I thought I would comment on the process of editing.
As I said in an earlier post, on Thursday I had to present my presentation to my University supervisors and I went well over time. At the Social Dance Conference I have a maximum of 30 minutes to include questions. On Thursday I spoke at a rate of 128 words a minute, so I estimate that I need to get down to approx 2600 words to be well in time: this has allowed for a slightly late start, a shorting of the video to show twice through the dance, using perhaps volunteers for the practical and that my delivery might be slightly faster than at the University.
I have reviewed the video I made last Thursday. That was interesting. I wasn’t aware that I looked at the screen so much. The only reason I think I was doing this was to make sure the slide had changed and agreed with my text. They were always correct so I must stop doing that. Bringing my own clicker would have speeded up a touch: must make sure I have one at Cecil Sharp House!
Although I estimate that I spoke at 128 words a minute, after reviewing the video I think could speak slightly faster and would not be rushed.
The practical took three minutes. This was an enjoyable part and I had Pete Lyons playing the tune. We went along at 88 beats per minute. Reviewing commercial recordings, this would seem slow, but hey, it worked…! As a comparison, the video of the Reading Cloggies that I used went along at 112 beats per minute.
I have been editing away and have got the word could down to about 2900. Is this enough? I don’t know. It is very different practicing at home or in front of friends that in a room full of people. I’m going to do more editing today and then see.
I am beginning to enjoy this editing lark! I find it very difficult to decide what to leave in and take out. I like to give a fuller picture as possible, but this may mean that my presentations are knowledge heavy and dense, but I need to leave out stuff (which of course can be used later). I am finding it difficult to write to a set length/word count. This is a skill that I need to hone as my future modules this will be required.
And another thing. This editing lark and writing concisely takes much much longer than I expected. You need to be a real woodcrafts person to get the balance right: needs words the audience will understand and present them in a way that can be fully understood and not misunderstood. I have a number of new findings and I need to make the most of them.
I am really enjoying this process and have learnt a lot so far and looking forward to the final result in presenting at the conference.
I hope to have the presentation ready to go by the end of February.