PRES: Week One, March 5/6

HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 13

Please, write a half page introduction of yourself. Imagine, you’re at a party, and there’s someone there you want to impress. What would you say about yourself? What ‘amazing’ aspects of your personality and your experience can you come up?

You will find in this post:

1. Course Sylabus
2. Course Outline
3. Assignments Sheet and Grading Rubrics for your presentations

1. Course Syllabus:

Hansung University English Department
Course Syllabus: Oral Presentation
Instructor: Bianca Brankica Turalija
Spring 2007
Textbook: None. Photocopies of appropriate learning material will be given to you at the beginning of each course.
Contact Details: biancatur@rocketmail.com///MSN: biancatur2@hotmail.com
Telephone: 760-4398 /// Cell: (011) 1762-1967 /// Office: Professors’ Building, #824

This course is designed for advanced learners of English who possess excellent passive knowledge of grammar and vocabulary but find it difficult to communicate orally in formal or informal discussions and lack confidence in any form of public speaking.

There are two aspects to the course: one concentrates on discussion strategies with partner(s) or in larger groups; the other focuses on developing skills necessary in effective public presentations, i.e. speeches and debates.

Discussion Strategies:
A part of our 3-hour weekly sessions focuses on developing the art of discussion. The activities utilized will force students to learn and apply the following discussion strategies: using rejoinders, asking follow-up questions, seeking and giving clarifications, using comprehension checks, answering with details or demanding more details, interrupting others, giving opinions, agreeing or disagreeing, offering explanations, summarizing what someone else said, leading a discussion themselves, etc. Each of these strategies comes with specific vocabulary, e.g. when disagreeing with the speaker the listener usually starts with one of the following expressions: I don't think that..., Don't you think it would be better..., I don't agree, I'd prefer..., Shouldn't we consider..., But what about..., I'm afraid I don't agree..., Frankly, I doubt if..., Let's face it, The truth of the matter is..., The problem with your point of view is that...Mastering these expressions will greatly contribute to your discussion and presentation abilities and make you sound more nativelike. Students work with a partner, in a smaller group or participate in a whole-class activity.
Effective public presentations
Most people find speaking in public very uncomfortable, especially when they have to do it in a foreign language. My aim is to disperse some of those fears and help you achieve a level of comfort necessary in a good public speaker. A part of our weekly sessions will be devoted to learning about the basics of good public speaking (body language, speech/presentation structure, visual aids, etc.). The first two presentations are relatively easy; you will first talk about your most memorable experience, then about a meaningful object in your possession. Your last presentation will be an introduction to the topic that you find fascinating – be it global warning or the importance of wearing earrings.
What about Power-Point?
Since I am not a computer software instructor I will not teach the technical aspects of a Power Point presentation - most of you are better at the “PP gimmicks” than me, anyway. I will, however, give you a lowdown on some of the dos and don’ts of Power Point presentations. Basically, Power Point should only enhance your presentation not be its focal point. What you need to learn is how to modify your Power Point Presentation and make it understandable to English speakers. You must know how to create effective bullets, what font colour and size to choose, how many slides per minute, how many lines per slide, how many words per line, what should your posture be when presenting, etc. Ultimately, what matters to me is the content and organization of your speech, not the ‘visual effect’ with Power Point. You may opt out of using Power Point altogether and replace it with other visuals (board, posters, props, overhead projectors, slides).
What do you need for this class?

You need to have a binder to keep all the material I give you in one place and you need a blank notebook for taking notes.

What do I expect from you?

I expect you to attend classes regularly and participate in class activities with enthusiasm. Also, all homework is to be submitted on time. Do not be shy to ask questions or demand further explanations. Visit my office or call if you need assistance in your studies. Speak in English only – the class time is your chance to practice and improve your oral communication skills. Last but not least: Switch the cell phones off!

How are you graded?

GRADING POLICY
Hansung University follows the ‘bell curve’ grading system. Simply put, you are competing against one another. Please, remember that when it comes to grading what you give is what you get. If you are not putting in the maximum effort, you cannot expect to get the highest grade.

