Transcript SE214 - Maynooth University

Course Work
Prepare the following on your chosen topic:
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a technical report of at least 2000 words,
a poster presentation for A1 paper,
a four-minute oral presentation.
Course Work
Overall marking scheme:
Technical report
60
Poster presentation
10
Oral presentation
15
Other continuous assessment, attendance etc.
15
Course Work
Please remember:
-Your report, poster and presentation comprise the
University examination for this module.
-You should treat their preparation with appropriate
care and attention.
-In particular, they should be YOUR OWN WORK. Any
evidence of copying, plagiarism or other cheating will
be dealt with by the examination board in a similar
fashion to as if detected in an examination hall.
Course Work
Technical report: (to be submitted before 12 noon Friday
22nd April 2005)
The report should be prepared using MS Word or a similar
tool. The file must be in .doc or .pdf format, however.
You have to submit one printed copy, permanently bound
in a Department of Computer Science cover. (Facilities
and materials for binding available in Students Union,
Arts Block and Post Office). Also, submit an electronic
copy on floppy disc stuck inside the back cover.
Reports will not be returned. Make a second copy for
yourself!
Course Work
You will be marked on:
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Overall Structure & Clarity
Introduction
Critical Validity of conclusions
Format, layout etc.
Use of English
Use of illustrations, diagrams etc.
Course Work
In order to pass, the technical report will have the
following characteristics:
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A clear concise introduction using the situationcomplication-solution structure described in lectures.
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A well-written middle section describing the
technical detail within the topic.
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A conclusion summing up and critically appraising
the topic and suggesting other solutions, related topics
etc.
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An abstract that concisely summarises the content
of the report.
Course Work
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References, indicated in the text and listed at the
end in the prescribed format, showing the sources used
for the material presented.
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A title page in the prescribed format.
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No mistakes in spelling or grammar (use the MS
Word tools)
Main text to be 12 pt Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing.
Pages numbering in footer.
A template for the report will be available from my webpage.
Formal Report
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I will accept drafts – better a bit at a time!
ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS YOU CAN.
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“In this report, I will show…” – AN ABSOLUTE NO!!
Formal writing means this should become
“The aim of this report is to show…”
In general, if you have to use a “person”, use “we”, and
wherever possible, past tense – especially for
experimental work.
Oral Presentation
NOT A
LECTURE.
Oral Presentation
4 minutes, with 1 minute of questions
Timetable to be decided on Wednesday 13th April
Staff members?!?
Everyone *must* do one, or extreme weakness applies…
Oral Presentation
It is not simply being able to talk, but rather, being able
to transmit the exact message desired in a way that will
be received and understood.
Being able to communicate via “presentation” has
become a widely sought after skill.
From an oral presentation, how much of each should you
have?
Verbal vs. Visual vs. Vocal?
Oral Presentation - Preparing
1. Objective
Do you want to inform your audience, persuade them,
train them, or entertain them? What messages do you
want your audience to take away with them?
Oral Presentation - Preparing
2. Audience
Who is your audience? How many people will be
attending? What do they need to know? What do they
already know? What do they expect? Will they be
receptive to your message?
3. Contents
Brainstorm your ideas, then decide what is most relevant
and appropriate. Make sure that you take enough time to
do any research that you need. Be selective – do not try to
present too much in your message.
Oral Presentation - Preparing
4. Structure
Any presentation should consist of an introduction, a body
and a conclusion. There should be examples, figures,
stories, etc. The use of humour that is in good taste and
relevant is also welcome.
Again, remember not to try to put in too many figures or
too many details. Too much humour is also out of the
question. Everything must be balanced since you are
planning to deliver a presentation and not give a show of
any kind. Your audience should not lose the main idea of
your talk.
Oral Presentation - Preparing
4. Structure Cont.
The structure of your message should be simple, words
and sentences short. It is also good to use concrete words
because they are easier to understand.
No jargon!
