A500.9.4.RB – HaganJason

A500.9.4.RB – Course Reflections

What might you have done to improve your learning experience in this course?

I pursued this course with 100% commitment and effort. Leadership and Mindset are cornerstones in my personal life. I am blessed to have been brought up in environment that develops the necessary qualities and attributes to be a successful leader. I also have had the distinct honor of being mentored and influenced by leaders who place “mindset” as primary. This course has fortified both of those cornerstones for me.

How might the University or your instructor provide additional support for your learning?

I personally gravitate towards successful, influential leaders who can unpack their understanding and reasoning in a way that captures my mind’s eye. For example; the TED videos are powerful. I would like to of had 9 TED “like” videos to break down, one each week. In an online course, the value of watching a powerful sermon from a leader keeps the “human” element to the digital course. While, I think the discussion between students is healthy and it allows for students to learn from one another, I personally put more value on learning from a vetted industry leader with proven thoughts, ideas, and rational. I ask that either the course and or University provide my support for learning by establishing more relations with American leaders who are passionate, influential, and successful. Once establishing this relationship, give them the opportunity to influence the future leaders of this great Country (ERAU Students!). I felt the instructor did a very good job in the discussion boards to further the conversation, asking questions that spark new thought or insight. Sustain! 

Were there topics covered in this course that seem particularly relevant or irrelevant to your experiences and to what you expect to come in future courses?

The text book, articles, and videos I found relevant. I did not find “The Brain” to be very relevant. It felt more like busy work. It did not make me better in anyway. It seems to be “cool” software, but it seems like it was someone’s pet project that was sold to the ERAU program to funnel students through at a big cost to the student. The use of the software, I personally believe needs to be reevaluated. Something like that should be free for ERAU students. I will not take that software with me in life beyond the MSLD requirements.

America is full of VERY successful leaders. I expect that the MSLD program would be filled with their influence. This is imperative in developing future leaders.

Best Regards,

Jason

A500.8.3.RB_HaganJason

A500.8.3.RB – GOOD PRESENTATION DESIGN

"Summarizing your current thoughts on good presentation design."

SIMPLISTIC: As a presenter attempting to “tell the story”, it is very important to know the material well. I find when I am passionate about the presentation, the effectiveness of the story I am attempting to tell will be meaningful. I like to spend time with the presentation, absorbing and analyzing the information. This enables me to speak with minimal reference to my notes. My prepared notes are there as a guide to keep the presentation in order. I like to remind myself that my words are currency, I have to spend them wisely. “Can I tell the story with fewer words and still convey an accurate, clear, concise message?” This also helps me highlight and underline what’s important. Mark Twain is credited with stating the following; “If I had more time, I would write a shorter letter.”

METHOD: The method of which the presentation will be presented can take many different forms. My profession clings to PowerPoint. There are some staunch critics of PowerPoint for good reason. Being aware of the pitfalls in PowerPoint are important. Using PowerPoint can lead to an overload of information on each slide which slows done the audiences’ ability to process the information. I am a visual learner, I have found that fewer words (text) and more pictures are meaningful and easier to recall. If I pack a lot of text into one slide, the audience gets lost in reading my slide and disconnects from what I am actually saying.

WHO, WHERE, HOW BIG: I need to know who my audience is and how big the room is. This will help me shape and develop my presentation. Something as simple as font size and impact my presentation. If I am so use to presenting in a small room, but my next presentation is in an auditorium, I would need to adjust the font size, or even the volume in which I project my voice or any audio media used during the presentation.

PRESENCE: As the presenter, I have to command the room. My presence needs to project to every corner of the room will ensure that every one in attendance is dialed in to the presentation. Remove any thing that could be a distraction. Often, prior to my brief I ask that all personal media devices are silenced or turned off.

EQUIPMENT CHECK: Not only do I have to prepare and practice my presentation, I need to test any and all equipment used. Ensure that I have the proper media equipment available, it’s turned on, and functioning correctly. Nothing is worse than taking the stage to only battle technology gremlins (Low battery, burned out bulbs, no audio, etc.).

CONTINGENCY: I need to have a backup plan in case the power to the computer, projector, or the monitor fails. I still need to deliver the presentation. I personally keep a paper printout of the entire presentation. In my profession, we also produce essential printed wall products. I post them on the back or side of the room. The products are large enough that I could divert to and present from should the power or “technical difficulty” encroach upon my presentation.

PREPARE: Lastly, I need to prepare, prepare, prepare. There is very little to hide behind when self-doubt, confidence, and credibility begin to waiver while presenting. I have to know the information, present it with passion, precision, and preparation.

Best Regards,

Jason