Getting Started

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Tips for doing a Grad Group presentation!

Firstly, know that we're excited to have you — we rely on volunteers to make our meetings happen, so know that you have all the help and resources we can offer at your disposal!

It can be kind of nerve-wracking to prepare for your first presentation. Never fear! There are plenty of topic suggestions that we've brainstormed if you're looking for something to start with. And if it's on the list, you know at least one person is interested and excited in hearing something about the topic! Or, if you've got your own idea for a topic, you probably also already have the most important factor in making a great presentation — enthusiasm!

You don't need to know anything about a topic beforehand, let alone be an expert. The Grad Group meetings are intended to incite discussion, not lecture people on facts. All you need are a few thought provoking questions or ideas that you can throw out to the group for us to chew on. "Will pro-choice individuals 'breed' themselves out of existence?" "Practically, can mixed-faith marriages work?" etc. You can guide discussion to areas you find particularly of interest, or see what new directions the group will explore. If you chose a topic that is more factual based, rather than discussion based (e.g. Church Latin for Fun), try to find ways to make the topic interactive so that the group is able to engage and participate in the meeting. Don't worry about how to write an hour-long speech. We have a whole page of various formats to try (Format Ideas) and it's great to have variety from meeting to meeting. To help you with more ideas, we also have archives of past presentations to display different types of format. Essentially, find something that you will feel comfortable with.

To help you prepare for the material of your presentation, there is a wealth of resources available to you. First of all, there is your Grad Group Leadership Team! We are on hand to help you with ideas, format, even topics. We can be a person to bounce ideas off, help set you up with a partner if you'd like to co-present, or put you in touch with someone who may have useful contacts/knowledge in an area. A member of the team will be moderating your meeting, and can arrange for use of the overhead projector, VCR or DVD player, stereo, whiteboard or other materials. Please feel free to contact us for any assistance you may need — that's what we're here for!

If you need help with research, let us know. There is also the library at St Mary's available for use. If you are unsure what areas of a topic members might be interested in, or how to approach and issue, talk to us. Many of us have started presentation research with little or no knowledge, and it's amazing what you learn by the end. You don't need to become an expert, but enough knowledge to pique your interest will have the same effect on the group.

During the meeting, act as a facilitator. Frequently a few loud people monopolize the large group conversation. Even if they know more about a subject, we all deserve to be heard! It is the co-responsibility of the presenter and the meeting moderator to make sure all voices are heard. The crowd should listen, as you are "running" the meeting. Draw out quiet folks. Don't "pull" them out; just "draw" them out. Don't scare them. Don't put them on the spot. Mostly, make sure to notice when they do have something to say. However, it may be good in certain circumstances to deliberately ask for comments from people we haven't heard from, or from particular sections of the crowd that have been quiet. You may also want to involve a lead team member in the meetings, perhaps to act as a facilitator in small groups, or to help you guide discussion. Be open to new ideas and different opinions, but try to keep things on track. It is your presentation.

Often, presenters find it quite exciting during a meeting to see the group engage with the ideas and get excited about a particular issue. You'll find after you've prepared something, it's very gratifying to share your interest with others. And remember that if you're presenting, everyone is happy to have you there. :) So never fear, and let us know when you'd like to schedule your first presentation!!