Presenting Findings: Live Talk
Presentation literacy is highly valued since one of the most fundamental ways we share information is through talking.
Having the ability to deliver an engaging and effective live talk takes as much preparation as, and requires a process similar to, writing a paper.
Just as when you write a paper:
Know your main point, which involves analyzing gathered information in order to develop a thesis.
Create an outline for your talk, although aim to speak naturally rather than reading from a script.
Be ready to support your ideas with evidence.
Provide attribution. Even though you are not able to use quotation mark symbols and formal citations, you may use verbal cues such as
"[name] wrote/said..." Your teacher may also require you to submit a Works Cited page or equivalent list of references.
Besides Presenting Content, You Are Also Presenting Yourself
When you present information via a live talk, your delivery affects the way that information is received and perceived by audience members.
Even if you have good content, if you do not deliver it with confidence, the information will not have the same effect. Watch this video for advice on public speaking. The worksheet referenced is also linked below.
One way to help prepare students to deliver talks is by running a TED-Ed Club.
TED-Ed Clubs offer educators a lesson-by-lesson guide to help students develop TED-style talks, so that they can share their "ideas worth spreading."