Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Professional Communications
Session Title: Me in Two Words
Lesson Duration: Approximately four 90-minute class periods
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will make an autobiographical presentation
according to guidelines established by the instructor.
Specific Objectives:
1. Complete a questionnaire activity.
2. Identify two words to describe your partner.
3. Create a slide presentation according to guidelines.
4. Set presentation features.
5. Present.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
§130.99(c)
(1) The student applies English language arts in professional communications projects. The
student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate use of content, technical concepts, and vocabulary;
(B) use correct grammar, punctuation, and terminology to write and edit documents;
(D) compose and edit copy for a variety of written documents; and
(E) evaluate oral and written information.
(2)
The student applies professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:
(B) organize oral and written information;
(C) interpret and communicate information, data, and observations;
(D) present formal and informal presentations; and
(E) apply active listening skills.
(4) The student applies information technology applications. The student is expected to use
personal information management, email, Internet, writing and publishing, presentation,
and spreadsheet or database applications for professional communications projects.
(10) The student develops an understanding of professional communications through
exploration of the career cluster. The student is expected to:
(E) make and evaluate formal and informal professional presentations by:
(vii) using visual or auditory aids to enhance presentations;
(xi) making individual presentations to inform, persuade, or motivate an audience;
(xii) participating in question-and-answer sessions following presentations; and
(xiii) applying critical-listening strategies to evaluate presentations.
(K) deliver digital products in a variety of appropriate media.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
1
Instructor/Trainer
None
Instructional Aids:
1. Me in Two Words slide presentation
2. Me in Two Words Project Handout
3. Me in Two Words Questionnaire
4. Me in Two Words example slide presentation
5. Me in Two Words Project Rubric
Materials Needed:
1. Pen or pencil
2. Dictionary with thesaurus
3. Presentation remote
Equipment Needed:
1. Teacher computer with a projector and appropriate software to display the slide presentation
as well as desktop publishing software and online access.
2. Student computers with desktop publishing software, industry-standard presentation
software and online access.
Learner
Students will need to bring in a photo of themselves. The photo may be in digital or printed form;
if printed, you will need to arrange to scan the photo for class use.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: Over the next few days we are going to spend some time compiling a
presentation document that you will present to the class to introduce yourself
to your peers.
ASK: Who knows what an autobiography is? [Allow time for students to respond
with definitions. Guide students toward the following definition:
a person's life written or told by that person.]
SAY: This assignment is similar to an autobiography in that it is a presentation
about you and written by you. It will not be a complete autobiography; only a
snapshot.
DO:
Show students the example of a finished presentation.
SAY: As you can see, you will include some facts and some opinions in your
presentation. You will include likes and dislikes. You will include a photo of
yourself. Ultimately, the presentation will be ALL ABOUT YOU!
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I. Complete a questionnaire activity.
A. Respond to all of the prompts on the
questionnaire.
B. Switch questionnaires and read each
other’s answers.
C. Discuss responses.
Instructor Notes:
Pair each student up with a
partner. If it is early in the year,
you may want to choose
partners rather than having
students choose their partners.
II. Identify two words to describe your partner.
A. Have each partner list three to five
qualities that stand out about the other.
B. Describe your partner in two words (a
noun and an adjective).
C. Look up synonyms for these two words
(synonyms must be of advanced
vocabulary needing definition).
III. Create a slide presentation according to
guidelines.
A. Order of slides:
1.Slide 1:
 Title: “Me in Two Words”
2.Slide 2:
 Title: “My Teacher is…”
 Plethoric Enigma
 Definitions
3.Slide 3:
 Title: “I am…”
 Your words/definitions selected by
your partner
4.Slide 4:
 Title: “I Agree/Disagree”
 Three to five bullet points
(agree/disagree with partner)
5.Slide 5:
 Title: “About Me”
 Five to ten bullet points
(information about you/interests)
6.Slide 6:
 Photograph of you
B. Guidelines for slides:
1. Keep your text large enough to read
(Use a 24 point font minimum)
2. Fonts:
a. Simple fonts
b. Consistent fonts throughout
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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c. No more than three fonts in a
presentation
3. Use colors that make text easy to read
4. Limit graphics to one to three per page
5. Bullets:
a. Every bullet is followed by a capital
letter
b. Each bullet has eight words or less
c. No complete sentences
d. No periods, question marks, or
exclamation points
e.No ALL CAPS
If you have already completed
the typography lessons, have
students give you the names of
simple fonts that could be used
in a presentation. Otherwise,
ask students if they know of any
fonts that might be appropriate
for a presentation.
