Creating a Rockin’ Presentation for #COMM2322

In Public Relations Applications this semester, students will be delivering five-minute presentations on an assigned public relations field or industry. Three students are assigned to each chapter; they can divide up the material in the chapter as they see fit.

The subject areas are:

  • Events & promotions
  • Global public relations
  • Corporate public relations
  • Entertainment, sports & tourism
  • Government & politics
  • Nonprofit, health & education

We want to be sure to avoid the dreaded Death by PowerPoint, so ably described by comedian Don McMillan below.

Instead, we will aim for presentations that are more like the TED Talks, with slides to accompany them as Jesse Desjardins describes in “Steal This Presentation!

STEAL THIS PRESENTATION!

View more presentations from @JESSEDEE
In class on October 27, we’re discussing how their favorite movies can make them better public speakers. (For example, I learned in The Wizard of Oz that being the loudest one in the room — the Wicked Witch of the West — doesn’t necessarily make me a speaker who people want to listen to.) Students will share their thoughts in the comments below.

16 Replies to “Creating a Rockin’ Presentation for #COMM2322”

  1. Thank you so much for posting this.
    I have you for two classes and in preparing my presentation this post and video helped so much.
    “So please, lets stop presenting like its 1999” by far my favorite quote of this post.
    Any TED talk I have seen as always been really informative and helpful so I was super excited when I saw that you posted another one.
    Thanks for this post!

  2. I gathered tips about good and bad public speaking from the characters of Pride and Prejudice:

    ? Mrs. Bennett: Don’t talk too much. Pause every once and a while—take a breath. And if all you do is gossip, complain and demand, no one will not only want to listen to you, but also not want to be around you in general.
    ? Mr. Bennett: Have a mind of your own. Don’t just repeat what others say or demand you to say. Include your own opinion when appropriate. People don’t want to hear what they just heard from the other guy/girl. Be original.
    ? Mr. Wickham: Be charming and know how to draw emotions. It sure worked for him…
    ? Mr. Collins: Please know how to relate to your audience and hold their interest. God forbid you are boring, monotone and bulldoze straight above anyone else about issues that no one cares about.
    ? Mary: Learn to be a bit exciting. Don’t be afraid to speak up and voice your opinion…unless its boring and unrelated—then it’s probably best that you hold your tongue.
    ? Mr. Darcy: Don’t give the appearance of or gain the reputation of being prideful and egotistical, without a care for anyone or anything. That turns people off right away…or does it? 🙂

  3. 500 Days of Summer
    Relatable**: I was able to identify with the characters.
    Witty: It had a way of presenting the story in a comical way. The dialogue was rich in humor.
    Good Chemistry with the Audience*: I felt connected to them the entire time.
    Unpredictable Ending**: I had no idea that the movie would end up the way it did.
    Great Soundtrack**: The music set the scenes.

  4. How to be a good speaker: Learning from Captain Jack Sparrow

    -Have self-confidence. This is something that Jack is full of. It gives him the ability of charm which makes people want to follow him.
    -Have passion. Jack knows what he wants and he won’t stop until he gets it.
    -Speak clearly. Jack often slurs his words, make sure to project and pronunciate.
    -Don’t over-do on the hand gestures and facial expressions. This defines Jack Sparrow, need I say more?
    -Don’t be drunk. (i.e. avoid rum) Somewhat of a joke, but it’s still true! (Should I be concernced that 4 people in the class marked this as a helpful tip?)

  5. FINDING NEMO:

    1: Dory keeps people engaged. ***
    2: Nemo’s induction: “Brother Bloat” took charge and made it known that he had something to say. He spoke and people listened.
    3: Marlin: Don’t get stuck in your ways. Try new ways to attract different audiences. ****
    4: Dory includes everyone (even sharks!) It is important to stay connected and engaged with your audience.
    5: Nemo is taken. He has always been told what to do and where to go. You should never lose your individuality.

  6. 500 Days of Summer.
    Be honest with yourself. Always. *
    Keep things interesting and creative. *
    A good soundtrack can make everything better. ***
    Be upfront with your audience about your topic. **
    Funny, witty, and conversational are a good combination. *

    http://www.prbykate.wordpress.com

  7. The Social Network
    – Know who your audience is, this helps in getting you what you want. ***
    – You want to sound open and friendly, not cold and unkind. **
    – Be clear and upfront. A lack of communication will destroy you. **
    – If you’re charismatic, you can get away with murder.
    – You can get hit on by Asian chicks at a Bill Gates seminar. *

  8. -Lt. Dan shows us what not to say in public speaking events–his bad language and bitterness
    -Forrest–though he’s slow and appears unintelligent, he a has a lot of good things to say
    -He’s a story teller and keeps people thoroughly engaged
    -He’s a good friend and is a prime example of honesty, integrity and compassion
    -Jenny is always running away–so she shows us to not run away from things that scare us, like public speaking.

    1. FORREST GUMP!
      -Lt. Dan shows us what not to say in public speaking events–his bad language and bitterness
      -Forrest–though he’s slow and appears unintelligent, he a has a lot of good things to say
      -He’s a story teller and keeps people thoroughly engaged
      -He’s a good friend and is a prime example of honesty, integrity and compassion
      -Jenny is always running away–so she shows us to not run away from things that scare us, like public speaking.

  9. Movie/Brave-Heart
    1. Inspirational
    2. Look the part
    3. Be well prepared
    4. Be confidant
    5. Be passionate

  10. My movie was Knight and Day and here are my 5 point:
    1. Be aware of your audience and who is watching you **
    2. There are several key point (parts) to good public speaking
    3. Being a good public speaker isn’t someone who is always funny. It can be someone who is more serious. *
    4. Stay on topic and to the point. **
    5. Sometimes it is good to think outside the box and not play it safe ***

  11. Remember the Titans
    1.) **Don’t be afraid to speak your mind – stand up for what is right.
    2.) **Your message goes beyond your immediate audience and can affect others in a great way.
    3.) *Know the different angles of your message.
    4.) **Inspiration/Heart! – coaches are willing to risk their life to be heard.
    5.) You can definitely coax a group of people to do something – coaches teach team to work together, get over issues

  12. Favorite movie: Changeling
    1. Gets you emotionally involved – very realistic speaking/arguing
    2. Dramatic
    3. Compartmentalism – (supression of anger/frustration)
    4. Good with setting the scene
    5 Emotional

  13. The Sandlot:
    – Taking risks to get good results **
    – Being clear with your phrasing of words
    – Being able to put yourself out there in a foreign setting *
    – Assertiveness; being confident in being a leader **
    – Showing creativeness in the right setting *

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