Group Presentation-Current version

Speech Assignment Sheet {THIS DOCUMENT = AN extra COMPREHENSIVE "INSTRUCTION MANUAL"} [be sure to read this item in its entirety]

last updtd & edited 11/12/13 Pages & dates & groupings & topics updated / Template for final A/O added

Group Panel Presentations

                          { "...an aspect about an aspect about a topic..."}

14th ed

    [[ This multi-part document will serve as a "do-it-yourself" guide for your upcoming group activity. It aims to provide all the information and direction you will need in order to work in small groups/teams planning a Panel Presentation. Within this document you will find the usual assignment details & rationales as well as a list of the matchups (groupings). In other words, you should use this assignment sheet as a user's manual to guide you through your various tasks. This unit is being done as semi-independent study , and much of your work is being done outside of the classroom. This page is quite detailed and attempts to answer all questions you might have as you WORK-IN-GROUPS. Read carefully. Although it is several pages long, you may want to print it out & highlight key points. You may find that you can figure most things out on your own>>]]

Activity Goals

The abililty to Work-in-Groups is essential for many contexts of contemporary society--particularly in your major. It is a form of Oral Communication which blends informing, persuading, and interpersonal interaction. This multifaceted speaking assignment will immerse you directly into the experience so you can learn about the process while actually doing it. Interestingly, it's the interpersonal side of communication that most businesses & corporations are referring to when say they are seeking employees with good communication skills.

HOWEVER, you are forewarned: this way of learning can be frustrating at times because you will be studying group dynamics and processes via a series of activities-- not just by reading about them in the text and/or lecture notes.

First, carefully read all 4 items in Unit III in your text [14e] Chapters 9 & 10 [13e] 10 & 11 [12e]. They will help you understand the key underlying group communication principles. In addition, review the several relevant materials within Blackboard (In the "Small Group Communication" section, there are some documents & a free-standing slide show that also clarify what it means to work effectively in groups.)

Grading Criteria

        Presentations will be graded based on the quality of two factors: the group's submitted materials and on the quality of the oral presentation itself. In most cases, everyone in group receives the same grade. However, if participation levels are clearly uneven, grades will be based on individual performance instead.

Group Procedures

    Together with 4-5 of your group/teammates, you will plan and complete this project expeeriencing & exploring the dynamics & procedures of group & interpersonal communication:

> the Group Discussion/Presentation [incl. rationale & presentation format ] [click to go directly to this information or scroll down]
> the list of Groups [click to go directly to list or scroll down]

> the planning procedures [click to go directly to this section or scroll down]

> the topic choice guidelines [click to go directly to this section or scroll down]

> the extra credit Reaction Journal [click to go directly to this section or scroll down]

> the preliminary Agenda/Outline worksheet[click to go directly to this document. Copy & paste & adjust fonts/layout as necessary.]

> the FINAL Agenda/Outline worksheet [click to go directly to this

     document. Copy & paste & adjust fonts/layout as necessary.]

> Guidelines & "tips" for the 3 Delivery formats [click to go directly to this section or scroll down]

                    ABOUT THE Panel Discussion/Presentation:

RATIONALE:

This assignment gives you an opportunity to plan, prepare & present a group presentation on an important issue or problem of the day.[see details below] You have probably already completed similar kinds of activities in other classes; however, for this project, the emphasis is on learning more about the dynamics of communication in groups. The goal is to help you become a more skilled group participant by understanding & applying the principles of Chapters 9 & 10 (10 & 11- 12e).

Most professional contexts now involve group work. For business majors, this activity is especially helpful since, in the near future, you will have to complete group projects/presentations as part of your major's competency requirements. In addition, studies continue to indicate that professional/ career success in contemporary U.S. culture is tied to one's ability to communicate effectively with another person. (The Economist, p.60, 7/27/2002)

In addition, this presentation is being structured in a way to help develop your skills of FOCUS & SUCCINCTNESS.   For several reasons, the presentation slots are relatively brief. However, this time limitation actually is desirable since it so many people need to work on being more DIRECT, more LISTENER-centered & less INFORMATION-centered.

PRESENTATION FORMAT:

When these discussions are presented in front of the class [see course syllabus for specific dates], each one will consist of three segments. The TOTAL presentation time per group is only 15-17 minutes +1 minute set-up time. This means that the group members will need to plan very carefully in order to ensure that:

everyone has a chance to participate orally, (although everyone does not need to speak in each of the 3 segments)

all three segments of group discussion are completed within the 15-17 minute limit.   [tip: similarly to public speaking presentations, one key to success is in selecting a topic that is limited & focused & then developing a well phrased CENTRAL IDEA [via your Discussion Question]. Avoid the temptation to cover a topic that is too broad. Also you don't have time to give your listeners a lot of background.

