Performance analysis by Amanda Truong

Analysis of 2 guest speakers: Jennifer Ward Leland and Simon Tate

Jennifer Ward Leland and Simon Tate both had notes with them while giving their presentation which shows the audience they were well prepared.  Both started off stating their relevant history and useful personal experience. Jennifer had a loud strong voice, clear pronunciation of words, and strong eye contact with the audience. She was able to easily capture the audience’s interest due to her acting abilities and  amplified the use of her notes by stating many facts, definitions, quotes, and statistics. Furthermore, she got the audience involved in some helpful and practical techniques such as “inspiration of the breath” and the “processing of emotions”. Lastly, she demonstrated her acting performances which entertained as well as encouraged improvisation from the audience. Her humour added on top of everything caused her to come across as a very reliable, captivating and experienced speaker. On the other hand, Simon Tate had a more subdued approach that was less dramatic and humorous. He had a gentle and calm voice with clear pronunciation as he sought to be informative. He formed a quick connection with the audience by establishing common ground, stating that he was a former student not too long ago and delving into his struggles post graduation. He gave realistic, unconventional advice about the steps to take after graduation. This included giving the audience a list of misconceptions and warnings. However, he did not go into as much extensive detail regarding facts and figures as he could have compared to Jennifer. The audience’s involvement was limited until the end when questions were encouraged to fill up the time. In conclusion, Simon came across as a very genuine, realistic, and helpful speaker.

Analysis of professional stage/ screen actor: Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers in Black Swan fight scene

Natalie Portman portrays the character of Nina Sayers in Black Swan. She was easy to understand as her clarity and pronunciation was very clear. In the final fight scene, her acting is very dramatic and diverse. This is to showcase the paranoia that her character is going through, such as switching hallucinations between herself and Lily’s character. Upon finding Lily in her room putting on her costume and makeup, she is very fearful and angry. This is portrayed by her shaky voice, heavy breathing, and glaring eyes and body language, pointing at Lily to “get out” of her room. As the characters conflict deepen, it is still very cohesive and believable. This is due to the constant range of emotions made by Natalie which makes the audience believe that Nina was losing the plot. For example she accidentally shoves Lily’s character into a mirror in a fit of rage when provoked. Upon realising what she did she grows fearful again. However when Lily’s character ends up attempting to choke her to death she turns furious again and stabs Lily with a broken mirror fragment in an accidental rage. This is shown through her eyes turning red and the use of vocal technique as shouts in a deep menacing voice saying “it’s MY turn”. After realising that she had accidentally murdered lily she shakes with fear and panic while Lily’s body inside a closet. Surprisingly in tune with the diegetic music being played as a cue for her to step on stage, she is able to calm herself and starts to embrace being evil. Nina’s dramatic stage makeup helped accentuate this chaotic portrayal. Her costume also added to the illusion of her being paranoid because it was something uncommon seen and out of daily reality.

Analysis of reporter: Kate Nichol Williams Concerns over effect warming seas will have on the paua industry

Kate Nichol Williams covered the concerns over the effect warming seas have on the paua industry. Her body language was clear and confident as she looked straight into the camera, bringing attention to the paua shell as she held it in her hand while introducing the topic. She had a clear voice, good pronunciation, and an easy ascent to understand. These techniques helped the audience take her and the issue represented more seriously. She starts off by stating the statistics of the paua industry which is not just a hobby but a $50 million industry and how people’s long term livelihood depend on this resource. Her intention in this reporting was to raise awareness of how global warming is having a negative effect on the paua industry and other marine life in the future. This was backed up by her interviewee Tom Mcgowan, a professional paua industry council scientist. He educates the viewers on the science between the rising acidity of the oceans and how it is ultimately causing a decrease in the paua growth and reproduction. They also cover possible solutions such as the sustainable seas challenge which is attempting to put waste shell back into the water. And using aeration to drive the carbon dioxide out of the water. The ultimate concern they left the viewers was the only way to help stop this is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions on a global scale. This report covered a serious issue which was backed up by the number of professionals that were being interviewed. Her approach was also competent, which was making people understand the importance of the paua industry, the future dangers if we do not take action, and lastly exploring the possible solutions that are available to us.

References

Franklin, S. (2016, February 26). Black Swan fight scene [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jeq15Jw88M
Williams, K. N. (2019). Covering Climate Now: Concerns over effect warming seas will have on paua industry. Retrieved from https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/concerns-over-effect-warming-seas-have-paua-industry?auto=6087620900001