Speech Assignment Sheet {a how-to
manual} [be sure to read this item
in its entirety]
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page last updated 9/14
Oral Comm. GS-F'14 |
-- MAJOR PRESENTATION #1 --
- "INTERPRETING" ORAL INTERPRETATION -
a.k.a. Making the Written Word Speak - basic ver
14th Ed.
Some Frequently Asked Questions. Click or scroll down.
> ORAL INTERPRETATION (OF LITERATURE). WHAT IS IT?
> ORAL INTERPRETATION (OF LITERATURE). WHAT IT'S NOT.
> WHY IS THIS BEING USED AS OUR FIRST MAJOR PRESENTATION?
> WHAT CAN THIS PRESENTATION ACCOMPLISH FOR AN ORAL COMMUNICATOR-IN-THE-MAKING ?
> EXACTLY WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE PRESENTATION ITSELF?
>WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO PREPARE FOR THIS PRESENTATION?
> WHAT NEEDS TO BE HANDED IN: IN ADVANCE? ON DAY-OF-PRESENTATION?
> WHEN WILL THESE PRESENTATIONS OCCUR? WHO SPEAKS WHEN?
> ORAL INTERPRETATION ( OF LITERATURE). WHAT IS IT?
Oral Interpretation involves the oral presenter reading aloud the actual words as created by the author.
Because expressive writings work best for reading aloud, the full name of this presentation style is actually "Oral Interpretation of Literature." However, for our purposes this semester, we will be stretching the definition a little. Therefore, you can choose from a wider range of written material than typical "literature" sources. |
> ORAL INTERPRETATION (OF LITERATURE). WHAT IT'S NOT.
Sometimes people misunderstand the title, Oral Interpretation, to mean that the presenter's role is to talk ABOUT the literature selection.
Actually the "interpretation" is the vocal & physical coloring the presenter gives to the author's exact, original words while reading them aloud, verbatim. |
> WHY IS THIS OUR FIRST MAJOR PRESENTATION?
Oral Interpretation of Literature puts the emphasis on several of the presenter's "external" skills. The presenter doesn't have to spend as much time researching and structuring & then creating a full speech, most of the preparation time will be devoted to rehearsing the selection aloud--using the voice & body to make the words "come alive" to a listener. This focus is well suited to early in the semester since we have not yet covered creating & structuring extemporaneous speeches but we have addressed voice and delivery.
It is possible to take a course called Oral Interpretation which goes into more detail about the art of language & the structure of literature genres. For our purposes in this class, the focus is on VOCAL Competence (via Chap 15 (13th ed = Ch14) & Voice slide show & class activities), PHYSICAL Competence (via Chap 15 (13th ed = Ch14) & class activities), and LANGUAGE Awareness ((via Chaps 4 & 14 (13th ed = Ch3) & class activities) |
> WHAT IS THIS PRESENTATION DESIGNED TO ACCOMPLISH FOR YOUR ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS?
In this presentation, you will get to use Vocal Variety , Physical Gestures/Movement & Overall Animation in order to make the written selections "come alive" for your listeners. [i.e. by bringing out the emotion, meaning, and theme of the selection(s)]. This is great practice & a foundation for being more meaningful with all of the words that come out of your mouth-- no matter what type of communication you are engaged in.
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> EXACTLY WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE PRESENTATION ITSELF?
This presentation is one of the few times this semester that you will be assigned to use "Manuscript" delivery style [i.e. you will be reading your "literature" selection(s) aloud: word-for-word, but you ALSO need to maintain frequent eye contact.] You'll make use of your vocal and physical skills to make the words "come alive" for your listeners. |
> WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO PREPARE FOR THIS PRESENTATION?
PREPARATION: Here's the sequence at a glance: 1. Select your Readings. (the "literature" selections) 2. Analyze Your Selection(s). 3. Submit a Preliminary Analysis Paper [ specifications listed below] 4. Devise an Introduction, a Conclusion, and any transitions that may be appropriate. 5. Practice the Presentation [including reading the selections aloud with feeling, vocal & physical skill] 6. Revise the emailed Analysis paper as directed via your Professor's feedback. Have a hard copy ready to be submitted on the "day of"--BEFORE you give your presentation. You will NOT want to wait until the last minute to print it out! 7 Keep Practicing.
PREPARATION: Here are the details one by one :
1. Select your Readings.
WHAT TO SELECT :
WHERE TO LOOK :
2. Analyze Your Selections Next, complete a careful Analysis of your selection(s). This is necessary because you really need to understand and appreciate the inner workings of the selection(s), in order to present them effectively for others to understand and experience the writer's work. This step also will help you develop your preliminary & final analysis papers as assigned below.