● The three segments of the 15-17 minute presentation are structured as follows:

Segment 1 {the Symposium} [approx 5-6 minutes] - Members of the group will extemporaneously present OBJECTIVE, INFORMATIVE , BACKGROUND material based on his/her portion of the research. Because of logistics, it may not be possible for each individual to speak during this segment. Be creative.

Segment 2 {the Panel} [approx 5-6 minutes] - Next, the group members will subjectively & spontaneously interact AMONG themselves - discussing their respective viewpoints on the topic & supporting their positions mostly via the researched data that was presented in Segment 1. This freeflowing discussion will be moderated by ___(?)____

Segment 3 {the Forum} [ approx 5-6 minutes] - Next, the subjective discussion will be opened up to questions & comments from the audience members. This freeflowing discussion also needs to be moderated to avoid monologues/filibusters.

[tip:The presentation is structured in this way for a reason:   SYMPOSIUM (part 1) , PANEL (part 2) , FORUM (part 3) . This structure enables you to experience all 3 of the primary group presentation formats & most of the group competency skills.

TOPIC:

Please keep in mind that this activity is moreso about learning & experiencing than it is about covering any given topic in depth. That's why your topic needs to be VERY limited & focused.

All topic areas should fall into the general category of "CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES OF-THE-DAY". Then each group should select an aspect about an aspect about the selected topic area for the presentation. {e.g.select a specific aspect of an already limited & focused topic: Globalism in the media industries , NAFTA , Occupy Wall Street movement , CEO's + Conflict-of-Interest , Glass ceiling for women & minorities , Interpersonal skills for the 21st Century , Crisis Management , Media Monopolies , Millionaire politicians, White Collar Crime, Celebrities in the Media: News or Sensationalism, Mentoring Student Athletes, New Stadiums' expensive pricing policies, Building Mosques in sensitive locales, New airline security scans & pat downs, Facebook & contemporary hiring policies, Continued gender differences in the workplace etc.}

It's best for the group to select a topic where the group members do NOT all agree on all principles. That way the diiffering perspectives to be discussed in segments 2 & 3 will be more "authentic". Also, for greater activism, you may want to approach the topic using the "problem solving" process outlined in your text, rather than simply using an information-sharing approach.

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES:

     1 -> Choose a leader/moderator. This person will be responsible for ensuring that certain tasks get done both Before & During the presentation. These tasks include ( but are not limited to)

>>

ensuring the completion of the prelim. & final agenda/outlines [ prelim. A/O worksheet linked above & below]

>>

overseeing the research assignments

>>

overseeing the symposium assignments

>>

moderating the discussion during the panel & forum segments

>>

maintaining the timing - per segment & overall

>>

making transitions between the 3 segments,   etc. etc. etc.


2 -> All group members should participate equally.  Although the leader/moderator will double check on things, it is everyone's responsibility to make sure all of the tasks get done. Everyone should be familiar with what your text says about Leadership & about member's responsibilities.

   3 -> On the next, linked page ... you will see a step-by-step review of the group
organizational procedure [click to go directly to procedures sheet] . It will help you put the text's guidelines to work.

4 -> Required Submissions for the actual DISCUSSION/PRESENTATION :

[a] Preliminary Agenda/Outline:

Each group will submit one copy of their
"Preliminary Agenda/Outline". Hard copies of this form might also be available in class .However, it is available on line via this link. The filled-in preliminary A/Os can be submitted to me via hard copy OR e-mail [no-later-than Weds 11/6 -4:00pm] The

This submission also serves to reserve your topic-- first come first served!

[b]Revised-Final Agenda/Outline:

Each group will submit one hardcopy of its revised, final Agenda/Outline on the day of presentation, BEFORE delivering the presentation. Use your professor- annotated Prelim. A/O as your basic template & revise accordingly

[c] extra credit--Reaction Journal: [see directions at right]

Directions: Any group member can submit a follow-up Reaction Journal   which is personal, individual and IN ADDITION TO any work done via group collaboration.

► If you're interested in this option, keep a 4-5 entry computer journal. { Each dated entry = 1-2 paragraphs.} This journal should consist of your thoughts & reflections about being involved in this group process.

► At the end of this unit, e-mail your journal to me. [No later than: W 12/4]

PLANNING GUIDELINES    [ For the group DISCUSSION/PRESENTATION]

1. All group members should participate equally.   It is Everyone's responsibility to make sure all of the tasks get done.

