Presentation Guidelines
_____________________________________________________
During the term, you will give at least one oral presentation. Here you'll find some guidelines to help you be successful in your presentation.
When:
Presentations are usually assigned on a volunteer basis in class for
the upcoming class period. As we progress, you can volunteer for
a text that you are particularly enjoying or one that coincides best with
your schedule. If you know in advance which text you would like to
work on, you are welcome to let me know.
Topic:
Your topic will usually be assigned in class, and/or more specifically
via email, where I may give you more detailed guidelines and suggestions.
The presentations are approximately 15 minutes long and will deal with your pre-assigned topic. The material you actually present should be 15 minutes, though class discussion may necessitate your presence as discussion leader for more time. Remember that people typically underestimate how much they have to say or how long their delivery will take. Time your delivery beforehand so that it does not run far over. The spirit of the presentation: Discussion leading
As a presenter, you will be the specialist on your topic and will both share your ideas with your peers, as well as lead and facilitate their discussion. Therefore, when you are preparing your topic, you should be putting together your reading and what you would like to "present", as well as questions you would like to pose to the class. These questions may be "lead-ins" to your own ideas or they may include questions or problems you have thought about but have been unable to resolve. You certainly do not have to have "all of the answers", but you should give some thought to any complicated issues that arise and be able to share them with the class. The presentation is a moment for you to develop a topic for the class, but also get feedback and listen to your peers' opinions as they validate, challenge and enrich your own. To this end, also try to avoid speaking for 15 minutes straight without interaction -- prompt others to stay attentive and involved. This will also help you feel less nervous if you happen to be feeling any performance anxiety. Finally, try to feel more comfortable remembering that everyone wants you to do well; everyone wants to hear your presentation and participate in the discussion. Extra materials:
Though it is not required, you are welcome to use the board or handouts if it helps you make your point.
Citing the text:
Definitely use and directly cite the text. Direct us to your
page and allow the class time to find the passage you are reading.
Though you may want to write out parts or all of your presentation beforehand (this depends on how you like to prepare) do not read a prepared, written presentation. While you are speaking, you may use an outline if you feel more comfortable referring to it from time to time, but remember that it is an oral presentation. Reading your presentation unfortunately makes it easier for you to talk too fast, explain less, and lose touch with your peers. Have confidence in what you have already prepared and the outline of points or ideas you want to share.
Home | Syllabus
| Course Schedule
Guides | Presentations | Informes