Hi all, from the different types of questions/feedbacks we gathered during the Q&A, I guessed everyone has mixed opinion regarding our proposal and presentation. Nevertheless I hope that we did successfully illustrate the 3 bring-home points for you, which are
- There're REAL needs and REAL challenges
- We have a solution, the MOST SUSTAINABLE one.
- YOU CAN make a difference!
You can comment on how well these points were brought across, or anything that we should be working on to bring these points across more effectively.
Reflection on group presentation
The preparation for the oral presentation has been a fun one for our team, filled with jokes, laughter, some tension and drama along the way. Of course, we worked hard as well. Proof? Please see below: ( I can see the smirk on your face! )
(Figure 1: the 7-eleven team! Thanks everyone for your hard work and commitment put into this project and presentation. I believed we were thrown out of our comfort zone for this presentation, and thus have grown to become better! Keep it up, guys!)
Apart from simply presenting our proposal, we were always seeking to make our presentation convincing, and most importantly to SELL our proposal. So, we referred to some sales and business presentations so as to learn from them. Apart from the skill sets, presentation style, the most important lesson that I've learnt is that every salesman must know his/her product well, and convinced that his product is the best because nothing can beat the passion that comes from within! Even accidents such as mental block, something goes wrong with your slides or even if you forgot your speech, you can just speak straight from the pool of knowledge and the conviction that is within you.
We tried to engage our audience through usage of different media, such as photos, animations, charts, etc. Besides that, we also tried to create leve a better and more in-depth impression by creating our 7-eleven logo and by using customised presentation templates. Although these were minor details, but I believe that it made a difference. Preparation is also another important part. I was quite happy that we were able to practice for the presentation twice on the day before the presentation.
I think as a whole, we did a good job in delivering the presentation. Each of us has a specific purpose and a specific thing to sell/convince the audience for (the needs, the concerns, the solution, and the benefits and final pitch) , but collectively, we are heading towards the same direction. What we did well was the transition from one person to another. I think they were rather smooth, and the presentation style (style of our slides and speech) do not differ too much.
Reflection on my own presentation
In terms of my own presentation, I think I really could have done much better. Frankly speaking, I wasn't very prepared because I was also busy preparing for another very five-digit worth presentation on the next day. I only started to type out my points at 4am in the morning and woke up late at 10am. I brought the script to the class thinking that I will have some time to commit it to my memory. However, to my surprise, we were the first to present. That caught me off-guard. Nevertheless, I just went ahead, hoping that everything will fall into place.
Thankfully, it did, to a certain extent. I was able to cover 75% of the points that I wanted to, however, I wasn't sure if it were as convincing as I wanted it to be. Perhaps you can let me know on this. During the presentation, I tried to establish eye-contact with everyone, expect Yong Xin (whose eyes were covered by his cap =_=!). Due to the lack of practice, I had some problems in constructing sentences spontaneously, and thus I thought there were some parts in which didn't appear to be very clear due to some fragmented sentences. Something that I have improved from the previous presentation was to stop saying "ah...ehm..." when I've nothing to say. Besides, I've also tried to internalise the transitions of the slides and the flow of animations so that the transition will be coherent with my speech.
Any feedback, please do leave a comment below. Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Hello Yong Chean,
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh la, you are still selling your idea in your reflections! Allright, if I'm really Ms. Stephanie from the NUS Excellence Unit, I would be touched by your sincerity and seriously consider your proposal.
Yes, 7 eleven did a really good job pitching the proposal. During your part of the presentation, I could tell that you knew your product well and really feel convicted about what you're sharing. You established great eye contact with every audience and stayed on each one long enough. I think that took your credibility as a sales lady up a notch. Even though Yong Xin's eyes are hidden from your view, I'm pretty sure he did not miss yours! :P
The use of your slides to shoot down every question and replace it with a sustainable solution was quite effective. However, there were too many issues/problems. Perhaps one possible way is to address the problems to the department(s) concerned with it e.g. Engine Dean, etc.
Overall, I think you people did an excellent job!! Kudos!
There is a question I did not manage to ask during Q&A: Has your group considered making the YIH Study Room open 24/7?
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! I will take note of your suggestion. I felt that the slide has too many problems too. Perhaps I was too greedy to cover every point...haha
To answer your question, we have actually spoken to NUSSU about it. However, OSA is currently trying to revamp the image of YIH to be a place for interactions and relaxation, so opening up YIH for 24 hours will not be in-line with their ideas. Apart from that, there isn't any security post close to YIH, which might not effectively address the security issue. Also, the cost is another issue.
Moreover, opening YIH will mean that OSA will be the one that shoulder all the cost, this might not be sustainable in the long run. However, splitting the cost to all different faculty will help to spread out the operational cost.