2. Overall, your laptops will be very helpful for several aspects of the meeting & planning process, including:
         >recording material during your brainstorming and planning sessions,
           > keeping a central location for the bibliography sources
            >communicating among the group members via chat & /or email, etc
            >supplementing the planning time you'll have in class ( e.g. Google docs,

                                                                                Facebook, Blackboard groups, AIM, etc)

These strategies should help your group with the planning & research portions of this project.

3. For the most part, your meeting-and-planning time for this activity will be concurrent with the round of "Combo" Presentations which will be occurring in the classroom.

[ NOTE: the "Combo" presentation assignment [i.e. individual speakers] is TOTALLY separate from the Group Presentation assignment [groups] except that --time wise --we will be doing the former on the same days we are planning the latter]

PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES for MEETING & PLANNING

{ Verderber-14/13/12e}

DURING YOUR GROUP PLANNING SESSIONS {occurring both during & outside of classtime}, BE SURE TO ACCOMPLISH THESE TASKS: <<most of these already have been mentioned above; here they are listed in order>>

1. If you haven't already done so, exchange phone numbers; you should also know each others' e-mail addresses-- for on & off campus. Also, be aware that you can send group emails to all the group members via Blackboard. In fact, each group will have its own communication site within the TOOLS section of Blackboard where you can chat, post, & exchange materials.

2. Choose a topic for your group to discuss & present. Remember, it should be interesting, multifaceted, & "discussable" --and maybe even controversial. Also remember the general principles of topic selection that we discussed in class during the speech construction unit.
[[* Review topic guidelines for this semester as discussed above. Topics are on a "first come/first served" basis, so reserve your grp's topic with me as soon as you decide on it! ]]

3. Decide on your discussion approach. Aim for FACT , VALUE , or POLICY. (see pp. 226+ in text [12ed=237-8]) [Note: Despite the implications in your text, Group Discussion Presentations are not necessarily problem solving in purpose. Problem Solving is exciting, but for your topic, it may be more appropriate for your group (1) to share information or (2) to decide on the worth/value of something or (3) to decide on a policy/action-to-be-taken.]

4. Phrase your "DISCUSSION QUESTION" [note: A D.Q. serves the same purpose for a group discussion that a Thesis Statement does for an individual speaker]. See your text for examples (esp. pp.227 [12ed=237-8])

5. Complete a "Preliminary Agenda/Outline" worksheet. Submit via e-mail. [click this link for an online version of the form. Copy & paste --without the background ] This will give me insight on the group's progress. (We won't be all together as a class for a while!)
** see the dates above or refer to the course calendar for the details & deadline for this preliminary submission-- the earlier the better.**

6. Determine the amount & type of research necessary to complete Segment 1 of the presentation. Remember, Segment 1 is based on data & evidence, not opinion. It will be presented as a series of "mini" Informative, extemporaneous speeches".

7. Prepare a hard copy of the FINAL Agenda/Outline. This document should be a group effort although it is the responsibility of the designated leader/moderator to make sure it is ready to hand in . As always, it is due just BEFORE the group gives its presentation. Use the format of the Preliminary A/O as your template & make changes accordingly.

8. Remember, Group Presentations differ from individual presentations because they are NOT rehearsed in advance. Of course, each group member should rehearse his/her own individual "mini-informative speech " that will be delivered in Segment 1; however, the best way to prepare for Segments 2 & 3 is just to be very familiar with your additional data and evidence. {{N.B. - Allow approximately 4-5 minutes for EACH of the 3 parts of the overall presentation. This will allow you a little "wiggle room & time flexibility}}

[Yes, debate-refutation, roleplaying, and TV news-formats are some of the variations you could use in your presentations. It's up to you & your imaginations. Visual/presentation aids are welcome.]

Tips on Handling the Multiple Delivery styles of Group Presentation:

1. SYMPOSIUM = you are talking TO your audience as well as TO your fellow participants .[i.e. make your mini-speech extemporaneous & audience centered]

2. PANEL = you are talking TO your fellow participants but you realize the audience is silently listening in, so you should also be talking FOR them.[i.e. as you talk amongst yourselves, still project "E & E" & make volume, language & examples audience-centered.]

i.e. Whenever doing a "panel" presentation, there is the awareness of an audience. If your future professional experiences everinvolve you discussing a topic in front of an audience, remember you are not talking TO them but you are talking FOR them. Be sure to keep that energy & volume up & projected out & keep them motivated to listen even though you are not making eye contact with them.