For your analysis, take note of such things as: language style , word choice , the overall writing style , the structure of the selection , the author's underlying message , your own thoughts/reactions which were sparked by the selection. In particular, consider the concepts we discussed during our recent language workshop ( e.g. tool/culture/art)
3. Submit a Preliminary Analysis Paper (via email)
Contents of the "ANALYSIS PAPER" = these four items, only:-> Title (of each selection)-> Author (of each selection) -> Summary (of each selection -approx. one paragraph each) -> Theme (of each selection - approx. 2-3 sentences for each)
See submission details below.
4. Devise an Introduction, a Conclusion, and any transitions that may be appropriate. S tructuring the Presentation: In addition to reading the actual selection(s) out loud to your audience [verbatim] , there are other components to the presentation. As an oral interpreter, your goal is to prepare your listeners to understand and appreciate what you are reading to them and to ensure that they understand the main points & underlying message of the selection(s) you have read. Therefore, you also will need to:A. Devise an INTRODUCTION (30 sec - 1 minute in length) B. If needed, devise TRANSITIONS (to use between selections / 1-2 sentences each)C. If appropriate, devise a CONCLUSION (30 sec - 1minute in length )
5. Practice the Presentation [including orally reading the selections aloud with feeling, vocal & physical skill]
Delivery : Be sure to read what your text has to say about the "Manuscript" method of speech delivery. AND, don't forget the importance of using eye contact, vocal variety, & natural gestures-- even when you are reading from a "manuscript." Additional recommended reading in Blackboard tutorials: 'Public Speaking-Presentation Skills' & 'Public Speaking Process Overview-Delivery'.
6. Revise the (emailed) Preliminary Analysis Paper, as directed by the annotations in your Professor's response.
Be sure to have a hard copy of your revised Analysis Paper ready to be submitted BEFORE you give presentation. Do NOT wait until the last minute to print it out!
7 Keep Practicing.
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OPTIONAL VARIATION -- If you would like to maximize your options for moral support & buddy system feedback, this presentation can be done as a collaboration between 2 people. However, if you select this alternative, please note that:
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>HOW LONG WILL THE PRESENTATION BE?
TIMING: The entire presentation should total 3 - 4 min. This includes the introduction + the actual selection(s) + any transitions that you think are appropriate + and the conclusion.
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> WHAT NEEDS TO BE HANDED IN: IN ADVANCE? ON DAY-OF-PRESENTATION?
Each speaker is required to prepare & submit an "ANALYSIS PAPER" . The preliminary version is due in advance, no-later-than the date listed below. The final, revised version is due to be handed to the professor on the "day off" -- before the presentation begins. The Analysis Paper consists only of the following 4 items-- for each selection that is being read orally within the presentation: [ i.e. if you are reading one longer selection, you need one AnalPap. If you are reading several shorter selections, you will need to complete a brief analysis for each one. ] "ANALYSIS PAPER" = -> Title (of each selection) -> Author (of each selection) -> Summary (of each selection -approx. one paragraph each) -> Theme (of each selection - approx. 2-3 sentences for each) NB: "Summary" = what happens in the selection; i.e. plot / " Theme" = what the selection is about; i.e. the writer's underlying message
Due in advance: >> email Submission of a Preliminary Analysis Paper: ( as described above) is due no later than Fri 9/19 - 10:00pm -- EARLIER SUBMISSION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in order to receive a timely response. The "HARD COPY" of your Revised Analysis Paper is due on YOUR assigned Day-of-Presentation: BEFORE you give the presentation. Do NOT wait until the last minute to print it out!
Remember, the contents of the "ANALYSIS PAPER" = 4 items only -> Title (of each selection)-> Author (of each selection)-> Summary (of each selection -approx. one paragraph each)-> Theme (of each selection - approx. 2-3 sentences for each)
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> WHEN WILL THESE PRESENTATIONS OCCUR? WHO SPEAKS WHEN?
This semester, presentations begin on | GS: Weds 9/24. Refer to your class's specific Presentation schedule page to be finalized by 9/22 noon in order to find out the specific date you are scheduled to speak & the date you are scheduled to serve as a written evaluator. This Presentation Schedule <listing Speakers & Evaluators> also will be accessible via the course calendar as well as via the Presentation Schedule shortcut button on Dr. Plummer's main web page. You are always welcome to volunteer for a particular presentation date, but once the schedule is published/posted (generally 2-3 days before the presentations begin), no changes can be made unless YOU make arrangements to switch slots with someone. If you do, be sure to notify me of any switches asap. |
updated 9/9/14]
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For Section LS: Evveryone's presentation (including non-LS class members)will be based on the same general theme: "Influencing Others: Words of Leadership".
There various sources where you can look to find selections that fit into this theme:
- Works that have been written by people in leadership roles
- Written works that -in some way- address the act and/or art of influencing the behavior of others
- Works that have been written about people who are considered to be "leaders", etc.}