Regarding use of color,
recommend that students step
back from the monitor
periodically while they are
working to make sure that text
is readable with the colors they
have selected. They may also
want to ask a friend to provide
feedback during development.
Students should choose
graphics strategically.
Sometimes too much is simply
too much. Encourage students
to select graphics that are
impactful and related to content.
This is also a good time to talk
about copyright issues as they
apply to use of graphics.
IV. Set presentation features.
A. Animation
B. Transition
C. Timing
D. Sound
Use a generic presentation to
illustrate key points as students
work on their computers. You
will need to have students use
their presentations on their
computers to be able to apply
information individually.
V. Present with presentation software.
A. Have a printed copy of your
presentation so you glance at your
notes and then look at the audience
rather than looking at the projection
screen.
B. Make notes of key points and questions
on your printed copy.
C. Use a wireless remote if you have one.
D. Stand behind a podium or walk around
for effect, just be careful not to block the
presentation.
Demonstrate/model these key
points as you work through the
lesson with students so they
see a good model of how slides
can be used effectively to
support a presentation.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Show students the example of a finished presentation that you shared during the
introduction. This time stop to discuss key points covered during instruction. Allow
students to ask questions.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Complete all steps of the project following the guidelines on the Me in Two Words
Handout.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Use Q & A session to review guidelines for creating a slide presentation:
Q: What is the smallest point size you should use on a slide?
A: 24pt
Q: What is the maximum number of fonts you want to use in a presentation?
A: Three
Q: How many graphics should you include on a slide?
A: No more than three.
Q: Should you use all caps on slides?
A: No.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Instructor will walk around and monitor student discussion, keeping students from
getting off track and provide questions and/or ideas to help guide students.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
•
Student presentations will be evaluated using the Me in Two Words Project
Rubric. A portion of the grade will be based on the student’s active participation
in discussion and feedback about projects.
•
Students should be provided with a copy of the rubric so they can evaluate each
presentation as it is being made during class. Student evaluations should be
provided to the teacher to review prior to distribution to presenters. Student
evaluations should NOT be used in calculating the students’ grades.
•
Facilitate a group discussion after all presentations are complete to discuss
strengths and areas for improvement across the presentations. Specific
examples highlighting key points should be provided.
Note: If time permits, the teacher should facilitate a group discussion about each
presentation to discuss strengths and areas for improvement. Students should be
required to participate in this discussion and provide constructive feedback to
their peers in the form of: “I really like how you…” and “If you were doing this
again, you might consider…”
•
Reflective Activity:
Have students reflect on the assignment in a journal or on the back of their
assignment handout. At a minimum they should answer the following questions:
1. How do you feel about your performance on this assignment?
2. What did you do really well?
3. What could you have done better?
4. How can you use this assignment in the future?
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
•
•
•
•
Students can extend this project by journaling about how their strengths,
weaknesses, preferences, and exceptionalities might be best combined into a
career goal.
The two words for each student can be combined into a vocabulary list for
students to study and be quizzed on; this would be good preparation for the SAT
and would strengthen their vocabulary recognition on other standardized tests.
Students will apply skills learned on future assignments/projects.
Students can explore and analyze other presentation software to determine the
software that is the best fit for a particular presentation.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Me in Two Words Project Handout
Objective:
Create and present a short slide presentation introducing yourself to the class.
Questionnaire Activity:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Respond to all of the prompts on the questionnaire.
Switch questionnaires and read each other’s answers.
Discuss responses.
List three to five qualities that stand out about your partner.
Describe your partner in two words (a noun and an adjective).
Look up synonyms for these two words (synonyms must be of advanced vocabulary
needing definition).
Creating Your Slide Presentation:
Order of slides:
• Slide 1:
 Title: “Me in Two Words”
• Slide 2:
 Title: “My Teacher is…”
 Plethoric Enigma
 Definitions
• Slide 3:
 Title: “I am…”
 Your words/definitions selected by your partner
• Slide 4:
 Title: “I Agree/Disagree”
 Three to five bullet points (agree/disagree with partner)
• Slide 5:
 Title: “About Me”
 Five to ten bullet points (information about you/interests)
• Slide 6:
 Photograph of you
Guidelines for presentation software slides:
• Keep your text large enough to read – 24pt minimum
• Fonts:
 Simple fonts
 Consistent fonts throughout the presentation
 No more than three fonts in a presentation
• Use colors that make text easy to read
• Limit graphics to one to three per page
• Bullets:
 Every bullet is followed by a capital letter
 Each bullet has eight words or less
 No complete sentences
 No periods, question marks, or exclamation points
 No ALL CAPS
• Add slide transition, animation features, and sound effects.