Usership is another consideration. If there are only 40 students using the room, it isn't justified to open the whole YIH when 75% of the place will be empty. So with all these issues taken into account, YIH dropped out from our solution list...haha
Thanks for your genuine interest in our project!
YC
Hey!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Steph. It was a good presentation. You got down straight to your points and presented it with gusto and definitely had evidence to substantiate your proposal.
I think the fact that you were not really prepared doesn't really matter, the only thing was you didn't show it and that was good. Like I said on someone else's blog (can't remember who) the audience doesn't know what you're going to say so as long as you look confident its fine.
I think your eye contact was good, it established a connection with the audience and your hand gestures appropriately matched your speech. You were concise and comprehensive and that made it easier to concentrate on what you were trying to deliver. I think with the delivery of your points, speaking “ straight from the pool of knowledge and conviction” as you’ve so aptly put would lessen or even prevent any mental blockages.
On to a suggestion. =D Maybe the operation of a 24-hour library would be able to (partially) solve this problem? The extra cost now would be due to the fact that the library(s) at NUS do not operate 24-hours a day. If the library(s) remained open (like research libraries were meant to be) there would be no “extra” cost to speak of. This would solve the problem of security also. Since the library would be fully operational, their ‘precious’ books wouldn’t be at any risk of getting lost or stolen. This of course would be countered with the high costs of keeping the library open. However, at the end of the day it would all boil down to which the university values more; research or money. If usership is the issue, there are plenty of Ph.D students who work late into the night who will most definitely appreciate the availability of the library. The usage will also spike during exam periods. Moreover if, for example, Central Library were the only 24-hour library at NUS, student from other faculties would utilize it as well. It is actually such a shame that NUS prides itself as one of the top research universities in the world, yet we can’t even justify the cost to keep a library open 24-hour to support this spirit of research. Are we just all talk and no action?
Okay. I realized that I’ve been rumbling along slightly too much so I’ll shall stop here (for now =D). I do agree that this is a problem that has to be addressed. But than again maybe the real problem runs deeper than just available resources to keep places open 24-hours. Do we (NUS) really want to provide a world-class learning environment? Or are we just concern about costs?
Hi yong chean, if you perceive that you did not prepare well for the OP, I cannot really tell! Haha.. so is that a good thing?
ReplyDeleteFirstly, your presentation stood out, because you projected quite well, and you were passionate about "selling" your proposal.
I believe an area you could work on is your spoken sentences, which seemed slightly disjointed and not as fluent as I hoped for. However, I am still convinced by your presentation as I brushed it off as a minor language issue. For you, I believe more rehearsals might help! :)
There is just one minor problem, some of your choice of words/vocabulary and grammar seemed out of place. For example, informal words like "gut" were used..
You were an effective presenter. I enjoyed your presentation because I can sense your passion to convince me, and my interest in hearing your proposal was piqued. This is the strength of your communication- boldness to speak.
One thing I felt you might not have realised, you slanted your body sideways and because of that you did not look in my direction at all(I was at the corner) so eye contact with me was not established. Perhaps, your eyes met others in the opposite corner.
Overall, I think you have the potential to communicate very well, especially since you give others an impression that you know your facts well and a sense of confidence. All the best! :)
Hey Daniel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments! I appreciate it!
As for your questions, actually Library is our first choice before we did the interview and before gotten our survey result. We were so serious about it that we even drafted a proposal just for the library, to request for opening up for 24-hours. Sadly and frankly, the response from library was negative even before the interview. The principal librarian (senior management of NUS library) prepared a list of reasons as to why the library shouldn't be operated for 24 hours and explained to us one by one. All in all, they are student-centric. However, the cost must be justified. He drew an analogy to the MRT system in Singapore, which stops it's operation at 12am, while there are still demand during the midnight because the ratio of cost and benefit does not justify it's operation.
The point regarding comparison to other universities, the library's stand is that NUS by itself is already a world-class university without opening the library for 24 hours. He mentioned that it's different in other countries because everyone owns a car. In contrary, Singaporeans depend largely on public transport and therefore the usage of library will drop sharply beyond 10 or 11pm.
He also raised a point about the green-effect and the university's effort to reduce carbon footprint which I don't think it's valid.
In a nutshell, NUS library operates by the principle of pragmatism. Every dollar that you spend must be justified by the worth of it's value or it's usage. If the ratio of cost:benefit is too high, then it's not a good plan.
After the interview, we reflected and changed our direction, to start from something in smaller scale first. If one day we can reach a large demand, probably that will be the time to propose to the library again, to tell them that now the cost will be justified by the benefits it offers! =D At the same time, if the library is so insistent, we will rather work with other willing parties first, gather proofs and convince them next time round =D
Hope that this addresses your query.
Hey You Sheng,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I am glad that it didn't show. I think having to spend so much time thinking and writing the proposal does help.
