Ask a professional in the business world to name a top skill needed for success and that person will likely list the ability to provide effective presentations. According to survey results published by Forbes.com, 70 percent of respondents indicated that presentation skills were vital to professional success. While many people may associate presentations with sales and marketing, the fact is that many disciplines now require individuals to produce and deliver quality presentations. In fact, the Journal of College Science Teaching reports that professionals such as scientists and government officials now must present their findings to audiences. In addition, colleges are now embedding presentations in courses such as science. As a result, working to develop our students’ abilities to present information logically and effectively will help prepare them for future college and career success.
The Collingswood Literacy Committee believes that we have an obligation to better prepare our students for a world that increasingly relies on communication, in all its forms. This includes not only formal public speaking and the skills that accompany that ever-feared activity, but also thoughtful reflection and listening within a group discussion. Please peruse the resources we have gathered for you regarding presentations and sustained classroom discussion, and feel free to contribute to the reflection page by filling out the form found there. Thank you for visiting!