ENGL 5180: THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:20 pm
Auditorium 306 & Technical Writing Computer Lab
Instructor:
Office:
Office Telephone:
Mobile:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Class Webpage:
Dr. Debopriyo Roy
Auditorium 303
940.565.2131
214-886-0661 (only in emergency)
droy@unt.edu (best way to reach me)
4:00 – 6:00 pm (Wednesdays and Thursdays and by appointment)
http://www.engl.unt.edu/~droy
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare you as an effective business and technical communicator in
the corporate /academic workplace. The biggest challenge in this course is to prepare yourself for
corporate or complex communicative situations that you might confront in various capacities in
your workplace. The skills we will focus include: preparing and delivering technical information to
expert and non-expert audiences, facilitating and coordinating group discussions, consent and
negotiations building process, interpreting nonverbal communication, conducting interviews,
negotiating team dynamics, and assuming leadership responsibilities. Building communication
skills in these areas would be largely dependent on the understanding of theories that drives
human psychology, societal rules and norms, standard practices, human relationships,
communicative behavior, conflict resolution and a thorough understanding of organizational
culture. Since these are applied areas of study, this course will consist of both analytical
discussions of the required readings and the practical application of this information in terms of
presentations. Emphasis on preparing and presenting information during face-to-face
conversations, videoconferencing, and theories behind computer-mediated communication,
Power Point, and oral delivery will be ongoing throughout the semester.
Required Course Texts and Materials:
Hamilton, Cheryl and Cordell Parker. Communicating for Results: A Guide for Business and the
Professions, 7th edition, CA: Wadsworth, 2005. ISBN: 0-534-60678-4.
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Additional journal and internet articles and/or book sections posted on the class website.
An active e-mail account (UNT or any other account)
Several blank VHS videotapes.
Policies and Procedures
You are responsible for thoroughly reading all materials prior to class and obtaining any additional
readings and assignment handouts if you miss a class. Details of all the class assignments
and additional reading handouts would be posted online in the class webpage.
Since this class meets only once a week, multiple absences will be grounds for failure of this
class. I won’t take any class attendance but since the class is small in size, it won’t be difficult for
me to keep track if a person is repeatedly absent. Should you meet with extenuating
circumstances that prevent you from attending classes, please speak with me during my office
hours. Arriving late to class and leaving early will result in a lower course grade. Failure to show
up for a team presentation will result in 0 points for that assignment for that individual (NOT FOR
THE GROUP). A 0 point will result for failing to show up for an individual assignment. If I am
notified in advance, there is still a rare possibility that I might reconsider your case.
All assignments, presentations, and project deliverables must be laser-printed, professional, and
when necessary stapled. No late assignments will be accepted unless you present a compelling
reason at least ONE WEEK in advance of the due date. Failure to show up for either an individual
or team presentation will result in 0 points for that assignment. If you arrive in class unprepared to
discuss the required readings, you will be asked to leave.
On the days you present, you are expected to dress and act as if you are in a professional
business environment. Presentations should be well designed, timed, and rehearsed.
Americans with Disabilities Act
In accordance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, I will work with the Office
of Disability Accommodation to help reasonably qualified students with disabilities. If you have
such a disability, please advise me in writing of your needs no later than the second week of
class.
Course Activities & Assignments
Final grades are assigned on the basis of the following points:
Class Participation
Presentations
Company Profile
Persuasive Presentation
Team Demonstrative Presentation (a physical product)
Individual Technical Presentation (a software demonstration)
Individual Presentation (on a legal procedure)
Team Presentation on a Corporate/ Client Investment Issue
Team Negotiations on a Bilateral Plan
Research Paper Presentation
Written Assignments
Research Paper
Reflective Papers on Reading Assignments (4 @ 2.5% each)
10%
5%
10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
5%
5%
10%
10%
Presentation Assessments
Speaker and Team Member Assessment
5%
BONUS
20% (Possible)
Grade Distribution (In Points Earned)
A = 90% or more
B = 80% -89%
C= 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F= 59% and lower
Class Participation
As a graduate course, we will be discussing the readings according to the class schedule. I would
expect reasonable amount of professionalism from you. Strong work ethics is my highest priority
and your final grade would be a combination of the quality of presentations, class discussions,
research papers and the amount of time you actually invested for this class. For example, you
might be a very good speaker, but that won’t ensure a good grade in this class as I would
weigh multiple factors. I expect you to be a productive participant in class discussions. In
addition to demonstrating that you have read and thought about the subject matter contained in
the readings, engaging in class discussions also increase your class participation grade and
decrease the potential tedium of a 3-hour class.
Individual Presentations
For each presentation assignment, you will receive a handout detailing the specifics. The criteria
for evaluation will be clearly listed on each assignment sheet and your grade will be determined
based on how well you meet these criteria. No show – no grade.
