Introduction

In this edition, we want to switch things up a bit and talk about one of our company's internal initiatives – specifically, our internal training project.

About the Project Presentation

Members of the staff class present their respective projects with the objective of helping others understand their work. 

The presentations took place in our company's cafe space, utilizing a large screen for material projection. For individuals unable to attend in person due to project commitments or other reasons, we incorporate remote connections via Teams.

Each presenter is allocated approximately 30 minutes, including time for a Q&A session. 

The structure and delivery of the presentation are left to the discretion of the presenter, and we intentionally refrain from making adjustments through consultations with experienced professionals, such as superiors’ review.

Objectives and Activities of the Project Presentation

At the Project Presentation Event, participants are involved in two crucial activities: crafting presentation materials and delivering the actual presentation. 

Consulting tasks often require diverse elements that may not be immediately evident through regular team or supervisor communication within project work. Through the practice of creating and delivering presentations, participants are encouraged to apply these skills to their primary responsibilities, thereby enriching their professional capabilities.

• Presentation Material Creation
  • Activity:
    We engage participants in creating documents using PowerPoint, a skill set often overlooked by students and those without prior consulting experience. To comprehend their ongoing projects, participants independently begin with thoughtful consideration of the structure and narrative flow, completing all documents—from organizing chapters to creating compelling visuals.
  • Business:
    In many entry-level or inexperienced roles, individuals may find themselves partially involved in documentation within their core responsibilities. Since the overall structures are often formulated by superiors, the opportunity to create documentation from scratch is often limited.
  • Objectives:
    In summary, our goal is to foster proficiency in documentation skills using PowerPoint. While individuals at the entry level or those new to the IT industry may start with software navigation, the initiative encompasses core consulting skills. These include creating the typical consulting slide format (title, message line, body) and mastering essential components such as structuring and unfolding a narrative to effectively communicate one's project to an unfamiliar audience. Through this endeavor, we aim to enhance skills that align with the fundamental requirements of a consultant's role.
• Presentation and Public Speaking
  • Activity:
    Participants deliver presentations based on the materials they've created to fellow colleagues who are unfamiliar with the presenter's project and have no prior information. This aims to provide clarity on any uncertainties or points of interest. Members are required to complete their presentations, including a Q&A session, within a 30-minute timeframe.
  • Business:
    In many instances, especially in roles where new and inexperienced team members join, they often only handle specific aspects of their main tasks. They may work closely with team members or supervisors who share common assumptions and perceptions. As a result, there aren't many opportunities for them to grasp the overall situation and understand "where to begin and how to communicate".
  • Objectives:
    • Enhancement of Communication Skills
      To convey the situation of one's project responsibilities within a limited timeframe to individuals without shared context, proficiency in both creating presentation materials and delivering them is crucial. This skill is the essence of effective presentations.
    • Self-Feedback on Created Presentation Materials
      In alignment with the goal of improving communication skills, participants identify areas for enhancement in their presentation materials through Q&A sessions and feedback. By reflecting on aspects that provoke numerous questions—indicative of potential communication challenges—participants refine their approach, creating a continuous cycle of improvement applicable to their on-site project tasks.
    • Meeting Facilitation Skills
      Under the proposition of "getting people to understand the project they are working on," we would like to leave it up to the presenters themselves to decide how to use the 30 minutes. Previously, we typically had a presentation followed by a Q&A session. However, we want to give presenters the chance to create a new approach to achieve the goal. For instance, they could have a Q&A session for each chapter instead of breaking it up in a strict manner as before.

Conclusion

The Project Presentation Event commenced in early 2022, and all employees who were on board at that time have already participated. 

Recently, we entered the second phase of the Project Presentation Event, targeting those who joined us from mid-2022 onwards. Moving forward, our intention is not only to include new employees but also to consider the positive exploration of subsequent iterations. Achieving the initial objectives may not be a one-time accomplishment, as projects and participants may evolve post the initial implementation. We are actively considering and planning for the future.