CS284 -- CAGD -- Advice for Project Proposal Presentations

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 stuff, 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 web.

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.
• Convince the audience that it is doable;  
• and instill the confidence that YOU can pull it off.

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