Official university policy dictates that each class be graded accordingly:

A= 30% of the class
B= 40% of the class
C,D,F, = 30% of the class

In class grading will be as follows:

Attendance: 10 %
Participation = 20%
1st Oral Presentation: Personal Experience 20 % (April 16/17)
2nd Oral Presentation: Show ‘n’ Tell 20% (May 14/15)
3rd Oral Presentation: Introduction of a topic your choice 30% (June 18/19)

ATTANDANCE POLICY:

The rule is very simple: your regular and on-time attendance is a must. Two lates count for one absent; five absents will land you the final grade D, regardless of your performance in any other aspect of this course; more than 5 absents will result in an automatic failing grade F. You will be excused for illness or family emergency in which case you need to call me in advance and later submit a written proof (a doctor’s note or a signed letter from a parent or guardian). Bear in mind that attendance and participation go hand-in-hand and combined they count for 30% of your final grade.
Another way to get an A (A= Absent) is when you either use your cell phone or speak in Korean twice: C + C = A, and K + K = A. Learn this formula and bear in mind.

Let’s learn presentation full measure, and let’s learn it with pleasure.


2. Course Outline

Presentation in English: General Course Outline, by B. Turalija

March 5/6
General Introduction to the Course

Week 1

March 12/13


Rejoinders and Follow-up Questions (both classes)
Theoretical Introduction to Presentations and Public Speaking in English.
Presentation Examples

Week 2
March 19/20
Clarification Expressions
Important aspects of preparing a presentation.
Practice: Personal Experience

Week 3
March 26/27
The Art of Discussion
Presentation Language
Practice: Personal Experience

Week 4
April 2/3
Discussion
Presentation Equipment
Practice: Personal Experience

Week 5
April 9/10
Discussion
Presentation Structure
Practice: Personal Experience

Week 6
April 16/17
1st Presentation
Personal Experience (as child or adult)
(Simple Visuals allowed: No Power-point!)

Week 7
April 23/24
Discussion
Description Expressions

Week 8
April 30/May 1
Discussion
Basics of a Show ‘n’ Tell Presentation

Week 9
May 7/8
Discussion
Show ‘n’ Tell Practice

Week 10
May 14/15
2nd Presentation
Show ‘n’ Tell

Week 11
May 21/22
Discussion
How to search for information

Week 12
May 28/29
Introducing a subject of interest
Introduction to Informative Speeches
On Power-Point Presentations

Week 13
June 4/5
How to give informative
Speech Structure/Practice
Dos and don’ts of PP presentation

Week 14
June 11/12
Speech Practice


Week 15
June 18/19
3rd Presentation: Informative Speech
The use of visuals (board, flipchart, posters, handouts, Power-Point is expected)


3. ASSIGNMENTS SHEET AND RUBRICS

Hansung University, English Department, Presentation
Instructor: Bianca Brankica Turalija; March, 2007; Session: Spring
Assignments

Each student in the Presentation Class has three public presentations worth 20% respectively amounting to a total of 60% (20% x 3 = 60%) of your final grade. They are public presentations which means that you will be presenting in front of the whole class in your regular classroom not in my office.

Assignment Dates:

1st Presentation, Week 6, April 16/17: Personal Experience

2nd Presentation, Week 10, May 14/15: Show ‘n’ Tell
Debate (groups of four)
3rd Presentation: Week 15, June 18/19: Informative Speech
Persuasive Speech (individual)

1st Oral Assignment: Individual Presentation (5 minutes)
Show ‘n’ Tell

It’s a simple assignment that entails your choosing an object that has a very special meaning to you and preparing a brief presentation about it. You must describe the object (regardless of the audience actually looking at it), saying what the object is, how old it is, where you got it, how you got it, what its size is, shape, weight, what it’s made of, why it is special to you, why you feel strongly about it, why you chose it among all other things. Also, try to incorporate an anecdote connected with that object. Examples of objects you may choose: a gift from a dear person (jewelry, watch, picture frame), a special pillow/blanket, a piece of clothing, shoes or backpack that took you all over the world (why not?), souvenirs from places you visited, etc. The object must be very precious and meaningful to you. By the end of your presentation the audience should understand why it means so much to you and hopefully would want to know more about it. Choose your ‘show ‘n’ tell’ item wisely. Look at the attached “Meaningful Object Presentation Worksheet.” Use it as a guideline only, don’t simply answer the questions. Give a lot of details and make it interesting.
1nd Oral Assignment: Individual Presentation (5 minutes)
Personal Experience

