Literature Presentation Guidelines

As an introduction to the chemical literature, I’m asking that each of you select one research article (no correspondences or technical notes) from a 2006-2009 issue of the journal Analytical Chemistry which deals in some way with a topic we have covered or will cover. (We have full on-line access to this journal!) You will make a PowerPoint presentation to your lab section over the contents of this article. It is important that you select an article that you understand thoroughly. You are responsible for learning PowerPoint. Your presentation should last 12-14 minutes, then there will time for questions at the end.

Article

o Article must be a research article (with intro, experimental, results, etc…) from a 2006-2009 issue of Analytical Chemistry (or another analytical chemistry journal with my approval.)

o You must OK the article with me at least 48 hours before your presentation.

o When asking for approval, give me a copy of the article abstract.

Presentation

• I am requiring you to use Microsoft PowerPoint to make your presentation.
• Presentation should last 12-14 minutes (AND NO LONGER).
• Prior to your presentation you must also provide me with a copy of your PowerPoint slides, preferably in the "Handouts" format from the Print menu.
• Before preparing your presentation you should look at chapter 12 of The ACS Style Guide, entitled: "Making Effective Oral Presentations". This book can be checked out from the reference desk in the library (QD8.5 .A2 1997). Here are some of what I believe are the important points to consider:

· Organization is the biggest key. Always remember that a good presentation is like a good story. There should be an introduction, a development, and a definite conclusion. Following a clear organizational outline is the first step in keeping your listeners interested.

· More about organization: One of my graduate school professors once gave me some good advice on making effective scientific presentations: "Tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em. Tell 'em. Then tell 'em what you told 'em."

· Visual aids are extremely important, and PowerPoint is a very PowerFul tool. Be creative, but don't get carried away. Remember that while style is important, the focus of the presentation is the substance.

· Identify your audience. Remember that your audience is a group of students who are taking an introductory analytical chemistry course. Don't waste time explaining in detail things they should already know. But do give adequate time to key points with which they may not be unfamiliar.

· PRACTICE!! Practice is important, especially when you're first starting out.

Grading

You will be graded in five categories, with a score of 0-4 in each, for a total of 20 possible points. Although the grade I assign is the only one that counts, the other students in the class will also grade you. I will give you a copy of all the class comments relating to your presentation. The categories are as follows:

• Organization of Material (Was the presentation organized in a clear fashion? Was the length of the presentation too short or too long? Was the time used wisely?)
• Knowledge of Material (Did the presenter have a firm grasp of the topic?)
• Presentation Style (Did the presenter have any annoying habits? Did he/she speak loudly enough?)
• Visual Materials (Was PowerPoint used effectively? Were the slides overloaded with information? Was the information on the slides easy to see?)
• INSTRUCTOR ONLY: Class Participation (Was the student active in the discussions of the presentations?)