Making a Powerful Presentation
Making a Powerful Presentation
Keeping an audience's attention is a tough challenge. However, learning to create effective presentations is an invaluable skill. While some are less comfortable with public speaking, having a format and clear, predictable expectations can release some of the stage fright.
There are many different presentations available for student use. Gone are the days of holding a posterboard while reading off of an index card. Now, there are countless resources out there for changing up the monotony of school presentations!
What is Pecha Kucha?
It is often pronounced pu-CHOK-chu.
It is a style of presentation that encourages clear and concise oration. The speaker prepares a series of 20 slides that each last 20 seconds. The story they speaker tells, is then limited by that time limit.
Scroll down a bit on the page to find "How to Present a Pecha Kucha". While these guidelines are specific to this particular format of presentation, the principles can be used universally.
This is a nice resource for teachers wanting to use Pecha Kucha for the first time.
Ignite
Ignite is very similar to Pecha Kucha, only faster. This format asks for 20 images at 15 seconds each. Here is a blog with some resources including sample videos and a template to use.
TedTalks
TedTalks have been largely popularized over the last few years, however, for great reason. They are engaging, targeted talks that, again, are concise. This is a great link with some tips on how to make your slides count. On a side note, check out TedED which has some great educational resourcses.
Social media is a part of everyday life for people nowadays. Facebook is a look, feel, and format that seems universally familiar. Try out Fakebook where students can create a "Facebook" page for a classroom project. This can be used to track a character through a book or give information about an historical figure, or track a time in history from the perspective of a given individual.
Poplet
Poplet, unlike some of the other presentation tools, is a downloadable app. Poplet works like a mindmap. It is very simple to use.
Other Presentation Tools
Poplet, Prezi, Slideshare - The problem I find with most of these is they require an email address and sign-up. A work-around is for the teacher to create an account that all students access and save their work in that one account. While not optimal, it is an option.
Make a Movie
WeVideo is the program that we use for our middle school students. Seventh and Eighth Grade students will have access to this program. There are many online tutorials available, if needed.
This is a program put out by Discovery Education. You either have to have an account purchased through your school or you can purchase the app. It is very user-friendly and can be used for all kinds of purposes (if you click on this link you can't see the actual samples without an account, but the ideas are there!). With assistance and taking it in small chunks, this could be used down to grade 2, however, for a more independent project, grade 3 would be optimal.
Create beautiful, professional looking web-stories, photo stories, memes, advertisements, posters, animated stories, and much more with this fun to use free resource. As always, a sign-up is required.
Again, a resource to create professional-looking images, web banners, posters, presentations, cards, and more. A sign-up is required and cannot be used with a school account. Having a parent sign up with their email is an option if students would like to use this program.