“Speak the Speech, I Pray You”

Working on Oral Presentations at the Center for Speaking, Writing, and the Image (CSWIM)

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?