitement, then the audience is going to become excited with him. Also, if interest is shown towards the audience, the audience will follow with the same attention.

Reference List:

Academy of Art University, Academy Resource Centre, Available at: http://arc.academyart.edu/esl/whatmakesgood.html [Accessed 25th Novemeber].

Robinson, K (2012), Image Derived from:   http://www.millersville.edu/education/EducationOnLocation.php [Accessed 3rd December].

What is Critical Reading?

What exactly is critical reading? Critical reading can be best defined as a reader who "applies certain processes, models, questions, and theories that result in enhanced clarity and comprehension." (Cleveland Sate University) In order for one to become a critical reader, it is vital that the text is read both carefully and under close observation.  Unlike skim reading, where all the reader gains is "the text, superficial characteristics and information." (Cleveland Sate University), critical reading, however involves one to look at the structure of the text "that is, logical consistency, tone, organisation, and a number of other very important sounding terms." (Cleveland Sate University).

 Beneficial and knowledge wise, it is far more useful to critically read.

Here are seven strategies that I found to be extremely helpful when it comes to mastering critical reading. One should bear the following mind, as it helps to critically read.

1. Previewing: Very similar to skim reading, previewing is reading the text closely so as to obtain both a rough idea and image. "Previewing enables readers to get a sense of what the text is about and how it is organised before reading it closely." (Salisbury University).
2. Contextualising:  Contextualising involves understanding the context of the text and the time frame it was written in. An open mind is key in this part of critical reading. You must be able to accept other time periods and settings.
3. Questioning to Understand & Remember: To fully understand something, there are always going to be questions. An effective way of learning is to ask questions. As readers, and especially as students, it is our job to make sure we know what we are studying so we can ask relevant questions.
4. Reflecting on Challenges to your Beliefs and Values: Debating your own opinions and beliefs when you read any piece of work is allowed. It is important to stand up for what you believe in, as there exists no law prohibiting disagreement, so if you need to disagree, do so.
5. Outlining &Summarising: I find this part to be the easiest when critically reading. This is done by "Identifying the main ideas and restating them in your own words." (Salisbury University).
6. Evaluating an Argument: This part of critically reading introduces the notion of 'bias', and not believing everything that is written to be a representation of the truth, but to "recognise every assertion as an argument that must be carefully evaluated." (Salisbury University).
7. Comparing & Contrasting Related Readings: Both comparing and contrasting is one of the most important things to do when critically reading. "Exploring likenesses and differences between texts to understand them better." (Salisbury University).

Reference List:
Cleveland State University Centre (2012),Critical Reading: What is Critical Reading, and why do I need to do it?, Available at: http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/writingcenter/critread.html [Accessed 3rd December]

Salisbury University, Seven Critical Reading Strategies, Available at: http://www.salisbury.edu/counseling/new/7_critical_reading_strategies.html [Accessed 4th Decemeber].

Image Derived from: http://schol.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/a-guide-to-critical-reading/ [Accessed 6th December].