Presentation – some advise

Your talk should last a specified time, with questions and discussion to follow this.

One member of a group can make the whole presentation, although it might be much better if two or three of you will have their word heard.

Practice your talk out loud, standing alone in a room or with friends.

Record it on a tape recorder (or video) and listen (or watch) yourself. This helps to work out kinks. Time your talk as you practice.

Be careful about talking too fast.

While it is not required, presenters often make PowerPoint slides for their talk. I can get an overhead computer monitor to display them.

After your talk (or before) email me a copy of the files you presented (MS Word, or PowerPoint, or HTML). I will post it on the class web site. You will not receive a grade until you do this.

Suggested Outline for a Presentation

1.      Introduction.

a) What is this talk about? 

b) Why does it matter to us? What applications does it have or might have?

c) What will you cover? (show a short outline of the talk) 

d) What is the connection to other topics in this course

2.      References. What did you read or study? Where did you find it?
 

3.      Main topic. Teach us about this subject in some depth. This is the longest part of the talk.
 

4.      Analysis. What do other experts think about this? What do you think and why?

Grading of the Presentation

Your grade will be based on:

·         Presentation. The visual aids should be easy to read and you should speak slowly and clearly. Your appearance and manner count here.

·         Organization. The talk should move in a logical sequence and be easy to follow.

·         Content / depth – You should cover the topic. The right amount of material. If you try to say too much, you will run long or be rushing. If you say too little, you won't use the available time. Some of us know the broad outlines of these topics already. Give us some technical insight. Examples are very helpful in explaining new topics.

·         Web presentation (for the projects)

·         Analysis -- Show that you thought about this topic and bring your own ideas to the talk.

References -- A variety of sources. Show that you did some research in the library or Internet.