Assignment
Part I: Choosing a Topic
To begin preparing a presentation, start by considering the topic. For this activity, you will select any topic connected to this unit and conduct a persuasive presentation. For example, you could choose a topic about postmodern literature or Beat poetry, such as these examples: (THE TOPIC IS BEAT POETRY)
i. Motif became one of the most important elements of postmodern narratives, such as in John Updike's "The Brown Chest."
ii. Beat poetry emerged from the need to amend social injustices in society.
You can select any topic connected to the unit. Make sure to pick a topic that you find interesting and wish to learn more about. Choose a position on the topic. Your presentation should persuade your audience about your viewpoint.
As you select your topic, consider two important aspects of any public speaking opportunity: purpose and audience. Make sure you have a firm understanding of why and to whom you will be presenting. This information will help determine your topic and the tone of your speech. Obviously, a presentation on marine life would not be appropriate for an assignment on tragic heroes in your literature class, nor would it be appropriate for a group of experienced marine biologists who already know its contents.
Part II: Creating a Thesis
As you choose your topic, develop the thesis on that topic. Make sure your thesis allows you to argue a specific point. For instance, if you choose postmodernism for your topic, a proper thesis could be "self-reflexivity in postmodern literature came about as writers began to doubt whether literature could truly be objective." As you research your topic, keep in mind how you could build a proper, relevant thesis.
Part III: Gathering Sources
Next, begin gathering and organizing additional sources to build your argument. It is important to understand the purpose of your research. Evaluate each source, and consider these questions:
i. Who authored the document?
ii. What is the purpose of the document?
iii. When was the document written?
iv. How will this document help your argument?
Part IV: Conducting Outlines or Note Cards
The next step in preparing a presentation is planning the text. Keeping your audience, purpose, and topic in mind, write the information you will present in a draft outline or on a series of note cards. This stage of preparation will involve extensive research on the topic, so be sure to use the research skills you have already acquired.
Creating an outline is often the first step in writing an essay, but a presentation outline is the text you'll reference when delivering your speech to an audience. Your outline structure should include topics and supporting details, just as an outline for an essay does. But be sure to include keywords and phrases to remind you of what you wish to say. Ideally, you will have rehearsed the speech often and thoroughly enough that you will remember pertinent information and stay on track during the speech by simply glancing at your notes.
Some presenters find it easier to use note cards. They conduct a new topic or detail from their presentation on each card and order them in the correct sequence. Note cards also are useful in reminding presenters to pause briefly throughout the presentation as they flip each card.
Part V: Writing a Presentation
At this stage, you should type the content for your presentation. As you type, consider that your written content should adapt to an oral presentation. Use evidence from your resources to support your thesis and other key claims. Your written work should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, as well as a logical flow and structure.
Part VI: Applying Visual Aids
Consider what visual aids would be appropriate for the presentation. Charts or graphs might help illustrate statistical analyses, while images can clarify abstract concepts. Your visual aids should be informative and helpful in your presentation. You may also want to include video or audio clips from an expert to help clarify any key points.
Keep these pointers in mind when creating a presentation:
A. Use a reasonable number of slides for your presentation based on the allotted time. Too many slides will bore or confuse your audience. Too few slides will not give your audience enough information.
B. Make sure the font size and color can be clearly read.
C. Make sure the background of your slides does not overwhelm the text.
D. Use bullet points and simple, short sentences. Keep a maximum of four important points to each slide.
E. Do not use long paragraphs in your slides. The point of your presentation is to make your information interesting, not to force your audience to read an essay.
F. Use graphics or pictures to make your presentation interesting or to help your audience visualize a point, but don't use too many on one slide.
G. Explain the points that appear on the screen to your audience, but do not read them off the screen.