CS284 -- CAGD -- Fall 2000
Comments on Project Proposal Presentations

The quality of the presentations was rather mixed, and there is room for improvement.
Here are some general points (the headings correspond to the ones on the score sheet):

Visuals

• Use images not text !
• I don't want to see your outline.
• I don't want to get distracted by long paragraphs.
• If you must use text, use short phrases.
• Don't misuse the capabilities of PowerPoint:
• Powerpoint effects, such as "fly-in bullets" get annoying quickly.
• Fancy backgrounds are distracting.
• Use full screens for slides. (Don't show outline).
• Movies are great, if they are appropriate.

Oral Performance

• Speak clearly -- to the audience.
• Speak confidently, enthusiuasticly (even if you are not).
• Don't rush -- rather cut explanations, elaborations.
• Pause occasionaly to let story sink in.
• Speak in front of the screen and point to it (not to the computer).
• If you have a busy slide and then wave your hands somewhere else

-- what should I be looking at ?

Organization

• Keep your introduction short !
• 5-minute talks do not need an outline.
• Be brief on problem statement.

-- (your audience probably knows it).
• Focus on your solution and your plan.
• Don't rush !

-- If you have too much, cut something out.
• Don't apologize (for rushing, bad slides, ...),

-- just don't do those things !

Idea

• Make clear what existing platform you are starting from.
• Make clear what you are planning to add.
• Make clear what are your ideas,

and which ones you have taken from the literature.

Product

• Make clear what deliverables you are "guaranteeing"

-- and what added capabilities may be thrown in, if time permits.

Plan

• Make clear what your plan of attack will be

-- and that it looks doable,
-- and that you instill the confidence that you can pull it off.

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