Presentations Group Work UCD Access Learning Outcomes Presentations

Presentations & Group Work UCD Access

Learning Outcomes Presentations Topic & Preparation Visual Aids Group Work Structure & Roles Task Management

Exercise Why might a presentation be used as a method of assessment in your module?

Why Presentations? Public speaking Oral demonstration of ability/knowledge Discursive abilities Preparation for interviews/work

What’s being assessed? Content – accuracy, structure, research Group Work - Coordination with other speakers Clarity – Voice, Body Language Use of Visual Aids Time Keeping Fielding Questions

Choosing a Topic Seriously consider all of the topics given Don’t choose a topic without thinking carefully Don’t automatically choose the topic that seems easiest Use a mind map/ spider diagram Choose one that interests you/your group

Structure Outline Introduction Points backed up with research Conclusion Questions

Your Voice Pace Volume Articulation Overall Clarity

Body Language Sitting or Standing Projecting Confidence Being Relaxed Making eye contact

What is the purpose of your visual aid? Help audience to follow as you speak Give audience material to use later Provide assistance to you as you speak Provide lecturer/tutor with evidence of work

Visual Aids Hand-outs Powerpoint Prezi Poster Overhead Projector

Visual Aids Preliminary Checklist What equipment is available? Do you know how to use it? Does the venue limit your choice? What will other speakers be using? How long is your talk? Do you have a backup if equipment fails?

Visual Aids - General Guidelines Avoid long sentences or paragraphs Use images where appropriate Use graphs/tables where appropriate Include references

Visual Aids - Checklist Can all details be seen at the back of the room? Is there irrelevant material to be removed? Are your materials free from spelling errors? Are all your facts correct? Have you shown too much detail? Overall, is your message clearly articulated?

Using Power. Point Colour Background Font Images

Group Presentations Advantages • Sharing Workload • Variety of Perspectives • Practice Teamwork

Group Presentations - Checklist Everyone has introduced themselves Everyone has provided contact details Everyone has offered an opinion on the topic choice Work has been divided equally Schedule of group meetings has been agreed

Group Presentations - Consistency Visual aids should be in a single agreed upon style A single Power. Point presentation should be used Each speaker should be introduced at the start and briefly by the preceding speaker

Timing Time yourself at least three times Remember you may speak faster when nervous

Audience Lecturer/Tutor Fellow students Practice presentation in front of others

Preparation Write out your presentation Create Flashcards • This ‘script’ should not be read out in the presentation itself • Use prompts and main words/points

Overcoming Nerves Familiarity with venue Begin with a question or scenario for the audience to consider Prepare your opening and closing comments

Controlling your nerves Positive Mental Attitude Breathing Comfort Level – sitting or standing Practice, practice!

Dealing with audience questions Clarify questions Refer questions to the audience Refer questions back to the speaker Refer questions to an expert

Group Work Advantages • Sharing and stimulating ideas • Gaining outside perspectives • Understanding material more clearly • Gaining discussion experience

Exercise What could be the potential challenges when completing a group project?

Group Work Challenges • Unequal workload • Unreliable group members • Lack of open dialogue • Poor listening skills • Anxiety

Keys to Success Investigate Group Strengths Make ground rules • Set times/dates of meetings • Define unacceptable behaviour • Decide consequences of unacceptable behaviour • Set clear agendas and boundaries • Check progress regularly

Get Organised Allocate tasks Allocate roles • • Chairperson Timekeeper Record-Keeper Task Manager

Use Trello to Co-ordinate on Projects Easily Web App

Always Listen Support Encourage Collaborate Co-operate

Being a Team Player A team is only as strong as its weakest member Each member of a team has responsibility for the effectiveness of the team

Reliability Do your fair share Meet commitments Be consistent

Constructive Communication Clear communication Direct communication Honest communication Respectful communication

Active Listening Absorb, understand, and consider ideas and points of view Receive criticism without reacting defensively Listen first and speak second

Active Participation Come prepared for team meetings Listen and speak up in discussions Do not sit passively on the sidelines Take the initiative to help make things happen Volunteer for tasks "What contribution can I make to help the team achieve success? "

Knowledge Sharing Share information, knowledge, and experience Keep other team members informed Feel comfortable talking and passing along important news and information day-today

Effective Group Work Methods Research Brainstorming Open Discussion Compilation of ideas Negotiation and Compromise Voting/Ranking Agreeing Consensus