The end of the semester is approaching and with many students preparing for their final reviews, the reality of presenting virtually has set in. I had the pleasure to attend my first digital mid-review this past week at Woodbury University. It was a fun and engaging experience and the projects were great. The virtual environment seemed to provide some unique opportunities for the student not so different from a typical in-person presentation. Here are 3 tips for architecture students to capitalize on in their virtual presentations this semester.

Craft a tight narrative

In any presentation, the narrative is vital. What are you trying to tell your audience? Perhaps a presenter's most important question. If you're presenting virtually, in a powerpoint or slide format, the story you're trying to tell the jury is critical. What's your main idea? How is your project building on that premise? Keep it simple and clear.

In a virtual setting, your points need to methodically build on one another. In an in-person review, jurors can scan your work as you present. The pin-up wall provides an expansive display of your thinking and work throughout the semester. It's easier to connect the pieces if something isn't clear or to react to something you have exhibited for the presentation.

When that ability is gone, how your verbal presentation matches up with your accompanied imagery has to be crystal clear for a jury to grasp as they each scan their computer screens.

Limit text

Your voice is a powerful tool. Architecture isn't only about the physical object, but perhaps even more so, it's your ability to clearly communicate your work that will contribute to much of your success. When I'm watching a presentation and I see my screen fill up with words that are then recited out loud to me by the student I start losing interest.

If text is an important part of your presentation, make it short, simple and clear. I often get the sense that students may not fully understand what they are saying to me and other jurors during a presentation. I hear words being read that the student themselves have trouble pronouncing, and when I ask for some clarification, both me and the student become more confused.

I think this often comes from a culture of seeking complexity to appear intellectually "rigorous" or formidable in thought. I don't understand it. It's okay to be clear when presenting ideas, in fact, your clients will love you for it. Your presentation can still be great if you don't say "juxtaposition" or "heterogeneous." 

Use imagery to communicate big ideas

One of the students from this virtual review last week, Andras Rosner, had a very intriguing thesis project. To keep it simple, a big point in his project was in exploring certain intersectional urban phenomena in New York City, something he called "knot" conditions. His entire presentation focused closely on these knot conditions. There was no confusion, no cryptic jargon. And his imagery tied in perfectly with the concept he articulated to us.

As a result we were all able to have a fruitful discussion with him on his idea, helping him to further his thinking, as opposed to spending our time trying to figure out what his project was about. Powerful imagery, especially in a virtual setting will empower a jury to respond to key points in your presentation. Not to be cliche, but in this kind of model, less is more. 

Tighten up the narrative, keep the text minimal, and utilize the power of images, and you'll be on your way in your virtual presentations this season.