Presentations as a
way to motivate
students
How did it all start?
► As a result of trying to figure
out a way to rivet their attention
and make more practical sense
of their English classes!
Power point
 The equipment the students
found most desirable and
appealing!
Age and level of students
one should apply it with
The presentations one sets should
depend on the level, experience and
interests of the class.
► 15 to 18- year olds;
► Upper-Intermediate and above
How do I go about it?
First I prepare the soil:
• I sow the seed by explaining and
rationalizing.
• I ask them to think of a topic.
A more thorough
preparation
► Choosing the time.
► Giving them a well-structured plan
highlighting the major points in a
presentation.
► Making a list of the order in which they
will present and their topics.
Presentations and what
we should bear in mind
while preparing
1. Principal purpose




to inform
to entertain
to convince
to encourage
2. The importance of the
audience
 who will be there;
 audience reaction ( to be
anticipated).
3. Plan your presentation
 divide it into digestible,
clear-cut parts:
╚ one general statement or
introduction;
╚ the body of the presentation;
╚ closing statement.
give special attention to
the power point
technicalities
╚ the number of slides
╚ the font,
╚ the background.
4. Prepare/ rehearse
There are three important
ingredients of each presentation:
preparation,
preparation,
preparation!
Be fluent!
5. Delivery and what one should
bear in mind:
body language:
╚ dress,
╚ posture,
╚ gestures,
╚ eye contact,
╚ facial expression.
be relaxed – avoid
nervous habits;
voice: vary volume,
tempo, pitch, rhythm.
First stage - going from
easy to more difficult
 Level: 9th grade – Upper-intermediate
- students’ topics reflect their hobbies and
interests - favorite actor, singer; music,
sport etc.
- 4 to 8 minutes
Second stage – a level
more challenging
 Level: 10 graders – advanced ↔ content
and length change correspondingly:
a more serious topic, if possible
connected with their school subjects:
history, geography etc.
about 15 to 20 minutes
The many-sided effect
of students’
presentations
Broaden students’ interests,
boost their self-esteem
 They get a sense of achievement;
 They find out more about each
other’s interests;
 Everybody is given the due credit for
his/her success.
Heighten their confidence
in the usage of English
 broaden their knowledge of English
in a certain field;
 whole phrases and structures
remain fixed in the active stock of
their vocabulary.
Through presentations they
acquire a number of
practical skills
Communication skills:
►learn how to behave in front
of an audience;
► become aware of the
importance of body language;
 Computer skills:
► intensify the process of
mastering computer skills, like
working with power point;
 Interpersonal skills
Learn to assess their
peers while presenting
About fair and
constructive criticism
 Criticism versus praise!
 ‘One compliment is more effective
than a thousand critical comments, no
matter how well meaning’.
Chris Sion in “Talking business in
class”
Benefits gained from assessing:
 makes them much more
observant;
 makes them much more critical
and self-critical;
 teaches them the skill of peer
assessment;
A spin-off: presentations in
the classroom diversify the
syllabus
 They bring variety;
 They make teaching and learning
easier and more pleasant!
Presented by Margarita Papazova Teacher of English at the Private
Business Language School of
“Eurostandard”