Student Workshop V: Presentation Skills and What’s Next?
The Department of English and Humanities (DEH) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organized a workshop titled “Presentation Skills and What’s Next” on August 28, 2025. The session was conducted by Ms. Nadia Rahman, Assistant Professor, DEH, and Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, Associate Professor and Head of the Department. This workshop was designed for undergraduate students in their final semester to help them refine their presentation techniques and prepare for academic or professional opportunities after graduation.
In the first half of the workshop, Ms. Nadia Rahman focused on presentation skills, beginning with the qualities that make a presenter effective: confidence, strong subject knowledge, audience engagement, and clarity of delivery. She emphasized that presentations are not only about conveying information but also about creating a connection with the audience. Time management was highlighted as an essential skill, as students often risk exceeding the allocated time and losing the audience’s attention. She also stressed the importance of demonstration skills, how a presenter communicates with gestures, voice, and visuals. To make the process more accessible, Ms. Rahman introduced the “Four P’s” of presentations: Plan, Prepare, Practice, and Perform. According to her, these four steps allow students to structure their ideas systematically, rehearse effectively, and build confidence for the final delivery. She also drew attention to the role of appropriate visuals in slides. Using clear images that complement the spoken content makes the message more impactful, while overcrowded or irrelevant visuals can distract the audience. Ms. Rahman reminded students that presentation success relies equally on design, delivery, and the ability to engage the audience throughout.
The second half of the workshop, “What’s Next,” was facilitated by Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, who addressed the students about their future goals after completing their undergraduate studies. She began by asking about students’ immediate plans, whether they were considering graduate studies abroad, continuing into professional careers, or exploring other options. Most students indicated an interest in pursuing studies abroad, which led to a discussion about both the opportunities and challenges of this path. She explained why graduate studies can be valuable: they allow students to gain more profound, more specialized knowledge in their fields, strengthen research skills, and improve career prospects. At the same time, she emphasized the need for careful preparation, including researching suitable programs, understanding financial requirements, and evaluating personal readiness for studying in a new cultural and academic environment. She reminded students that while the idea of studying abroad may appear attractive, the reality is often more complex, requiring adaptability, resilience, and advanced planning.
Contributing to this discussion, Ms. Nadia Rahman encouraged students to remain practical in their decision-making. She advised them to weigh their ambitions against real-world factors such as career opportunities, financial feasibility, and personal well-being. Both facilitators emphasized that thoughtful planning and realistic expectations are key to making informed choices about graduate studies or professional pathways.
The workshop ended with a lively interactive discussion, where students shared their aspirations and concerns, followed by group photographs. The session successfully combined practical training on presentation skills with meaningful reflections on life after graduation, leaving the participants with valuable strategies and inspiration for their future journeys.
Report by Nafisa Zaman (221013031)