• Edit work for grammar and spelling.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Presenting Your Slide Presentation:
•
•
•
•
Have a printed copy of your presentation so you glance at your notes and then look at
the audience rather than looking at the projection screen.
Make notes of key points and questions on your printed copy.
Use a wireless remote if you have one.
You can stand behind a podium or walk around for effect, just don’t block the
presentation.
Evaluating Your Slide Presentation:
• Make sure you review the project rubric so you know how your work will be evaluated.
NOTE: Make sure your presentation appropriately addresses copyright issues!
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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My Name:
My Partner’s Name:
Me in Two Words - Questionnaire
DIRECTIONS: Consider the prompts below. Record your responses in the space provided then
trade your questionnaire with your partner and discuss information.
•
What is your hemispheric dominance (from the hemisphericity lesson)?
•
Are you right-handed or left-handed?
•
What are your weaknesses?
•
What are your fears?
•
What is your most overused phrase?
•
What kinds of things do you dream about?
•
What are your strengths?
•
What kind of soda do you prefer?
•
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
•
Do you like thunderstorms?
•
Do you play an instrument?
•
Do you have any pets?
•
What is your favorite color?
•
What is your favorite sports team?
•
Do you like to cook?
•
What annoys you?
•
What makes you smile?
•
What is your favorite TV show?
•
What do you usually have for breakfast?
•
What is your favorite CD at the moment?
•
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would you go?
•
What did you want to be when you were little?
•
What are five unique things about you (activities, hobbies, likes, dislikes, favorites, etc.)?
•
Who is your favorite super hero?
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Me in Two Words Project Rubric
Student Name:
________________________________________
CATEGORY
Slide Presentation:
Technical aspects
- Slide format
- 6 slides
- Automatic timing
4
3
2
1
Presentation is
Two of the three
complete, named
technical aspects
properly, and stored are met.
in the appropriate
location in the
student folder.
One of the three
None of the technical
technical aspects are aspects are correct.
met.
Formatting
- Font
- Colors
- Bullets
- Slides
A creative and
appealing look for
the presentation is
created which
follows guidelines
for fonts, colors, and
bullets.
A look is established
and applied across
the presentation, but
work is needed on
two of the areas of
formatting.
Graphics
At least one graphic
is utilized and
properly cited in the
presentation.
Font characteristics
All three
characteristics are
utilized in the
project.
- Color
- Style
- Attributes
A look is
established and
applied across the
presentation, but
work is needed on
one of the areas of
formatting.
A look is established
and applied across
the presentation, but
work is needed on all
of the areas of
formatting.
At least one graphic is
utilized but is not
properly cited in the
presentation.
Two of the three
characteristics are
utilized in the
project.
One of the three
characteristics are
utilized in the
project.
No font
characteristics are
utilized in the project.
Presentation settings All three settings are Two of the three
One of the three
- Transition
utilized in the
settings are utilized settings are utilized
- Animation
project.
in the project.
in the project.
No presentation
settings are utilized in
the project.
Grammar
There are no
grammatical
mistakes in the
presentation.
There are three or
more grammatical
mistakes in the
presentation.
Mechanics
Capitalization and There is one error
punctuation are
in capitalization or
correct throughout punctuation.
the project.
- Sound effects
There is one
grammatical
mistake in the
presentation.
There are two
grammatical
mistakes in the
presentation.
There are two errors There are three or
in capitalization or
more errors in
punctuation.
capitalization or
punctuation.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Presentation:
Printed copy of
presentation
A printed copy of
the presentation
(complete with
notes) is used for
reference during the
presentation.
A printed copy of
the presentation
(without notes) is
used for reference
during the
presentation.
A printed copy of the A printed copy of the
presentation (with or presentation is not
without notes) is
available.
available but not
used during the
presentation.
Presentation skills
Speaker
Speaker blocks view Speaker blocks view Speaker blocks view
demonstrates ability of the audience one of the audience
of the audience five
to present
to two times.
three to four times. times or more.
effectively (with or
without a remote)
without blocking
views of the
audience.
Active listening
Student actively
listens to
presentations,
participates in
discussion, and
submits
constructive
feedback.
- Attentive (not
distracting)
- Participates in discussion
- Constructive feedback
Comments:
Two of three active Only one of three
listening strategies active listening
are demonstrated. strategies are
demonstrated.
No active listening is
demonstrated.
TOTAL POINTS:
Point to grade 36-40 = A
conversion: 32-35 = B
28-31 = C
24-27 = D
23 and below = F
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Me in Two Words
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
2