Group Presentation

TAs

Speech Assignment Sheet [be sure to read this item in its entirety] updtd & edited 4/6/10

GROUPINGS ALREADY FINALIZED - general topics finalized

             ASSIGNMENT & INFORMATION SHEET

Group Panel Presentations

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

    [[ This complex document contains the list of groups & the detailed assignment sheets for upcoming group activity. It will serve as a user's manual to guide you through this unit which is being done as semi-independent study. 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>>]]

      Mostly, you will be learning-by-doing--via the planning sessions as well as via the actual presentation. This kind of experiential learning is an effective way to develop your group competency skills - but 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.

Activity Goals

The goal of this activity is to use an immersion type of experiential learning for developing a preliminary understanding of another facet of Oral Communication: GROUPS & INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. The interpersonal side of communication is actually what most businesses & corporations mean when they say they are seeking employees with good communication skills.

The first thing you should do in order to prepare for this unit is to carefully read Chapters   10 & 11 in your text [12e] -- so that you will understand the communication principles underlying your activities in this assignment, as you work within groups. 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 each group's submitted materials and on the quality of the oral presentation itself. In general, 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 classmates, you will plan and complete this class unit which is designed to help you experience & explore the dynamics & procedures of interpersonal / group communication:

> the Group Discussion/Presentation   [click to go directly to this information sheet]
> the list of Groups [click to go directly to list]

> the planning procedures [click to go directly to this information sheet]

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

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

                    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 10 & 11.

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. The amount of time available for the actual presentation is limited for several reasons (the # of people in the class, an overall shortened semester, , etc.) However, this time limitation is actually desirable since so many class members are still working on being more AUDIENCE/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: as with constructing a speech the key to success will be 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 lot of ground &/or give your listeners a lot of background. You don't have that kind of time.

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

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 the groups are all relatively large, it may not be possible for each individual to speak in this segment.

Segment 2 {the Panel} [approx 5-7minutes] - 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.

Segment 3 {the Forum} [ approx 4-5 minutes] - Next, the subjective discussion will be opened up to questions & comments from the audience members.

[tip:The presentation is structured in this way:    SYMPOSIUM (part 1) , PANEL (part 2) , FORUM (part 3) so that you can experience all 3 of the primary group presentation formats - even though this will be our only opportunity this semester to do a group presentation. This will also help you begin to work on the group / team competency as outlined by the Stillman School of Business.

TOPIC:

Please keep in mind that the structure & procedures of this activity put the emphasis on learning about the group process rather than trying to explore any given topic in depth. That's why your topic needs to be VERY limited & focused.

Out of the very general topic area of: "CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES OF-THE-DAY", each group should select an aspect of an aspect --- of a specific topic for the presentation. {e.g. select an aspect of: Globalism , NAFTA , TARP , 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' pricing policies, etc.}

Since each presentation will need to include some discussion/debate/exploration of differing perspectives with Segments 2 & 3, it's best to choose a topic on which there is already some DISagreement among the group members. Also, you may want to approach the topic using the "problem solving" process outlined in your text.

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)

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ensuring the completion of the prelim. & final agenda/outlines

>>

overseeing the research assignments

>>

overseeing the symposium assignments

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moderating the discussion during the panel & forum segments

>>

maintaining the timing - per segment & overall

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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 Tues 4/13 -4:00pm]

[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.

[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 the 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 5/5]

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)

  If you use these opportunities efficiently, you should be able to easily complete the planning, research, portion of the LS group project.

3. For the most part, your meeting-and-planning time for this activity will be concurrent with the round of Combo Presentations [ 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 your MEETING & PLANNING { Verderber-12e}

DURING YOUR GROUP PLANNING SESSIONS {which will occur both in & out of classtime}, BE SURE TO ACCOMPLISH THESE TASKS: <<most of these already have been mentioned above; here the are 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 if your discussion approach will be aimed toward FACT , VALUE , or POLICY. (see pp. 237-8 in text) [Note: Despite the implications in your text, Group Discussion Presentations are not necessarily problem solving in purpose. Instead, if it's more appropriate for your topic, your group might choose to share information or to decide on the worth/value of something or decide on a policy.]

