ENGL 2000-American Speech

Spring Semester 2006

Speech Presentation Assignment

Presentations will take place February 27-28 and March 1-2. You will need to sign up for a specific time to do your presentation.

Topic: Choose one of the follow articles for your presentation. Both can be found at the American English link at www.pbs.org/speak/

1. Cutler, Cecelia. "Crossing Over: Language Crossing--Borrowing Identity"

LINK: http://www.pbs.org/speak/speech/prestige/crossing/

2. Wolfram, Walt. "The Truth about Language Change"

Link: http://www.pbs.org/speak/ahead/change/change/

Setting: You will present this as a typical classroom style presentation. However, I will be the only member of your audience. This will allow me to give you some specific constructive feedback about your oral presentation style, and it will allow us to develop some specific goals to work toward for the rest of the semester.

Guidelines

I will assess your presentation on the following elements:

I. Time: Your presentation should last 3-5 minutes. I will time each presentation and will deduct points if you exceed your allotted time.  You should practice your presentation in advance, so that you have some idea of the time it will take to present your material. It is also a good idea to bring a watch with you to keep track of your time.

II. Organization: Your presentation should be clearly organized with specific points and examples that you want to present.

III. Content: Your presentation should include the most relevant information. While much can be said about your specific article, focus on the most crucial points and/or examples that will increase our understanding of its main ideas.

IV. Clarity: Your audience should be able to clearly hear and understand your presentation. When it is your turn to present, come to the front of the room.  Speak clearly so that others can hear you. Practice your presentation in advance so that you feel comfortable presenting it in public. Since this is a formal academic presentation, you should strive to use Standard American English.

V. Body Language: You should strive to make eye contact with your audience. Address your audience; don't simply read from your notes. Be aware of your body and avoid nervous movements that might distract from your presentation.

NOTE: Along with your presentation, you should plan to turn in a ONE page, typewritten outline of your presentation. This should be an outline of the major ideas, points, and/or examples that will comprise your presentation. Give one copy to me before your presentation. Use the other as a guide for your presentation.

See the guidelines posted on my website  (http://www.westga.edu/~dnewton/engl2000/pg1.html) for additional information about the presentations.