Tips for success - Unami Middle School - Central Bucks School District


	Ninth Grade Assessment Tips, Tricks, & Suggestions
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	Ninth Grade Assessment mentors and judges were asked to share some insights on what makes for a successful group presentation.

	Use the following to help in better preparing yourself and your group for this very important project.

	What mentors are looking for as they work with you:

	"Always have your presentation packet at mentor meetings and library sessions. Keep it up-to date. I suggest students put deadline dates right on the Journal Entries and Decision Points."

	"Write the names and phone numbers of group members on the inside of the packet."

	"Keep highlighters with you for noting pertinent sections of articles you have copied."

	"Use the cards Mrs. Kilpatrick provides in the library to maintain the working bibliography. Use plastic sleeves in your packet to keep your cards for safe-keeping"

	"I look for teamwork, compromise and equity of work load."

	"I look for a dose of determination, perseverance, creativity and meeting outside of school as often as the group needs to, to get the job done in a timely fashion."

	"Read all of the research, not just the material you found or were assigned to look up."

	"Let the question come as a result of the best research available on the topic. "

	"Be sure to have three supporting reasons for each side of the issue."

	"Script *all* that you will say and place those words on note cards."

	“Computer generate your oral presentation and run note cards through your printer.”

	“If you cannot run note cards through your printer, print out your presentation and then “cut and paste” and place on note cards.”

	“Increase the font size of your oral presentation from standard 12 point to one that is more readily readable for you.”

	“Highlight key words/phrases you want to emphasize.”

	“Number your note cards and be sure they’re in order before you begin your presentation.”

	“Provide yourself directions on your note cards, e.g.: look up, point to/use visual.”



	What judges are looking for in the groups that they assess:

	"Do not read off of your visual aids word for word (posters, PowerPoints, etc.) Instead, use them as a reference or summarize their purpose."

	"Give credit where credit is due. For example, "according to the CDC....".

	"Politely introduce each member of the group before you start your presentation. A personal introduction and handshake for each judge is particularly effective."

	"Find a way to keep your issue in front of the judges eyes at all times. This can be done with a poster, banner, or sign of some sort. It should be clean, clear, effective."

	"Use transitions when changing speakers."

	"All group members should be in presentation mode even when not speaking. Look and listen as other members of your group present."

	"When you summarize the main points that your group has made, have a concise visual that lists the points."

	"When using Power Point, avoid the "noisy" and "flashy" effects: they detract from the points you are trying to make."

	"Find an effective way to close your presentation. Never say, "That's all" or 'We're finished.'"

	"Power Point is a nice tool for visuals but it should NEVER be used for simple word processing pages that are read verbatim to the judging panel. Use it for graphics, charts or other data presentations."

	"A firm handshake says more than a 1,000 words."

	"Use index cards to hold your speaking parts rather than sheets of paper."

	"Students should be familiar with terms and concepts and be able to explain them in their own words."

	"Make sure that you integrate at least 3-4 citations into your presentation. Make reference to them in the presentation. Many judges check them off your work cited pages as you mention them. Failure to do so WILL result in a judge questioning the validity of a cited source."

	"Students should be organized and convey a sense of preparedness."

	"Simplify simplify simplify so even English teachers can understand!"

	"Do you have a good working knowledge of their topic and the issues surrounding their question? Can you speak about it intelligently with the judges? Do you have their facts/statistics or laws correct?"

	"Judges are impressed by students who have dressed for success."

	"Use visuals in a way that enhances your information and presentation...creativity in general shows thoughtfulness and planning."

	"Be sure to have three supporting reasons for each side of the issue."

	"Speak clearly, and adjust your voice so that everyone can hear you. Don't shout for the sake of being loud."

	"It is common to speak rapidly when nervous, try to take your time speaking."

	"Effectively used, a pause in your speech can be used to emphasize a point, or to allow the audience to react to a fact, anecdote or joke."

	"Make eye contact with your audience. This helps to build trust and a relationship between the speaker and the listeners."

	"Do not fidget or make other nervous gestures with your hands. - Do not keep your hands in your pockets. Do use hand gestures effectively."

	"Be yourself, allow your own personality to come across in your speech."

	“Be sure that you have a clear introduction. Use an attention getting hook!”

	“Be sure you have a definite conclusion. “That’s it!” or “That’s all folks!” is not acceptable!”

	“Be sure to “plant your feet” and not move around or sway.”

	“Begin by looking at your audience. *That means you must* know the first half of your first sentence!”**

	“Be sure you *incorporate* your visual(s) into your presentation.”

	“Conclude your presentation by looking at your audience, keeping up your voice volume.”

	“Do not start walking back to your seat as you conclude.”

	“Have fun! A good way to do this is to be prepared!”

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