A high recommendation is to give the audience clear
signals as to the direction your presentation is taking.
As to visual aids, you should use them only as a support
or illustration of what you are delivering.
Some visual aids to put across certain points that cannot
be explained in words. They are also good to add
emphasis to a talk, but they must be simple to
understand.
Oral Presentation - Preparing
5. Rehearsal
Take time to practice your presentation!
This will give you a chance to identify any weak points or
gaps. You will also be able to make sure that you can
pronounce any figures and proper names correctly and
confidently. It will also allow you to fine-tune the timing.
Oral Presentation - Presenting
1. Nervousness
Prepare your talk well. You will be less nervous and more
confident than if you have not. Yet, you want to be a
bit nervous so that you will remain “on your toes.”
Balance!
Do not fall into the trap of speaking too quickly because
you are nervous. In fact, speak slower during the first
few moments of a talk.
Oral Presentation - Presenting
2. Rapport
Rapport is the relationship between you and your
audience or the connection, if you wish.
• Be friendly and make eye contact with everyone in
your audience. If by any chance you are unable to
make eye contact, do not look over the tops of
everyone’s head. The audience knows you are not
looking at them and they do not like to be fooled.
• Also, it is critical that you are able to observe their
reactions to your message and make any adjustment in
your talk.
Oral Presentation - Presenting
3. Body language
Remember that the majority of the message is
communicated by what the audience can see.
Consequently how you convey your ideas is critically
important. Avoid any distracting mannerisms like
pacing, rocking back and forth on your feet, etc. Use
open-handed natural gestures as open handedness
conveys sincerity.
Oral Presentation - Presenting
4. Vocal quality
The sound of your voice carries the remainder of the
message.
It means you should consider the volume, tone, timbre
and tempo of your presentation.
You must be loud enough to be heard by everyone.
The tone of your voice must be consistent with the
message. An interesting public speaker or presenter
will vary the volume, tone and tempo of the talk to
make themselves heard.
Oral Presentation - Presenting
5. It’s not what you say…
Whatever happens, never resort to just reading what is
on the slide!!!!
A lecture is different from a presentation; you are
expected to show the beginning of research/industry
expertise – anybody can read, so what you do has to be
different.
Oral Presentation - Presenting
6. Question Time
Do not be afraid of questions from the audience.
It is civilized practice to ask them. If you have delivered
your presentation well, the audience should want more
information.
Pay attention to the speaker when he/she is asking the
question. That sounds simple, but many presenters
look away when someone is asking a question. It is
better to listen carefully, perhaps nodding in approval
sometimes paraphrasing the question for clarification.
Answer the questions shortly and simply.
If you do not know the answer it is better to say so.
Oral Presentation - Slides
Your first slide should contain the title of the
presentation, your name, and who you're representing
(if anyone).
Remember that it's good form to include the name of the
organization that is paying for your trip, even if they're
not who you're representing.
Oral Presentation - Slides
Your second slide should contain the agenda for the
remainder of the presentation.
This serves two purposes - it not only tells the audience
what to expect, but serves as an outline for you as you
create the slides.
Oral Presentation - Slides
Your third (or fourth, depending on how big the agenda
is) should contain some information about you. This
sets your credibility with the audience as to your
expertise with the subject matter.
This slide is only really applicable to further
presentations, not so much for this one…
Oral Presentation - Slides
After that, it is up to you to start creating your slides.
However, here's a few hints to keep in mind as you go
along:
• Make the text of the slides big, and the amount of text
small. You want everyone to be able to read what is on
the slide.
• There is no real need to write in full sentences. You will
want to make short points, since your talking will fill in
the details.
Oral Presentation - Slides
3. If you use backgrounds in your slides, make them of
light colours. Dark colours will contrast the text when
they are printed out as handouts for attendees.
4. Stick to one topic per slide. You can have multiple
slides per topic, just title them "Topic", "Topic
(cont'd)", or number them.