Yogyakarta, August 26th, 2022
The Master of Science and Doctoral Program (MD) FEB UGM has successfully held a Thesis Coaching event on August 26th, 2022. This Thesis Coaching required for all Master of Science Program students who are currently taking a thesis. This event was held online through a Zoom meeting by presenting a vocal expert, Mr. Rayhan Sudrajat. This thesis training raised a contemporary topic, namely “Vocal Exercises for Academic Presentations,” which aims to provide solutions to students regarding obstacles in making presentations and provide tips to improve their ability to make presentations in a relaxed and optimal manner.
In this training activity, Mr. Rayhan started his presentation by explaining the importance of vocal processing techniques for academic presentations. He gave an understanding of any anatomy in the body that influences sound production, namely air, vocal cords, tongue, teeth, and jaws. Everything must be adjusted properly to produce optimal and stable sound. Things to consider during a presentation are an upright posture, a calm feeling, a good mood, and a focused mind.
Some good and optimal academic presentation techniques from Mr. Rayhan are using diaphragmatic breathing, applying correct posture, forming optimal articulations, being calm, and keeping a smile. Thus, the presentation process will run smoothly, and the results will be optimal. Every student needs to keep practicing to get used to it. He also advised mastering the topic to be delivered to avoid or minimize mistakes.
Overall, this training session was really interesting and easy to understand. Each obstacle can overcome in a certain way. The conclusions that can be drawn from the thesis coaching session, namely (1) loud voices overcome with increasing the voice, which is increasing power through diaphragmatic breathing; (2) unclear word articulation overcome with three muscle movements: lips, tongue, jaw; (3) Tense tone of voice overcome by smiling; (4) monotonous voice overcome by giving up and down intonation; and (5) stage fright overcome by realizing that it always be there and make it a friend.
Lastly, very important to be as well prepared as possible before and during your presentation. It is hoped that the training can improve the ability of master students to make academic presentations. The event closed with a group photo. (Y)
