Evaluation of your presentations to the class (from your paper topic).

The best way to prepare is to practice, practice, practice.  Make careful
slides and try it out, in the mirror with a timer at first.  Then get 
someone for a sample audience.  Best to find a student who's been in Turner's
CSC 300 before and can give you pointers.  If you do not practice and get 
feedback, you may be in trouble and not know it.  You can fail the course for
an inadequate presentation, and a very good one can give your grade a serious
boost.  Most of all, the rest of the class will appreciate a well done presentation.

I will evaluate your 10 minute presentations (8 minutes speaking / 2
minutes for Q&A) on the following factors, with roughly the listed emphasis:

1.     Eye contact and speaking style.  Do you make eye contact with the 
       audience?  Don't read from notes or slides.  Do you speak clearly and loud 
       enough?  Do you show some passion for the topic or the analysis? (10 points)

2.     Quality of slides.  Slides should be sparse and have only the 
       main headings to organize the talk.  Probably less than 10 slides
       is correct, 1 slide for every couple of minutes.  Slides should not
       be distracting to the listener, attention should be on you, the
       presenter.  (10 points)

3.     Presentation of FACTS in an unbiased manner.  Do you give us a quick
       introduction to what is happening in the area of your issue?  Do you
       get us interested?  (10 points)

4.     Statement of a narrow, focused issue for resolution.  You must let us
       know what issue you would like to resolve here, and a bit about how
       you plan to resolve it. (10 points)

5.     Use of ethical principles and ethical analysis to come to a reasoned
       conclusion.  This is the majority of the grade / impression you can 
       make on the audience.  This is where the real heart of the talk lies. It 
       includes other known analyses from your research and your analysis to give
       us YOUR answer and its logical support.  (HALF the grade is here - 50 pts)

6.     Ability to field questions, handle diverse personalities and help the
       audience understand the reasons for your conclusions. (10 points)


Last Updated: March 2008