1. Project Title (Write a brief title that captures your topic)

2. Attention Getting Strategy Engage your audience by opening with something interesting: – A quote – A statistic – An alarming trend – An anecdote (brief story that illustrates a point)

3. Define the issue Why is this a topic open to debate? What are the central issues inherent in this debate?

4. Thesis Statement Clearly state your position on the subject …aka YOUR THESIS. Write “Thesis Statement” at the top of your slide

5. Background Information Define anything that your audience needs to know in order to understand your arguments – Are there terms that are not common knowledge to your audience? – Are there technical terms that warrant explanation? – Are there acronyms you will be using later that should be identified right away? Include other facts, background, and/or historical information

6. Acknowledge Opposing Viewpoint(s) What are the opposing views? Be sure not to prove the other side. Instead, say “some people believe” or “It has been argued”

7. Supporting Arguments State your three key supporting arguments on one slide.

8. Supporting Argument #1 State supporting argument #1 again Provide several supporting details from your research to prove your argument. Do not merely state your opinion on the topic, argue with research facts, data, statistics, etc. Mention sources from which you obtained information. This gives you CREDIBILITY as a speaker.

9. Supporting Argument #1 cont. You may need more than one slide to support your first argument. Do not try to fit everything on to one slide! Keep your slides tidy by limiting information to a few bullets…You should elaborate upon the bullets while speaking. Feel free to write note cards for your presentation if you are worried about what you are going to say!

10. Supporting Argument #2 State supporting argument #2 again Provide several supporting details from your research to prove your argument. Do not merely state your opinion on the topic, argue with research facts, data, statistics, etc. Mention sources from which you obtained information. This gives you CREDIBILITY as a speaker.

11. Supporting Argument #3 State supporting argument #3 again Provide several supporting details from your research to prove your argument. Do not merely state your opinion on the topic, argue with research facts, data, statistics, etc. Mention sources from which you obtained information. This gives you CREDIBILITY as a speaker.

12. Conclusion Highlight your important points Tie all of your supporting arguments together Restate your thesis Leave your audience with a strong lasting impression (a positive one)!

13. Q & A Be ready to answer questions about your topic.

14. Tips for your presentation… Keep the slide backgrounds simple so your audience is able to read them. You may be expected to present with the lights on! Plan accordingly.

15. Tips… Add pictures that enhance your presentation when appropriate Add graphs with statistical information that prove your arguments Add brief video(s) of no more than 2 minutes to enhance your presentation Be sure to include the URL for any pictures, graphs, etc. on the slide

16. If you use a video clip… Add brief video(s) of no more than 2 minutes to enhance your presentation Provide a link to YouTube or imbed the video directly into your presentation Introduce video clip by stating some background on it. After showing the video, explain its significance in relation to your thesis If it does not directly relate to your thesis, don’t show it. Find something relevant.

17. Tips… The best way to overcome a fear of public speaking is to be prepared! – Practice, practice, practice to be sure you know the content and to see if you meet the time requirement.