Due Date

Students will make presentations in class on 5/8, 5/13, and 5/15.

Assignment Prompt

Having proposed, researched, written, and revised your paper on your particular topic of interest, it is now time to consider the next stage of the research project cycle: presentation. Scholars present their work at conferences, symposia, and in invited lectures to get feedback on their ideas and share their research with diverse audiences.

The challenge of presenting your research lies in your ability to clearly and concisely express three dimensions of your project:

1. What are your research terms and what is your research question?
   In this section you should define the keywords and concepts that lie at the center of your research, as well as outline the research question that emerges from these keywords and concepts.
2. What are your findings?
   In this section you should present an overview of the scholarship that you have found on your topic. Mention one or two sources in particular that provide evidence to support your claims.
3. What is the significance of your research?
   In this section you should tell your audience why your research matters. You should discuss the lessons that this this research project has taught you.

Your task in this assignment is to write a 3 – 5 minute long speech which presents your research by addressing the three questions outlined above. You must then read this speech aloud in class.

Tips for Success

• Organization and structure are essential to an effective speech. It is a good idea to include statements like “I will begin by discussing my research questions … ” or “Now lets see what evidence I have found … ” or “Finally, I would like to talk about the importance of my research … ” These statements give clear directions about what you are about to say and helps your audience to understand the different aspects of your speech.
• Be sure to practice your speech in front of a mirror or with a friend. Make sure that you set a timer to ensure that you are able to read your paper within your allotted time.
• Usually, a 3 – 5 minute long speech is 2 double spaced pages long (in 12 point font).

Learning Goals

Students will:

• Learn how to write a speech that communicates their ideas with clarity and concision.
• Develop an experiential knowledge of what it feels like to present research to an audience.
• Think about ways of revising their final paper.

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