• In workshops where you are asked to choose, select a topic of interest. If it represents a large subject area, decide on a limited number of aspects to research and present. Provide a focus.
• Avoid trying to include too much material. Remember that "less is more". Indicate your approach when you introduce your presentation.
• You may speak to your facilitator to confirm your chosen focus and to discuss resources. Use more than one resource to ensure a solid perspective and to make the presentation your own. Confirm the time allotted for presentation and discussion.
Research
• Doing research for your presentation is important, provides a great learning experience and can be fun. However, don't let it overwhelm you. Ask, “What points do I want to make? What questions do I want to raise?”
Some Resources
• TORONTO REFERENCE LIBRARY, 789 Yonge just north of Bloor. Most material for in-library use only. Provides variety of materials including: books; periodicals; newspapers; on-line resources; videos (for loan); musical scores (for loan); picture collection (for loan).
• TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM: provides inter-branch loan facilities. Members from out of town can get full privileges by presenting confirmation letter from Academy. TPL has a performing Arts Library, 5th floor. Copies of plays available at Yorkville Branch.
• URBAN AFFAIRS LIBRARY, Metro Hall, 55 John Street. Articles not for loan.
• U OF T LIBRARY SYSTEM: Graduates can gain access to stacks and lending privileges for a fee. Non graduates can use reading rooms
• COMPUTER SEARCHES: “Google” your topic under various categories.
• ENCYCLOPEDIAS: using these can give you a quick, precise overview.
• YOUNG ADULT MATERIAL: Can be useful for topics about which you know nothing or very little.
Helpful Hint: Asking an information librarian for assistance can save you a great deal of time.
Presentation Aids
• Bibliography: Prepare a brief record of your sources for the group. Members like knowing what you found to be useful resources.
• Pre-reading: To encourage members to prepare for your presentation, consider distributing: selected brief reading material, or an outline of your topic, or a number of questions to be used for discussion. This should be done about 2 weeks before your presentation date. Using email might be useful.
• Avoid using any pre-readings (already distributed) as your presentation.
• Visuals: Decide on the use of visuals or handouts. Bear in mind that not all subjects need the use of Powerpoint or other technology. A judicious number (few) of photocopies, black & white and colour, photos or pictures may do the job.
Comfort Level
• Nervousness is common to most presenters, especially those who are new to the Academy. Remember that you have the advantage! Try to be casual. You're among others like yourself.
• Distribution of any handouts with your comments prior to your talk can help to settle you.
• Material passed out during the talk, however, can be distracting. If you don't hand it out first, keep such material (books, etc.) available for examination at the end of your talk - during discussion time.
Delivery
• While using point-form notes as prompts works for some presenters, many are more comfortable reading their presentations. If you choose to read, try to read in a conversational way, looking up at the group, taking your time to make the emphases you want. Make eye contact with members of the group. Some members are hard of hearing. Thus it is important to project your voice so that all can hear.
• Practice your presentation at home. It helps you note your key points, suggests the style for your delivery and makes you aware of your time frame.
• Involve the group: indicate whether you'll be inviting questions/comments as you proceed or prefer to take questions at the end. Ask questions of the group if it suits. Involve group members by, e.g., having them read quotes that you hand out at random.
Technology
• Each room has: a TV/DVD; VHS; slide projector; radio/CD player. Room 5 has an overhead projector. Arrangements for a 2nd OH, flip charts or laptop (with the LCD projector for powerpoint presentations, pictures, etc.) can be made through the Board secretary (with advance notice).
• Equipment set-up takes time. Plan for your set-up time, room arrangement and take-down as these cut into presentation time. A practice session may be useful.
