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?
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Writing Program Coordinator