for josh only

Press Conference

Engaging in a dialogue with others is one of the best ways to rethink our convictions and gain new insights. One of the dangers of attempting to persuade is becoming so focused on what we’re trying to argue that we lose sight of the bigger picture. The Press Conference assignment will help you revisit your own topic from a different vantage point, resulting in a more nuanced and multi- dimensional perspective on your topic. As your research progresses, and in order to help you bounce your ideas off of a ready audience for feedback, you will be presenting your project in class during the latter part of the course. Though you are making a presentation, it is meant to feel informal and comfortable. It is effectively a large small-group workshop. The Press Conference assignment should also help you to organize your ideas into an outline. The Assignment Create a PowerPoint presentation of that includes about10 slides, following the guidelines below. Present your argument in a 5-minute presentation (practice and time yourself so all students will have time to present), followed by a 5-minute “Press Conference,” in which you will field questions/comments from the class. Classic Argument Approach Your PowerPoint should contain approximately 8 slides, constructed as follows: Slide 1: Visual (Title overlay) Slide 2: Hook/intro Slide 3: Context: Briefly discuss your reason for choosing this subject and the larger context of the topic. Slide 4: Thesis Statement: “We should(n’t) _____ because ____” form at the top of the slide Slide 5: With the rhetorical triangle in mind, 1) define your audience and the strategy you’ll be using to appeal to their emotions. Slides 6-8 : Main Points: Include your main points, along with one source that supports your point. For each source include:

a) the MLA citation for your source b) A direct quote or paraphrase from your source to support your point

Penultimate slide: Possible counterarguments Last slide: Call to action or “so what?” of your presentation. Rogerian Argument Approach Your argument should contain slides constructed as follows:

Slide 1: Visual (Title overlay) Slide 2: Hook/intro Slide 3: Context: Provide context for your opposing arguments. Slide 4: With the rhetorical triangle in mind, 1) define your audience and the strategy you’ll be using to appeal to their emotions. Slide 5: Main Points of opposition (use at least one source and one direct quote or paraphrase) Slide 6: Common ground Slide 7: Thesis Statement: “We should(n’t) _____ because ____” form at the top of the slide Slides 8-10 : Main Points of your argument: Include your main points, along with one source that supports your point. For each source include:

c) the MLA citation for your source d) A direct quote or paraphrase from your source to support your point

Last slide: Call to action or “so what?” of your presentation.

Presentation Logistics

I. Present your PowerPoint. The only sections that you should read aloud are: 1) your thesis, and 2) portion of your introduction on Slide 2. All material on the slides should be as brief and concise as possible – and you will discuss rather than read the issues you are having with sources.

II. Once you’ve presented your PowerPoint, your peers will respond with comments/questions to improve either the logic of your thesis, appealing to your audience, and the quality/relevance of your sources. This is meant to be a BACK AND FORTH DISCUSSION between you and your audience.

Evaluation You will be evaluated on the quality of your PowerPoint, your adherence to the assignment above and the time limit, and the class discussion you spur following your PowerPoint.

Press Conference Evaluation

PRESENTER:______________________________TOPIC:_______________________________________GRADE:_____________ 1) ______

a. PowerPoint meets assignment description meticulously: 1. Thesis in proposal argument form 2. Pathos slide defines audience and includes a portion of your introduction showing you building a bridge to the audience. 3. Three slides citing the three most relevant, important sources. Sources are correctly cited in MLA citation style, and include only a brief summary.

2) ______ a. Oral Presentation exhibits preparation and familiarity with your sources and argument. b. You spur class discussion following the presentation of your PowerPoint.

3.) Questions for the presenter:

Press Conference Evaluation

PRESENTER:______________________________TOPIC:_______________________________________GRADE:_____________ 1) ______

a. PowerPoint meets assignment description meticulously, including 5 slides: 1. Thesis in proposal argument form 2. Pathos slide defines audience and includes a portion of your introduction showing you building a bridge to the audience. 3. Three slides citing the three most relevant, important sources. Sources are correctly cited in MLA citation style, and include only a brief summary.

2) ______ a. Oral Presentation exhibits preparation and familiarity with your sources and argument. b. You spur class discussion following the presentation of your PowerPoint.

3) Questions for the presenter