The capacity to communicate ideas in a creative environment is an essential part of being a designer. As young architects, you have had to present your projects to a jury and peers and will continue to do so in professional environments as your career advances. Being able to speak eloquently to get your design across is essential and it can make or break you as a designer. We’ve all faced uncertainties right before a presentation but there are ways that you can manage the situation. What is important is that you understand the value of a critique and its purpose. I am sure you have had that professor that has made you come close to tears (or actually shed them) but instead of focusing your anger on the way that something was said to you or why they have to purposely make you cry, redirect your focus on the content of what was said. A jury is meant to give you an outside perspective and feedback on the project which you have been working on. They are there to test you and your ideas and see how effectively you are able to talk about your work. You have to use the words and feedback which was given to you as motivation so that you can reassess your work and improve your design direction and execution. Use this as a means for personal development and fuel to dive back into your project in the right direction.
Much like the process for a job interview, you have to use this opportunity to act as a sponge and absorb as much information and you possibly can. It is important that you take the time to listen to what they have to say. A powerful tool that you will be able to apply throughout your career is the ability to successfully carry out a conversation in a presentation. You will only be able to do that if you take the time to listen to what others have to say. Embrace the critique that has been given to you and use the information to put your thoughts into perspective. It will make you a tougher person and most importantly a stronger designer. We all have had a rough or negative critique at some point in our career, and so have the jurors and classmates. Everyone has pressures of their own and capitalizing on your perception of that information will only stand to benefit you. At the end of the day, they are only there to help you and give you the guidance that you need to mold you into the future designer that you will be. Use this time so that you can prepare for your future endeavors and so that you will feel more comfortable in different environments. That way, if there comes a time when you have to present your work to an international panel, in a competition, or in a different country from where you come from, you will be ready to face them as a professional and an exemplary designer.
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