4. Phrase your "DISCUSSION QUESTION" [which serves the same purpose for a group discussion that a Thesis Statement does for an individual speaker]. See your text for examples (esp. pp.237-8)

5. Complete a "Preliminary Agenda/Outline" worksheet. I may have hard copy versions available as well, but you can submit it via e-mail. [click link for an online version of the form ] This will give me some idea about how the group is progressing on its own. (we won't be all together as a class for a while!)
** see above 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 for the group's planned presentation. 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 . Due just BEFORE the group gives its presentation.

8. Remember, Group Presentations differ from individual presentations because they are NOT rehearsed in advance. Of course, each group member should rehearse his/her individual "mini-informatives" that will be delivered in Segment 1; however, the best you can do to prepare for Segments 2 & 3 is 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.}}

[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 these multiple delivery styles:

1. SYMPOSIUM = you are talking TO your audience as well as your fellow participants & you should be talking FOR them. [ i.e. make your speech portion audience centered

2. PANEL_ = _ you are not talking TO your fellow participants but you realize the audience is silently listening in, so you should still be talking FOR them. [i.e. project E & E & make language & examples audience-centered.

Whenever doing a "panel" presentation, there is the awareness of an audience. If any of you are someday involved in 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 = 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]

S'10   TA - GROUPS:

Group #1
Supreet KAUR   , Nicole BLACKFORD , Pete MONGIOVE , Larry NASTELON , Mark PISELLI

[in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (3/29) & 4/7 & 4/14 & (4/19) ]

    [the group presentation is on Weds 4/21 ]

general topic:some aspect of Capital Punishment

Ques-of-????__    A/0 rcvd

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

Group #2
Irene EZIRIKE , CiCi (Mengjiao) XI , Billy HANOUSEK , Gary IANNARONE , Steve GIARRATANO
in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (3/29) & 4/12 & 4/14 & (4/19) ]

   [the group presentation is on Weds 4/21 ]

Do you think that the Going Green campaign is beneficial to the environment or is it just a publicity stunt?

Ques-of- FACT- A/0rcvd

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

Group #3 Kameechy BYRD , Vinnie TOCZYLOWSKI ,Garrett MORANO , Tom HOWARD , Luis REYES
[in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (3/29) & 4/7(1/2 grp) & 4/12(1/2 grp) & 4/14(1/2 grp) & (4/19) ]

       [the group presentation is on Weds 4/21 ] -

general topic:The influence of color in our lives

Ques-of- ????Fact????- A/0 rcvd

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

Group #4
Blake GOODWIN , Joe Mc MONAGLE , Lauren MILNE , Michael MAIORANO , Sebastiano FASCHI

[in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (3/29) & 4/7 & 4/12 & (4/19) ]

   [the group presentation is on Weds 4/21 ]

discussion Question:Does Cell Phone Technology benefit or hurt society?
= Ques-of-VALUE - A/0 rcvd



last updated 4/14/10

>>	ensuring the completion of the prelim. & final agenda/outlines
>>	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	Supreet KAUR , Nicole BLACKFORD , Pete MONGIOVE , Larry NASTELON , Mark PISELLI [in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (3/29) & 4/7 & 4/14 & (4/19) ] [the group presentation is on Weds 4/21 ] general topic:some aspect of Capital Punishment Ques-of-????__ A/0 rcvd ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group #2	Irene EZIRIKE , CiCi (Mengjiao) XI , Billy HANOUSEK , Gary IANNARONE , Steve GIARRATANO in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (3/29) & 4/12 & 4/14 & (4/19) ] *[the group presentation is on Weds 4/21 ]* Do you think that the Going Green campaign is beneficial to the environment or is it just a publicity stunt? Ques-of- FACT- *A/0rcvd* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group #3	Kameechy BYRD , Vinnie TOCZYLOWSKI ,Garrett MORANO , Tom HOWARD , Luis REYES [in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (3/29) & 4/7(1/2 grp) & 4/12(1/2 grp) & 4/14(1/2 grp) & (4/19) ] [the group presentation is on Weds 4/21 ] - **general topic:The influence of color in our lives Ques-of- ????Fact????- A/0 rcvd** --------------
Group #4	Blake GOODWIN , Joe Mc MONAGLE , Lauren MILNE , Michael MAIORANO , Sebastiano FASCHI *[in-class planning sessions for this presentation = (3/29) & 4/7 & 4/12 & (4/19)* ] [the group presentation is on Weds 4/21 ]** discussion Question:Does Cell Phone Technology benefit or hurt society? = Ques-of-VALUE - A/0 rcvd