April 9, 2010 Archives

Deliver a two-minute speech that makes an argument you are planning to incorporate in Paper 3.

For this practice speech, what you say is less important than how you say it.

  • DO prepare, but DON"T try to memorize, and DON"T read word-for-word from a script.
  • DO time your speech so that you don't run over or under.
  • Slide shows (such as PowerPoint presentations) can be very useful in the right context.  But this assignment does not ask you to create a slide show.  (In fact, I am not a big fan of the sins that PowerPoint tends to encourage... see "How NOT to use PowerPoint.")
  • Remember that your audience wants you to succeed. In general:
    • speak up so the back row can hear you
    • make eye contact
    • try not to fidget
    • know your material well
    • be interesting (lists are boring; choose fewer examples, or just a single case study, and go into greater depth)
Evaluation

This assignment applies to your class participation grade. I will give you feedback in the following areas:
  • voice: volume, pace, and tone
  • non-verbals: eye contact, posture, gestures, etc.
  • preparation: timing & apparent comfort level
  • content: depth and quality of argument


Additional Tips

For a course I used to teach on technical writing, I prepared a handout on oral reports. Many of those points apply to academic reports. I've included some of those key points below.

Recent Comments

Dennis G. Jerz on Oral Presentations: Christine, thanks for offering
Calvin Mason on Oral Presentations: i would like to present on thi
Christine Halerz on Oral Presentations: I would like to present on thi
Doug Knight on Oral Presentations: Dr. Jerz, I'd like to go on th
Brittany Parker on Oral Presentations: I would like to present on thi
Dennis G. Jerz on Revision Workshop: Okay, I've added your name to
Chelsea Ciolli on Revision Workshop: I would like to go on this dat
Jon Bogert on Oral Presentations: I'd like to reserve this date
Sullivan Bard on Oral Presentations: Dr. Jerz, I would like to have
Dennis G. Jerz on Paper 3 Online Peer Review: You're right -- Turnitin.com h
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