Sorry that I didn't establish eye contact with you. I remembered keep looking at Steph, Miao, Wee Boon and Daniel. Daniel looked like he is going to laugh half of the time =P
Language has always been my biggest problem. Sometimes I have something to say, but failed to put it into proper sentences on the spot. Your English is quite strong, any recommendation for me?
You did a great job too. You've improved a lot since the peer teaching! Let's keep it up! =D
YC
Hi YC,
ReplyDeleteGreat presentation!
I have posted overall comments on the team’s performance on May’s blog so I shall not bore you with another round: D (though I am tempted, just for being annoying: P)
From your presentation, it was not obvious that you did not prepare fully. From my (our) observation, you explained clearly and directly, addressed our concerns and pitch the proposal. It was a job well done! Your eye contact was good (I thought I saw you looking at me under my cap!). You had proper pause at the right juncture. There was no sign of memorizing as your speech was confident and smooth. You came forward and your non-verbals portrayed conviction and emphasis on the situation. Towards the end, your presentation turned more personalized and showed relatively stronger enthusiasm.
It was clear that you have internalized the proposal from various stages of the presentation.
I shall end the pleasantries now. LOL
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteThere may be other reasons as to why 24/7 operations at CL not viable. Perhaps the higher-ups figure they shall not encourage students to do too much of late night studying which may impact their alertness during school hours.
In my opinion, I think the analogy he gave is not very appropriate and thus shows me a certain unwillingness in even considering the 24-hour opening.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, our MRT system is a transportation system which gets people from point A to point B. The company running the MRT, both SBS Transit and SMRT, are for-profit companies. The same cannot be said of the NUS Libraries. A library is to provide a conducive environment for research and studying. This is in support of the education system that runs at NUS. To say that there would be no or few students who will use the library after 2200H is erroneous. NUS has over 10,000 non-undergraduate students (http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/statistics.html), more than half of who are Masters and Doctoral candidates. These students have day-time responsibilities like taking lectures or tutorial classes. This leaves them with the night to do their research which most of them do almost exclusively. Even if only 1% goes to the library, is a 100 students not worth opening the library for? Education is an investment that is long term. This is something even our government has recognized and acknowledged. Singapore is so small, why do we need a fourth university? Its by being far-sighted that we would see the benefits. To use cost as a reason (excuse) not to open the library is to have a very myopic view of things. We will only see the returns of this investment in the long run.
Secondly, I agree that NUS does not need a 24-hour library to be a world-class university. That however was not my point. NUS does not need a 24-hour library to be a world-class university but a world-class university like NUS would need a 24-hour library. A world-class university has to have the resources to support its advancement and having a 24-hour library would definitely aid in this aspect.
Thirdly, to address YongXin’s point. I think we have reached a stage we where have to decide for ourselves where, what and when we want to do things. Almost 75% of the NUS population are in the age of the majority so i think that we should be allowed to do as we choose. We cannot always expect to be spoon-fed, to be told what we can or cannot do. We, as young adults, have to be able to plan and prioritize what we choose to do. If we make a wrong decision we simply learn from it. We are no long immature adolescents who need our hands to be held, experience is the only constant teacher in life and if we take the opportunity for students to make decision for themselves we take away life lessons that may make a difference in their lives.
In a nutshell, the library is not very interested in anything but the cost of operation. From our surveys, 75% of NUS students agreed that there was too much money spent needlessly on the RAG floats. I’m sure these same students would concur that spending the excessive amount on maintaining the operation of a 24-hour library would be more worthwhile. In the first place, how did the budget for the floats get so large? Simple. The participants were passionate and willing. They found a way. There is definitely a way of maintaining the library operating for 24 hours. There just isn’t enough or any will on the part of the library management.
P.s im not taking it out on you or your team. I just feel that for the library to give you that kind of reasoning is a whole load of bull. :)
ReplyDeleteDaniel,
ReplyDeleteI understand your point. We tried to argue/turn the argument around...but he was very insistent. He didn't come for the interview with an open mind, and after a while, May and I just gave up, a bit "sien" about it. All in all, no matter how you argue with them, it's always their policies that matters.
Every organisation has policies that define the way they do thing. For library, it's clearly seen that it's pragmatism. If the cost and benefit doesn't justify, then that's the end of the story. It's not entirely wrong, it's also the same way how Singapore government develop the nation and the landscape as well - pragmatism.
About your second last paragraph, actually the school does not think so highly of the students. This is something that we can't blame the school because the students behaviour and response towards school's initiative is really quite bad. Or simply put it, we didn't walk our talk. Previously when NUSSU pushed for opening of library for 24 hours, most students said they want to use it... However, when it really opened, the response was so poor from the survey result. This is just one of the many examples that cause the student population to lose it's credibility before the school authority. NUSSU mentioned that the school is really willing to invest on us, but repeated failures tell them that perhaps we are not that ready yet...
