Presentation Guidelines
Tina Modotti, "Julio Antonio Mella's Typewriter" (1928)
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During the term, you will give 1 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 15-20 minutes long and will deal with your pre-assigned topic. The material you actually present should be 10 minutes. The questions you pose to the class at the end of your presentation may necessitate your presence as discussion leader for more time (approximately 5-10 minutes). 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 over. I will let you know when you have 1-2 minutes left and need to close, and then pose your questions. Present your topic and finally, prompt discussion:
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 afterwards. 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. They should not be basic plot questions (resolve those before your presentation - other students, in fact, may ask you questions regarding plot). 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 10-12 minutes straight without asking people if they have questions or comments -- 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 other visual materials if it helps you make your point. If you are analzying a character, for example, it may be helpful to keep a visual record of your ideas for the class either on paper or on the board.
Citing the text:
Definitely use and directly cite the text to explain, support, and
enrich your interpretation. Direct us to your page and allow the
class time to find the passage you are reading.
1. Don't Read. 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, nor should you read a handout. While you are speaking, you may use a brief outline if you feel more comfortable referring to it from time to time to recall your next point and to have page numbers handy, 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.
2. Be sure to move through your presentation in an efficient,
clear way. When you give your presentation, you should have your
page numbers ready to go, your ideas in order so that you can move us through
your ideas in an effective and efficient way. Organize and prepare
well so you don't have to look for quotes, so that you're sure of where
you're going next, and so that you don't get lost in details instead of
presenting your ideas and some details that back them up or help you expand
on them.
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