Team Information

Thursday, April 29th
4:30pm - 7:30pm*
Virtual Symposium - Online

*tentative - times by be adjusted

PRESENTATION and VIDEO Guidelines


VIDEO GUIDELINES

      • Maximum 3 minutes
      • May edit video but no music
      • Pitch project
      • Show demo where appropriate
      • Content is up to the team.  Try to represent your project well!!
      • Reference poster or slides if applicable
      • Can’t use a professional videographer, unless someone on your team happens to be one :D

    Everyone should participate in the filming of this video, so judges can get to know all the team members and their role in the project. Video can be up to 3 minutes long. Pitch videos should be short and straight to the point, but be able to carry its message across.

    Write your script

    Now that you know your video requirements, you can begin working on the pitch script. You can use your storyboard as an outline and start writing on your script. You can always modify and change your storyboard as you develop your script further.

    Scripts generally have three main parts:

    Hook: You will want to have a strong opening, something that is attention grabbing that makes you pay attention. Is there a story you can tell that illustrates the problem you are trying to solve with your project? Why are you passionate as a team about solving this problem?

    Problem & Solution: Present the problem and your solution. Don’t just tell us, but give information to support the problem and solution so it is convincing to the viewer.

    Call to Action: You presented an exciting project that you have been working hard on, and what’s next? Let the viewer know what you are planning on doing next.

    Once you have a draft of your script, review it and refine it. You might even want a mentor or someone to help you take a look at it. It has to be understood by a wide audience.

    Film your video

    Once you and your team are comfortable with your script and know it well, you’re ready to film! For this part, you’ll need to get access to a video camera or video recording device, an audio-recording device, and a computer to edit your video.

    When you film your video, keep in mind a few presentation tips:

    • Make sure everyone is loud and clear. Good audio is critical to understanding your pitch. Make sure there is minimum background noise.
    • You can use cue cards to help convey parts of your script and to maintain eye contact with the camera or your audience. Here is more information.
    • Make eye contact with the camera, imagine there’s an audience watching you as you present
    • Dress for success! Make sure your outfits are appropriate. Avoid wearing busy patterns, since they can look confusing on camera.
    • Pause or feel free to retake some shots-- you don’t have always to do it in one take. You can always edit later

    Videography tips:

    • Shoot using plenty of light so the subject is well lit. Make sure not to film with bright a window or light source behind your subject. This will backlight your subject, turning them into a silhouette on film!
    • Keep your camera or phone stable using either a tripod or flat surface.
    • Shoot videos in landscape mode instead of vertical.
    • Choose backgrounds carefully to not be too distracting (ex: placing items behind someone that would appear coming out of their head in the video).

    https://digitalcommunications.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/2016/03/23/8-tips-on-recording-professional-video-with-a-smartphone/


      PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

      • CREATE and ORGANIZE your presentation and prepare to present it during your ZOOM meeting time on for showcase competition day.  
      • Using slides are ideal.
      • Use a title slide that has your Team Name, Project Title, Team Member Names, Client and Sponsor (if applicable)
      • Make sure your presentation:
        • Uses informative titles and headings
        • States motivation / purpose
        • Describes methods / approach
        • Focuses on design
        • Explains how it works
        • Presents key results of testing
        • Uses coherent pattern of organization
        • Explains figures/tables and labels them appropriately
        • Defines jargon
        • Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
        • Cites sources
        • Acknowledges support
      • Your presentation should be about 5-7 minutes long.  
      • After your presentation, judges will/may ask questions for about 8-10 minutes.  
      • The total presentation/judging time should be about 15 minutes.
      • Practice your presentation! Make sure you can effective present your project in 5-7 minutes. 

      • Make sure you can summarize your project’s key points and conclusions the time allotted leaving time for questions.
      • Demonstrate your project through your slides, on your Zoom or by playing a demo video. 
      • Think about which parts of your project will be the most challenging to explain.
      • Anticipate people’s questions and plan your answers to them.
      • YOU ARE THE TIME KEEPER!  Please end the presentation and thank your judges at the end of the 15 minutes, so they have enough time to get to the next team they are judging.

      RESOURCES

      • Video on how to do an effective online presentation - OPEN VIDEO
      • Tips for doing a Zoom presentation
      • Video editing software available on your laptop or in the OEDK and at Rice:
        • Mac: iMovie
        • Windows: Video Editor
        • Windows Photos
        • Adobe Creative Commons
      • Some resources such as wireless microphones, tripods, photo light boxes, etc are available in the OEDK.  More information about how to access these things will be updated soon. Feel free to ask a OEDK staff member or lab assistant for help. 


      Contact us

      Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen
      Rice University

      6100 Main Street MS 390 | Houston, Texas | 77005

      Phone: 713.348.OEDK

      Email: oedk@rice.edu

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