You may choose to talk about a personal experience as an adult or a child. Everyone, for sure, has some experiences that are unforgettable. These make great speech topics. Your challenge is to make the audience relieve this experience with you. If it was a happy experience, your audience should feel happy; if it was a sad experience, your audience should feel sad, etc. For example, if you choose an experience as a child, you may speak about the time you got lost, your most memorable birthday, your first day at school, a terrible lie you told, your first pet, your first childhood sweetheart, the saddest experience in your childhood, etc. If you choose an experience as an adult, I am sure you can decide which one would be good to share with your classmates.
Your goal is to speak naturally and maintain eye contact with your audience. You have to prepare your speech in writing but you are not allowed to read it. To help you prepare, look at the “Speech Preparation Worksheet” attached. Keep in mind that the worksheet is merely a guideline, not the ‘formula’ for making the speech.

3rd Oral Assignment: Informative Speech (7-10 minutes)


An informative speech is a speech in which the presenter informs the audience about a topic that he or she believes will be of interest to the audience. If you like to travel, you may choose to talk about a country or region that you visited. Each topic has to deal with three aspects concerning it. For example if you choose to talk about India, you may choose to talk about: 1. India’s climate; 2. Indian food, 3. Indian clothes. If you choose to talk about space travel, you may talk about 1. its history, 2. its cost, 3. its dangers. A speech is very similar to a good essay in that it has an introduction, body and conclusion and that it has to be ordered logically. You will how to organize your speech, and how to look confident during your presentation (the appropriate posture, body language, eye contact, tone and volume of voice, how to dress, etc.)
The speech has to be written and handed in before your presentation. You will not be allowed to read, but you may use cue cards. You are allowed to use visual aid such as handouts, posters, board, slides, Power Point. However, visual aids are to be used as presentation enhancers, not its its focal point.
You are required to hand in your preparation sheet (evidence of research you’ve done, notes, ideas, outline, etc.).

Rubrics
“Show ‘n’ Tell”/Personal Experience Evaluation Rubric

Choice of object/topic (interest level)
V. poor 1
Poor 2
Good 3
V. Good 4
Excellent 5
Total
Evidence of Preparation
V. poor 1
Poor 2
Good 3
V. Good 4
Excellent 5

Organization
V. poor 1
Poor 2
Good 3
V. Good 4
Excellent 5

Sufficient Use of Details
V. poor 1
Poor 2
Good 3
V. Good 4
Excellent 5

Quality of Language (grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary)
V. poor 1
Poor 2
Good 3
V. Good 4
Excellent 5

Level of Comfort (posture, eye contact)
V. poor 1
Poor 2
Good 3
V. good 4
Excellent 5

Grand Total (max. 30)

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Informative Speech Evaluation Grid

Quality of Introduction
and conclusion
Very Poor 1
Poor 2
Satisfactory 3
Good
Excellent

Quality of information
Not adequate 1
Somewhat adequate 2
Adequate 3
Good 4
Excellent 5

Body Language (posture, smile, eye contact)
Very poor 1
Poor 2
Satisfactory 3
Very good 4
Excellent 5

Speaking manner (tone, expression, speed)
Not suitable 1
Somewhat suitable 2
Satisfactory 3
Very good 4
Excellent 5

Evidence of Preparation
Non-existent 1
Insufficient 2
Acceptable 3
Remarkable 4
Excellent 5

Visual Aids (used as presentation enhancers, not its focal point

No visual aids 1
Not adequate 2
Adequate 3
Very good 4
Excellent 5

Grand Total (max. 30)