The Elder Scrolls Online: Presentation of Classes

Short analysis of the classes system

While it does adopt the major MMORPG architecture, TESO will also implement some new systems and features. For example, even if players can choose to play specific classes, they will not have any related restrictions in-game such as not being able to visit certain areas.

Also, a class will represent a unique set of abilities for a character, not the weapon options.

For now, not all classes have been officially presented but we do know for sure that TESO players will be able to play the Dragonknight and Templar classes. Unofficial rumors state that Nightblade, Sorcerer and Warden classes will also be available in-game. Since the game is currently in beta stage and many players will be invited to play as testers more information regarding classes will become available. You can stay up to date by checking out TESO news on the official website and dedicated fan-sites.

Dragonknight

The Dragonknight is a highly proficient and versatile warrior. Through its skills and ability to wield various types of weapons, the Dragonknight is able to perform various roles in combat, specifically assassin, tank or ranged DPS. This class has powerful crowd control and damage-dealing abilities such as Fiery-Reach, an ability that pulls enemies towards the Dragonknight and simultaneously stuns and burns them. Other abilities include Slam which causes both stun and knockdown and Spiked Armor, a buff that offers damage resistance and returns physical damage to the opponent.

Templar

The Templar has powerful healing skills but is also capable of dealing damage. Using a light-based attack system, the Templar’s damage abilities require magicka. However, its healing abilities are also very important since they do not have cooldowns and can be used very often on both himself and allies.

Sun-Strike and Sun-Fire are two of the Templar’s damage dealing abilities. The first one is his basic attack and the second one is medium-ranged and more powerful. Both require Magicka. Rushed Ceremony is an area-of-effect healing spell that lets the Templar heal all allies in a nearby radius.

Sorcerer

The Sorcerer is a powerful damage dealer that relies on magical attacks. Sorcerer characters will have three skill trees to choose from: Dark Magic, which offers various crowd control abilities; Daedric Summoning that allows summoning critters to fight along your side but also provides several buff abilities; Storm Calling, which allows players to use lightning-based damage spells.

Conclusion

Concerning the other two mentioned classes, the Nightblade and the Warden no information is currently available. Since we are getting closer to TESO’s launch date we will find out more about all of the classes, their skill trees and abilities. Be sure to check out the latest TESO news regularly on specialized websites to stay informed concerning the game’s features.

Delivering a Professional Presentation – Should I Use My Notes?

When I give a presentation, should I use my notes?

This is a commonly posed question. Let me start by saying there is nothing wrong with using notes, although if you watch a TED Talks speaker you will notice they present without the use of slides, visual aids or notes. However, not all of us are aiming to be a world class speaker. In my opinion, using notes is far preferable to memorizing your speech. If something unexpected happens and you lose your place, you can find yourself in a ‘panic’ situation where everything you ever knew about your topic flies out of your head. It can also be difficult to come across as authentic if you are repeating the same message, word for word.

If you are going to use notes, there are some things you should think about.

1. Don’t try to hide the fact that you are using notes, but don’t necessarily draw attention to it either. Type in large font. The last thing you want to do is fumble with your glasses, so you can see what your notes say.

2. Keep to one page or one index card so you don’t need to shuffle or rearrange them.

3. Put your notes on a lectern or table. This way you can pause to refer to them without anyone knowing what you are doing.

4. Be comfortable with pausing. You may find yourself distanced from your notes and have to walk over to the lectern.

5. If you don’t have a table or lectern at your disposal, put your paper on a portfolio or heavy notebook and carry that. It is common to feel nervous when talking in front of people and it is common to find yourself shaking. The tiniest movement will be easy to see if you are holding only a piece of paper. This is not the way to instill confidence. The weight of the portfolio will help to keep your notes still.

6. Never speak while you are glancing at your notes, unless you are reading a quote or statistics Notes can limit interaction and eye contact with your audience, so pause when you are looking down and then resume speaking when you can re-establish eye contact.

7. Be wary of using slides as your notes. When you are nervous you may find yourself turning towards your slides and beginning to read them. Slides are meant to support you not the other way around.

The system I follow when creating a presentation is as follows.

1. Write the speech word for word.

I like to read what I’ve written as I go along. What works fine on the printed page for our eyes, doesn’t necessarily sound good to our ears.

2. Rearrange the ideas if they don’t seem to flow, or fail to make logical sense.

3. Highlight key words for idea and story prompts.

4. Create PowerPoint slides if they are needed.

5. Practice, practice, practice.

6. If you choose to use notes create them from the key words you highlighted.

If you decide not to use notes, it is much better to memorize the flow of your presentation, as well as key stories and then talk from the heart choosing your wording and phrasing as you go.

Notes can be an important safety net. Taking a moment to collect your thoughts, sip some water and glance at your notes won’t take anything away from your presentation, or your credibility as a speaker.

Should you use notes? The decision is yours. But if you do, use them wisely.

Should I Accept the Difficult Task of Presenting a Eulogy?

The death of someone you love is an difficult and distressing time for the relatives and friends of the departed. One of the most challenging facets of the funeral service is giving the eulogy. Being asked to give the a tribute speech at a funeral is an honor, but can magnify the stress and sorrow of losing someone you love. In the event that you’ve been asked to provide the eulogy, it’s natural for your sentiments to be mixed.

To succeed in this endeavour, you’ll need to channel your sadness, memories and love for the departed soul into words, which you’ll have to deliver to your fellow mourners, in a way that comforts them and leaves them feeling closer to the departed, to better cope with their own sorrow. This is not easy, but there was, without doubt, a strong rationale behind asking you. The friends and family of the departed feel that you are strong enough and compassionate enough to prepare and deliver a truly inspirational eulogy.

In the event that you’ve been asked to deliver the eulogy, you must make a swift choice regarding agreeing to the task. A memorial service is not something that can be postponed, and in case you refuse, you must give the family enough time to find another person to speak.

If you do accept, it’s not something you can change your mind about, or back out of later on. Should you say no to delivering the eulogy, you put additional stress on those arranging the services, which could reflect poorly on you. No one can pressure you to take on the job of presenting in the memorial service, however I would recommend that that you do accept. This is an accolade to you, in addition to an opportunity to support the family and friends of the departed.

An exception to this might be if, unbeknownst to the family, you and the departed had a falling out, and you feel so negative about the deceased, that you are unable to honor their memory. In this case, then you should almost certainly consider not attending the burial ceremony at all, and politely explain that you are out of of town or otherwise occupied.

If you commit, it’s important that you recognize that this is a responsibility that will require preparation, thought and practice. The good news is, you can find information available to help you with this task, so you can create an inspiring eulogy that will provide come consolation to the bereaved during their time of suffering.