#arcdes10

Two weeks ago was the finals week at Benilde SDA. Good thing, I had finals for my ARCDES6 and ARCDES4 studio a week before. And that gave me the opportunity to sat as jurors for ARCDES10 students.

Most of the ARCDES10 students who invited me to be their juror are my ARCDES9 students, I was their juror on ARCDES9 or they consulted with me prior to their invitation. And generally, I was impressed with their thesis project and presentation. So, what makes a thesis presentation great? What makes the presentation stand out?

(Note: In Benilde SDAAR, it won’t matter how small or big the thesis project. What matter is the complexity of the thesis)

1. Narration: Great thesis presentation use narrative format. The presenter introduces the topic, discusses the issue and establishes the premises. Then, he/she dwells into the body of his/her narration. He/she discusses the framework, the processes and application of his/her thesis proposal in the architecture design. After he/she discusses the main content of his/her topic, presenter wraps up his/her presentation with conclusion or ending statement.

2. Time: Timing is everything. Student must be able to make sure to capture the attention of his/her jurors. He she must be able to keep the jurors interested with his/her presentation. 1 hour is given to student to present his/her thesis. He/she does not need to consume the whole 1 hour. 20-30 mins is enough to discuss key points of the proposal.

3. Cue Cards: It is best for the student to prepare a cue card so that he/she won’t get lost with his/her presentation

4. Slides: The great presenters used slides to make sure to emphasize their points, ideas or cases. Slides with info-graphics, images and key phrases are much more effective than slides with heavy text or data content.

5. Verbal communication: Effective presentation requires the presenter not to eat his/her words. Pronunciation, diction, emphasis matter. 

6. Non-verbal: Actions speak louder than words. The jurors do notice the presenters stance and hand gestures. Jurors do notice if the student is confident, defensive or “nambobola”.

7. Collateral Items: Collateral items are effective these items support or show the translation of the presenter’s idea. Scale models must be used not as display during the presentation but as a tool to convey the design solution. 

8. Ambiance: It matters to create the right ambiance to effectively convey the presenter’s thesis proposal. Establishing the right mood and the right decor do show the presenter’s preparedness.

9. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse: Steve Jobs rehearses what he says in the Apple event. Al Gore rehearses his speeches on climate change. Part of the presenter’s preparation is to constantly practice and time his/her speech.