Individual Presentations: Dates, Running Order, etc.

Presentation Dates and Running Order

November 8:

1. Tom F
2. Alex R
3. Brandon P
4. Megan F
5. Jon Z
6. Chad C
7. Carolyn S
8. Jim M
9. Lindsay H
10. Greg E
11. Westin B
12. Mohammed A

November 15:

1. Meghan L
2. Adam W
3. Ted C
4. Jawaher A
5. Devin W
6. Dan H
7. Kevin M
8. Luke R
9. Pat L
10. Andrew H
11. Ahmed A
12. Dan R

(You must attend class, even if you are not presenting. There will be NO opportunity for makeup presentations)

Individual Oral Presentation Assignment

For your oral presentation, you must present technical information to a general audience. Your topic must somehow be related to business in general, and may be about a subject you’re already familiar with, or if you wish, you may research and report on a new topic. However, your report must focus on a business process (such as a policy change, a marketing campaign, etc.). DO NOT simply describe the business (e.g. its history) or what they make, do, or sell, etc. In other words, describe how something works, don’t simply describe what they do. Inform and educate your audience.

Parameters

• Your talk should be between 4-6 minutes in length (too long and too short are equally bad)
• Your talk must include some form of visual reinforcement, but choose the medium carefully (PowerPoint, Web pages, handouts, etc.). Remember, a great PowerPoint presentation can (and should) enhance the program (not be the program). A poor (or over done) one can ruin it.
• If you read your presentation (from your notes, or worse, straight from your PowerPoint slides) the grade can be no higher than a B.
• A laptop (WinXP with Internet access, MS Office, etc.) and projector will be provided. You may also use your own laptop if you prefer.
• You do not need to dress up, but please remove caps, sunglasses, etc.

Grading Criteria

The eight Aspects of Business Communication will form the basis of your evaluation. “Self-expression” covers traditional oral presentation skills, and “Visual impression” includes how well your visuals are designed AND how well they are integrated into your talk. “Language use” includes how well you use “conversational” language. Introductions and conclusions are important (“Organization”), as is remembering a brief oral outline/frame.

Cautions:

• Analyze, don’t describe. Make sure you answer “why” and “how” instead of “what,” etc.
• Beware of trying to do too much, but look closely – don’t be superficial.
• Do not assume that presentations that precede yours are models for you to copy.
• Pay close attention to the organization and pacing of your talk. Remember, “timing is everything.”