kynnningarskoðanir

Kynnningarskoðanir is an Icelandic term that literally translates as “presentation observations” and refers to the systematic examination and critique of oral and visual presentations within academic, professional, and public contexts. The word combines *kynnning*, meaning presentation or demonstration, with *skoðanir*, the plural of *skoðun*, meaning observation or review.

The concept evolved in the late 20th century as interdisciplinary research in communication studies, rhetoric, and education sought to provide structured feedback on how information is conveyed. Kynnningarskoðanir draws on principles from cognitive load theory, narrative persuasion, and audience response analytics to assess effectiveness, clarity, and engagement.

Typical criteria used in kynnningarskoðanir include organization, visual design, speaker styling, use of evidence, and interaction. Practitioners often employ rubrics that score components such as introduction, argument flow, conclusion, and multimedia integration. Feedback is delivered through written reports, video annotations, and in‑situ coaching.

In Iceland, kynnningarskoðanir is taught in university communication departments, used in corporate training programs, and applied in journalism schools to help learners refine their storytelling and public speaking skills. The methodology has garnered interest abroad, with related practices appearing in Scandinavian languages under similar names.

Because kynnningarskoðanir focuses on actionable insights rather than purely evaluative judgments, it is valued for its role in continuous professional development and for fostering a culture of reflective practice among presenters.