Anyway, in any problem, there's always limitations and boundaries that we need to work around. Considering all factors (library refusal, lack of credibility in students, funding problems), tutorial rooms sounds like the best place to start... Think BIG, Start SMALL, Build DEEP... I think that's the way to go for this problem.
But wow, I can see your passion in this proposal man! You want to push it further, I mean make it a real proposal to the school?
YC
Well actually the government is pragmatic but they also have good foresight and know where to investment. Like education. You don’t see them being stingy on education funding do you. Being overly pragmatic also has it downsides and as a LIBRARY I really don’t think cost should prioritize above providing an environment for conducive studying.
ReplyDeleteAbout “the school does not think so highly of the students”. My personal opinion is that it’s not that the university doesn’t think highly of its students. I mean we are the product of their education system right. I think it’s more of Asian(ish) thing? Where the elders will decide what the younger generation has to do and whatever. I think it’s more an authority issue. This being a university, it really shouldn’t be the case. With a well thought out plan they (NUS Board) may look into it, but it of course has to cover all the bases. I however don’t thing that this is a real issue anyway because has to trust its students if not anything else. And of course integrity has to be maintained and upheld on both ends; otherwise any agreement would eventually fall through.
Okay. I think I’ve said a little too much here already!! Ahaha!! My comments take up almost all of your comment space!! Ha. I shall give others a turn… :)
Haha, Daniel, I think perhaps your viewpoint is rather idealistic, of course doesn't mean that it's wrong, just that most of the time,it doesn't function this way, especially when decision is made based on the pressure that comes from many environmental forces around. This is especially true when you really step into management (which can be respresented by the school), everything is different, very different. Sometimes it doesn't matter what should be or should not be the case (because everyone have their own view of what is the right thing, and things doesn't become "right" just because you say so), but what works, and what is the most effective and rationale thing to do. Nevertheless, finally, you will still need to follow a certain tried-and-tested model when you run things. (well, unless you are the boss or your boss really like you)... Sometimes you are not happy with a situation, but there's no one in the chain that you can pinpoint as the party that is to be responsible for it, because everyone is a product of something else...
ReplyDeleteI can't say that the school is wrong, coz morally and ethically, they are not. Maybe if you and I stand in their position, we might have the same thought too. The reason is, there are many factors that affect their decision that we may not know of, just like as a child, you will not understand why your mom keep forcing you to drink water and and sleep at 9:30pm (which my mom did) when you seriously hated those things. Just like how a sparrow will never understand how an eagle need to fly so high, it's hard for us to discern well their decision... they may have their limitations, and therefore in dealing with school/any organisation, you must learn to negotiate smartly using the conditions and forces around you smartly so as to influence others and to expand your territory...
I think it's becoming more and more philosophical, haha, shd stop here... but I enjoy this, though.. =D
Anyhow, by far, I will say that NUS has done a fairly great job for students' welfare...comparatively to other top universities in Asia. =D
Hi YC
ReplyDeleteI have always held you in high esteem for your presenting skills. You had come across as concrete and confident. You were sure of your purpose, and connected with the audience(at least I was connected! =P), and you always had that amazing smile! However... toward the end of the presentation, there was a period with excessive beseechment. I understand the need to persuade, but have faith in your presentation, because it was good.
Regarding the proposal, I concur that a 24-hour study facility would be a great wefare. For example, the Law campus at Bukit Timah has rooms that are open 24/7 simply for students to read in. We ought to have a parallel here! So I sincerely hope that the proposal can fall through, and we would have rooms available for use. However, it may be good to reconsider on the booking system and the exclusivity to students who make the booking. Perhaps, the room should be available to any legitimate student with a valid matric card via the card-tapping system. Students who use the room can be traced via the card used to tap. In this way, a particular student, whom had not booked the room, will still have access to it, and not be left outside of the 24-hour room and wind up having to "slouch" on the dimly lit benches.
Bookings are encouraged so that the authorities can know generally that there are students who want to use the room. In this case, booking can serve to prevent wastage. On nights when there are no bookings at all, the rooms can be closed to save on resources.
i.e. it takes just takes at least one student to book the room, and any other legitimate students are free to use the shared resource. In cases when it seems no students plan to use the room, the room can be closed. Hope this is a good plan =)
Cheers
weeboon
This reflection is very well put, Yong Chean. It gives detailed insight into your presentation preparation process and into some of your learning. (I found it interesting that you didn't have a chance to memorize the script, and I'd argue you were better off as a result.) I appreciate that, and the fact that your group made such a fine effort at selling your proposal. Thanks for all the hard work, and best of luck in your next presentation!
ReplyDelete