Delivering an oral presentation before a live audience is a qualitatively different experience than writing an essay. Each format, however, requires writing, including language selection and organization. Each format requires the consideration and analysis of the audience. Oral presentations are assigned across the curriculum at DePaul. Research about oral presentations reveals that instructors vary with regard to what they look for and how they assess these presentations (Schreiber, Paul, & Shibley, 2012). While instructors are experts in the content of student presentations, they are sometimes at a loss for how to structure an oral presentation rubric. What constitutes effective communication in a formal presentation setting is a combination of key communication competencies and discipline-specific standards and practices.

In this workshop, experienced public speaking instructors, Jay Baglia and Kendra Knight, reveal the "canon" of public speaking skills (see Burke, 1968), and provide focused guidance to help DePaul instructors prepare discipline-specific public speaking rubrics, for presentations small and large. We also help instructors design teaching methods to develop students' preparedness, organization, delivery, and the appropriate use of visual aids. We incorporate a learner-centered presentation style that includes frequent “energy shifts,” promotes active learning, and is inclusive (Bean, 2011). Our techniques are highly interactive, featuring “think & write” components and small group discussion, concluding with a hands-on construction of discipline-specific assessment criteria. We will also help troubleshoot communication apprehension (also known as “stage fright”), issues with group presentations, and creating assignment descriptions.

Facilitated by Kendra Knight (Communication) and Jay Baglia (Communication)