“Speak the Speech, I Pray You”

Working on Oral Presentations at the Writing Center

Amy Shoemaker, Brendan Gillett, Dan Martin, Mike Bartoli, Rachel Davidson Pomona College

Goals for the Presentation

You will:

• Understand the components of an effective presentation
• Practice giving feedback on oral assignments
• Leave fully prepared to engage in oral consultations

Clarity of Argument

• Concerns common to written assignments
• Transition from written to oral
• Guiding the audience

Nonverbal Communication

• Make eye contact without staring
• Use natural gestures
• Be conscious of your hand motions
• Watch your stance and position
• Everything in moderation

Clarity of Speech

• Be aware of your pacing
• Speak slowly, calmly, and confidently
• Practice, practice, practice
• Familiarize yourself with surroundings

Script vs Notecards vs Memorization

• Know what you need
• Know what you want to communicate
• Know how things connect
• Know key phrases/specific cues
• Prepare, but leave room for fluidity/ improvisation

Improvisation/Adaptation

• Getting back on track
• Unforeseen events
• Practice variation
• Practice to audience

Visual Aids

• Win-win-win:
  • Prompt for speaker
  • Break up the monotony of text-only slides
  • Clarify and emphasize your main points
• Use a variety of images, colors and font sizes to enliven the presentation (but not too many!)

Activity

• Plan a 1-2 minute presentation on how to address these topics in a writing consultation.
• Reconvene in 10 minutes!

Reflection Questions

• How does this feedback compare to working with written assignments?
• What helpful insights did you gain by being a presenter?
• What types of feedback worked well?
• How can you take this into your own Writing Center?