module 8

The presentation has two purposes: one, to demonstrate your ability to consider your audience and deliver valuable and pertinent information; and two, to demonstrate your ability to deliver an engaging presentation to a demanding business-minded audience.

You can choose to make an informative presentation or a persuasive presentation. For example, you may choose to present on best cities for recent college grads or why and how you should start your own company.

The rhetorical situation is this: choosing and presenting useful and informative content in a professional manner to a group of business communication students. You need to describe to your audience--in terms and language that matter to them as business people:

· Your chosen subject/perspective (consider their present knowledge base)

· Why your subject is important

· What they should know and/or do; resources of use

· How this information will help them as upcoming graduates/business students/practicing business professionals/post-college life (“What’s in it for me?”)

You are not required to use PowerPoint (you can), but you are required to use some kind of visuals to enhance your presentation and keep your audience interested. You may choose to survey your group in advance, for example.

Think about your scope and your focus. It won’t make sense to give your audience an overview of what they already know. Instead, you will want to select content that adds to a present knowledge base, and content that is thought provoking. You will want to define terms as needed in ways that make sense to a business audience, and you will want to give many examples to illustrate what you are talking about.

In a business setting (and the course), the effectiveness of the presentation depends on the quality of your research and appropriate professional resources, and your ability to convince your audience. Explain to your listeners as needed what sources you consulted to support your credibility.

Grading criteria appear on the following page.

Presentation length: 5 minutes

Evaluation Criteria for Presentations

CONTENT

􀂆 Began with a clear purpose

􀂆 Showed command of the material

􀂆 Supported assertions with evidence

􀂆 Included “According to TechCrunch…” (for example, as needed for professionalism and credibility

􀂆 Used adequate and appropriate visuals--free of errors

􀂆 Used material suited to this audience’s needs, knowledge, and concerns and interests

􀂆 Acknowledged opposing views if appropriate

􀂆Gave the right amount of information

ORGANIZATION

􀂆Presented a clear line of reasoning

􀂆 Used transitions effectively

􀂆 Avoided needless digressions; maintained professionalism

􀂆 Summarized before concluding

􀂆Was clear about what the listeners should understand and do, including any needed resources

STYLE

􀂆 effective choice for multimedia delivery

Seemed confident, relaxed

􀂆 Seemed in control of the situation

􀂆 Showed appropriate enthusiasm

􀂆 Pronounced, enunciated, and spoke well

􀂆 Used appropriate gestures, tone, volume, and delivery rate

􀂆Had good posture and eye contact; avoiding turning from audience

􀂆 Answered questions concisely and convincingly

􀂆 Provided audience with suggested pages/links/sites/visuals if deemed appropriate/desired by audience

􀂆 Professional attire