~ Oral Presentations ~
When?
Topic
Length
Presentation and Springboard to Discussion
Extra Materials and Visual Aids
Citing/Directing us to your text
Suggestions
Depending on the final number of students, each person will give at least two 5-7 minute oral presentations in class. This means that each presenter will be prepared with her own observations and reading of the text, and will then follow it up with 2-3 pertinent questions to pose to the class as a springboard for ensuing discussion.
Here are some guidelines to help you create a successful 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.
Length:
The presentations are approximately 5-7 minutes long and will deal with your pre-assigned topic. The material you actually present should be this long, 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 over. I will let you know as you get close to your time limit that you have 1 or 2 minutes left and should begin posing your questions to the class.
Presentation and Springboard to 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. 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. Begin the presentation, then, with your own observations, summary, interpretation of the materials (this will vary according to your topic) and after your 5-7 minutes, you should then pose 2-3 questions to the class as a springboard to discussion. 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 and situate a discussion, but also get feedback and listen to your peers' opinions as they validate, challenge and enrich your own. To this end, prompt others to stay attentive and involved, answer any questions they might have or any need for clarification that comes up. 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 and visual aids:
You are welcome to use the board, handouts, overhead transparencies or visual aids more generally if they help you make your point. This may depend on your topic. If your topic involves the arts in some way, you may indeed need to use visual or audio aids. Feel free to consult with me and let me know if you need any A/V equipment so that I can have it ready for you.
Citing the text:
You may wish to directly cite the text you are dealing with (visual or literary). If so, direct us to your page or the area you are considering and allow the class time to find that particular passage.
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. 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.
2. Be sure to move through your presentation in an efficient, clear way. When you give your presentation, you should have your page numbers, quotes, thoughts, images, etc. 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 or so that you're sure of where you're going next.
Feel free to consult with me on your presentation via email, office hours, or an appointment.
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