Academic Senior Project Oral Presentations Academic Senior Project

Purpose To engage you in communicating your research findings to an audience To inform, enlighten, and maintain the interest of your audience To display the expertise you have gained through your research To gain confidence and practice speaking before an audience

Your Job Provide a summary and reflection of research findings: Overview of the Topic/Thesis Overview of the Opposition Presentation of Your Argument Utilize a visual aid Entertain questions post-presentation

Your Grade Time Requirements Content Organization Presentation Skills Visual Aid Q & A Audience Participation

Content & Organization Does the presenter use detailed information to inform the audience about their topic/thesis, the opposition, and the major points that support their argument? Is the information provided thorough enough to adequately defend the thesis? Is the presentation organized in an appropriate and easy-to-understand manner? Does the speaker walk the audience through the thesis, the opposition, and their argument in an understandable fashion both verbally and visually? Did the speaker include a title, preview, and concluding slide in addition to their informational slides?

Presentation Skills Eye Contact Vocal Skills Vocal Variety Rate of Speech Projection/Volume Formality Enthusiasm & Confidence Audience Interest Poise Slouching Comfort Body Language/Gestures Dress Professional Interview Dress Time Requirements 3:00-5:00 minutes Visual Aid Appropriate Use Question/Answer Session 2-5 Questions

Visual Aids Text vs. Images Clear headings Appropriate Use NO SENTENCES! Noun keywords or verb phrases/fragments ONLY! EXAMPLE: Connection to violent acts (noun keywords) Connected to violent acts (verb phrase fragment) Clear headings Preview and concluding slides Appropriate Use Eye contact Knowledge of research

Other Things to Consider Do's Don'ts Consider using note cards NOTE CARDS ONLY Review your research materials Remember that FORMALITY is key Breathe Chew gum Read your paper or your notecards to us

Finally… Do remember that your participation as an audience member counts for a portion of your grade total. Give everyone your fullest attention and respect. You will be given work days to work on your presentation and PowerPoint. YOUR FOCUS & PRODUCTIVITY ON THESE DAYS WILL BE GRADED. If you need more time than the allotted days, make arrangements well in advance.