3. FORUM = as part of your group. you are talking WITH your audience. They are the ones asking the questions and directing the discussion. [ i.e. accommodate their interests but weave in reinforcement of your own central idea]

F'13   LS - GROUPS: this section to be updated re: topics

Group #1
Prachi MAKKAR , Carla SANTOS , Brian BOZZO , Kristen NUZZOLESE ,

Sean REAGAN



[in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (10/30 ) 11/6 & 11/11 (11/13)



[the group presentation is on Mon 11/18]

Discussion Question: In today�s society,are women being objectified by hip hop artists?

Ques-of- Fact discussion / _ prelim A/0 Rcvd

Combo Pres = 11/4

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Group #2

Ara BAROTILLA , Geoffrey THOMULKA , Luciano CUNDARI , Zach DE MARTINIS , Caity CONROY , Sumera MUNHAF

in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (10/30 ) 11/4[1/2 grp)& 11/61/2 grp) & 11/111/2 grp) (11/13)

   [the group presentation is on Mon 11/18]

Discussion Question: Should the U.S. government allow women to

fight in front line combat?

Should the legal high school drop-out age be changed from 16 to 18 or remain the same at 16 with parental consent

?

Ques-of- Policy discussion / _ prelim A/0 rcvd

Combo Pres = 11/4,6,11

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Group #3
Melissa VEGA , Cameron QUISENBERRY , Amanda SULKOSKY , Fabian LUCCIOLA , Anthony PESCETTO

in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (10/30) 11/4 & 11/11 (11/13)

[the group presentation is on Mon 11/18]

Discussion Question: TO what degree should affirmative action influence the college admission process ?

Ques-of- Policy discussion / _ prelim A/0 rcvd

Combo Pres = 11/6,

----------------------------------------

Group #4
Sean CONWAY , Grace KULIKOWSKI , John POSTEl , Vina TAILOR ,

Elizabeth BURKE

in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (10/30) & 11/4 & 11/6 & (11/13)

[the group presentation is on Mon 11/18]

Discussion Question: Is the invasion of privacy presented at an airport necessary for the public's safety?

Ques-of- FACT_ discussion / _ prelim A/0 rcvd

Combo Pres = 11/11

----------------------------------------

(



last updated 11/12/13

>>	ensuring the completion of the prelim. & final agenda/outlines [ prelim. A/O worksheet linked above & below]
>>	overseeing the research assignments
>>	overseeing the symposium assignments
>>	moderating the discussion during the panel & forum segments
>>	maintaining the timing - per segment & overall
>>	making transitions between the 3 segments, etc. etc. etc.

Group #1	Prachi MAKKAR , Carla SANTOS , Brian BOZZO , Kristen NUZZOLESE , Sean REAGAN [in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (10/30 ) 11/6 & 11/11 (11/13) [the group presentation is on Mon 11/18] Discussion Question: In today�s society,are women being objectified by hip hop artists? Ques-of- Fact discussion / _ prelim A/0 Rcvd Combo Pres = 11/4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group #2	Ara BAROTILLA , Geoffrey THOMULKA , Luciano CUNDARI , Zach DE MARTINIS , Caity CONROY , Sumera MUNHAF in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (10/30 ) 11/4[1/2 grp)& 11/61/2 grp) & 11/111/2 grp) (11/13) *[the group presentation is on Mon 11/18]* *Discussion Question: Should the U.S. government allow women to* fight in front line combat? Should the legal high school drop-out age be changed from 16 to 18 or remain the same at 16 with parental consent ? Ques-of- Policy *discussion / _ prelim* *A/0 rcvd* *Combo Pres = 11/4,6,11* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group #3	Melissa VEGA , Cameron QUISENBERRY , Amanda SULKOSKY , Fabian LUCCIOLA , Anthony PESCETTO *in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (10/30) 11/4 & 11/11* (11/13) [the group presentation is on Mon 11/18] Discussion Question: TO what degree should affirmative action influence the college admission process ? Ques-of- Policy discussion / _ prelim A/0 rcvd Combo Pres = 11/6,** ----------------------------------------
Group #4	Sean CONWAY , Grace KULIKOWSKI , John POSTEl , Vina TAILOR , Elizabeth BURKE in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (10/30) & 11/4 & 11/6 & (11/13) [the group presentation is on Mon 11/18] Discussion Question: Is the invasion of privacy presented at an airport necessary for the public's safety? Ques-of- FACT_ discussion / _ prelim A/0 rcvd *Combo Pres = 11/11* ---------------------------------------- (