Public relations practitioners should be comfortable in both written and verbal communication. Presentation skills are essential for the PR pro, who'll often be responsible for speaking before one group or another.
The final course project is an approx. 10-minute presentation. It'll be good experience, despite that annoyingly agonizing fact that public speaking is the No. 1 fear among most human beings! If you feel a bit nervous about giving oral presentations, you are SO not alone.
Here are the key elements of the assignment, presented via bullets:
* You can choose virtually any topic. That's right -- just about anything. But you need to get it approved by me first (I don't want talks about how to make brownies, for example).
* The topic should be one that lends itself to a "persuasive argument." What I mean is that you should approach this as if you're hoping to persuade your audience (class members) that, after watching your presentation, they ought to be interested in seeking more information about your topic. Or, they'll better accept your "proposition."
For example, you might talk about why you believe gangster rap has specific social benefits. You thus need to convince (persuade) your audience that your proposition is true -- by supporting it with facts, examples, etc.
* Choose a topic you're PASSIONATE about. It could be a hobby, a sport, a musical artist, a field of study, an artist -- just about anything. But, again, your task is to make a persuasive, convincing argument that would lead your audience to adopt your point of view; better appreciate a musical artist; desire to seek more information about your subject.
* You do not have to use Power Point. You may, of course. But if you do, be sure to use it only as an aid. Please do not turn your back on us and merely read everything on your slides. That is not how to make a persuasive, engaging presentation. Let it support your talk, but the main information should come from you -- eyeball to eyeball with your audience. So you should know your subject pretty thoroughly.
* You can certainly use notes to guide you. A kind of outline. That's fine. But make a personal connection with the audience. It's far more persuasive than simply reading something.
* What will I be looking for? Three key things: a clear statement up-front of what your objective is -- what you're setting out to do; a solid set of facts, illustrations, examples, explanations, etc., that support your objective; a closing that reinforces your main point, summarizes and "wraps things up," and that perhaps leaves the audience with something tangible (hand-outs, etc.).
* This is not a public speaking course. But public relations does involve good, clear, well-organized, purposeful communication -- oral as well as written. You'll be evaluated on how clear your objective is, how well you substantiate it, and how you leave the audience wanting more! In other words, you've hopefully succeeded in getting their attention and persuading them that they ought to want to find out more.
* Please talk to me about your topic, or submit it to me in writing. The last two days of the semester (prior to finals week) will be devoted to your presentations. In effect, this assignment is in lieu of a final exam.
