Guidelines for making a presentation

Mr. Tillman's home page

The word "presentation" is really a misnomer. What, in fact, you are being asked to do is lead the discussion on a particular topic. Whether that topic is the biography of an author, the use of symbolism or imagery, the analysis of a character, you as table leader are responsible for guiding, creating, coaxing a meaningful discussion on your given topic. Given this general definition, what follows are some guidelines on what you should and should not do to produce a creative and meaningful discussion. Think of your self as a facilitator of discussion.

Use the available technology to enhance your presentation. Pictures of the author, representative pictures or paintings of the settings, snippets from "the movie," etc. will all enhance the class’s understanding of your topic. If you are discussing a poem or a specific passage from a larger work, it might be a good idea to project that poem or passage containing your electronic annotations. PowerPoint presentations are an excellent medium, but there are limitations and pitfalls you should avoid.

When using PowerPoint, the trap you may fall into is the idea that you should merely read everything that is projected on the screen. When you are watching another person present, and that person merely reads the projected script, how much attention do you really pay to that presentation? (rhetorical question). Don’t bore your classmates by reading something they can read for themselves. On you PowerPoint slides, place only the highlights and present the more detailed information behind the visual presentation. Your goal is to evoke conversation which will create a more interesting class. Use the PowerPoint to introduce ideas upon which you will elaborate

Have a strong grasp on your topic, whatever it may be. Have notes prepared and annotations in place both physically and electronically. Typically, you will find yourself "lecturing" for a certain amount of time as you present introductory ideas, define terms, bring focus to your topic, but allow the conversation to drift away from you and center itself on general discussion. Be able to recite the prevailing critical thoughts on your subject, and cite them if necessary. In order to keep the conversation going, have a series of focused questions prepared that will serve to inject a little energy into a lagging discussion (yes, that might indeed happen). Be prepared to stand up in front of the class and use the projected images to help you make your point. Be dynamic.

Do not come to class unprepared. You will feel foolish and the silences will be awkward. On the other hand, do not feel as it you have to know absolutely everything, or that you are now the world’s greatest authority on your given topic. The purpose of a discussion is to learn things from others. Groups almost always can brainstorm an idea better than an individual working alone can, so don’t become defensive or obstinate if a conflicting thought is presented in discussion. Remember, your goal is to create, guide, facilitate an intelligent discussion; it is not to lecture for 50 minutes.

Do not rely on me to bail you out. A good "presentation" means that you have facilitated an intelligent discussion, and I have been allowed the luxury of watching you gain confidence by having control over your topic and having control over the discussion.

Undoubtedly, you will employ the internet for source material, so you must prepare a "Works Cited" page which may appear as a PowerPoint slide, or as a Word document. The use of outside critical sources is encouraged, but make sure you cite everything you make use of to avoid the dreaded "plagiarism."

If you are not confident in your computer skills, and you request help from a classmate, friend, family member etc., you should also cite this help. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, but you must also give credit where it is due. The general idea is that over the course of the year, your computer skills will improve to the point where you no longer require assistance.

Your "grade" for your presentation will be determined by a number of factors.

Level of preparation

How much control do you have over your topic

Quality of supporting visual materials

How well does your visual material support and enhance your oral presentation

Can you actually use the technology effectively

Skill with which the discussion is moderated and facilitated

Are you knowledgeable enough to moderate and facilitate a discussion effectively.

All visual materials and supporting notes(scripts) will be submitted to me; therefore, notes should be stored electronically. Eventually, they will be posted on the class website so others can use the information for essays and exam preparation. Also, wouldn’t it be nice for your parents to be able to see the great work you are producing in class? (I knew that would excite you).