9. Oral Assignments at IU - Study Notes

Overview

  • Topic: Oral Assignments at IU
  • Purpose: Help students present their work clearly and convincingly, using visuals to share methods and findings with an audience.
  • Key references cited: Polonsky & Waller (2004); Seifert (2015).
  • Additional note on utility: With preparation and practice, these skills are useful not just in school, but also in professional life (Hüttmann, 2018).
  • Source context: IU course material for Oral Assignments.

Objectives and Procedure

  • Students should show they can work independently on an academic topic.
  • Students should explain their research clearly and accessibly.
  • The presentation should follow a clear outline and include supporting visuals.

Structure

  • All presentations usually include:
    • Title slide
    • Outline
    • Introduction – Grab attention with a quote, image, question, or bold statement
    • 1. 2. 3. (implies multiple introductory points or slides)
  • Additional structural cues appear in the material as the outline continues across pages.

Content and Visuals

  • Body section: Explain the project goals, methods, process, and results, ensuring a common thread throughout.
  • Conclusion: Summarize findings and provide new perspectives if possible.
  • Figures/tables: Optional
  • Bibliography: Present in accordance with academic standards; content must be verifiable and traceable.
  • Supporting visuals: Use PowerPoint to highlight the project process and results.
  • Each slide should focus on one main idea, with action titles.
  • Introduce images verbally before showing them.
  • Slides should be readable and uncluttered.
  • Visual choices: Avoid experimenting with visuals if unsure; templates with recommended fonts and colors are safer.
  • Supporting citations for visuals: Polonsky & Waller (2004); Seifert (2015); National Conference of State Legislatures (2017).

Rhetoric and Appearance

  • Verbal and non-verbal communication are both essential for effective presentations.
    • Voice: Speak naturally, varying tone, speed, and volume.
    • Pronunciation: Speak clearly.
    • Breathing: Maintain pace and allow pauses.
    • Posture & appearance: Appear relaxed and confident; clothing matters.
    • Gestures: Use hand movements to support points.
    • Facial expressions: Consciously convey emotions.
    • Eye contact: Even online, look at the camera like a conversation partner.
  • Practice is essential: use a mirror or ask someone to give feedback.

Practical Guidelines and Best Practices

  • Structure and clarity are emphasized throughout: one main idea per slide, clear outline, and verifiable content.
  • Visuals should enhance understanding rather than distract. Use templates with safe fonts/colors.
  • When presenting visuals, verbal narration should precede the showing of images.

Formal Requirements and Evaluation

  • The section is titled "Formal Requirements and Evaluation" and lists items (4., 5., 6., 7.) indicative of formal criteria, though detailed content is not provided in the transcript.
  • Presentations have formal criteria that accompany the evaluation process.

Presentation Logistics

  • Duration: Presentations last 15 minutes.
  • Submission format: Submissions are via the Bongo tool as a PDF (IU, 2020).
  • End of presentation: There is no discussion at the end.

Grading and Course Guidance

  • Grading breakdown:
    • Content, structure, argument quality, and conclusion: 70%
    • Rhetorical skills and visuals: 30%
  • Additional guidance: Students should consult the Exam Guide on myCampus for course-specific rules and guidance.
  • Optional: The instructor offers to prepare a super short, quick-review version of study notes if requested.

References cited in the notes

  • Polonsky, A., & Waller, M. (2004). [Cited in the transcript]
  • Seifert, A. [Cited in the transcript]
  • Hüttmann, P. (2018). [Cited in the transcript]
  • National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). (2017). [Cited in the transcript]
  • IU. (2020). [Cited in the transcript]

Quick recap for exam prep

  • Purpose and benefits of oral assignments
  • Required structure and content components
  • How to handle body, conclusion, and bibliography
  • Visuals: one idea per slide; introduce images verbally; keep slides readable
  • Rhetorical and non-verbal skills: voice, pace, gestures, eye contact, practice
  • Submission format and grading weights
  • Where to find course-specific rules: Exam Guide on myCampus