Team Communication Topic Presentations
As a team of 2-4 people, you will give a 30-minute presentation on a communication topic that
you sign up. All members of the team will receive the same grade for each part of the team
project; however, each member of the group will confidentially rate each member’s performance. I
expect each team to tackle any group dynamic difficulties first before bringing them to me. Details
to follow in a separate handout.
Research Paper
You are to individually write an 8-10 double-spaced page paper (not including citations) on one of
the topics associated with your presentation. You would be asked to start writing this research
paper around the middle of the semester, so that you have ample scope for feedback. This paper
might be a topic covered as part of the individual or team communication presentation. Use APA
citation style for your in-text citations and works cited list. This is an opportunity for you to develop
a thesis and create a persuasive argument based on communication theory and research. Wellwritten and insightful papers often make for good conference presentations.
Discussion Papers
Where noted on the class schedule, you are expected to bring a typed, 2-4 page (single spaced)
paper to class that explores the issues discussed in the readings. These papers are intended to
help you relate your life experiences (workplace, college, interpersonal, etc) appropriate to the
reading content, as well as to stimulate class discussion. Your paper should go beyond a simple
summary to include analysis of the issue; feel free to include and discuss related topics as you
see fit. DO NOT, however, view this as a venue to vent your frustrations, ramble on about
unrelated topics, or otherwise avoid the topic at hand. Attention to grammar, structure, and detail
will help boost your grade. Use APA citation style for your in-text citations and works cited list.
Typos, inaccuracies, and shoddy work will send your paper grade plummeting. No late papers will
be accepted. You can skip one paper without penalty OR drop your lowest paper grade.
Presentation Evaluations (E-mail) – Based on a Grading Rubric
For each presentation that you give, either individually or as part of a team, you will submit a 200
to 400 word e-mail evaluating the presentation based on your viewing of the videotape. Your
evaluation should discuss both the positives and negatives of the presentation (supplemented
with examples drawn from the presentation), as well as strategies that you will use to improve
future presentations. The presentation evaluation should have 2 sections, wherever applicable.
On the first section, you would evaluate your own speech (or for your team) and on the second
section, you would choose to discuss speeches of two other individuals or teams.
You can skip one presentation evaluation OR drop your lowest evaluation grade. All evaluations
are due by the following class period. Evaluation of team presentations may be submitted either
individually OR as a team.
Class Discussions
Every student would be responsible for generating three well thought out questions from the
articles and book chapters that are assigned for the week and also write down their own answers.
A discussion will follow and each student would be randomly asked to comment on issues
pertaining to any specific article. What that means is that students would have to read all
assigned articles.
Daily Course Schedule and Due Dates
Week 1 – January 18th: Introduction to Courses & Icebreakers
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 Chapter 1: “The Communication Process: An Introduction,” Communicating for Results
 Anxiety in Public Speaking. EZine Articles
 Communicating with Speeches and Presentations. EZine Articles
 How to Scare the "Gooey" Out of a New Public Speaker. EZine Article
 Chapter 11. “Informative Presentations, “ Communicating for Results
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 A five to ten minute oral presentation – see handout for specifics. (No use of Power Point.
This is a diagnostic exercise; it will not be graded.) Bring a blank videotape to class.
Week 2 – January 25th: Preparing Professional Informative Presentations
ACTIVITIES
 Diagnostic oral presentations
 Discussion of readings
 Company profile presentation development workshop
READ FOR NEXT WEEK:
 Chapter 12 “Researching, Supporting and Delivering Your Ideas,” Communicating for
Results
 10 Excuses that Doom Presentations. Charlotte Business Journal
 Talking to an Audience Have you Shaking? Charlotte Business Journal
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK:
 Presentation self-evaluation (E-mail)
 Company Profile Presentation
Week 3 – February 1st: Informative Presentations & Delivery
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of readings
 Persuasive speech presentation sign-ups
 Individual Company profile presentations (Handout for class)
 Persuasive presentation development workshop
 Individual conferences
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 Chapter 9: “Small Group Communication and Problem Solving,” Communicating for
Results
 All Presenting is Persuasive. EZine Articles
 Speak to Influence (Parts 1-5). EZine Articles
 How to be a More Persuasive Speaker: Ten Tips from the Real World.
PeopleofFaith.com
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Persuasive presentation
 Discussion Paper 1
Week 4 – February 8th: NO CLASS – LEAVING FOR CONFERENCE
Week 5 – February 15th: Persuasive Presentations and Demonstrative Speech Discussion
ACTIVITES
 Discussion of readings
 Demonstrative speech presentation discussion and sign-ups
 Individual Persuasive Presentations
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 How to write a demonstrative speech. WikiHow
 How to give a demonstrative presentation. eHow
 Keeping your audience involved during PowerPoint presentations. EZine Articles
 The Social Identity Perspective, Small Group Research, 2004.
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Presentation Evaluation (E-mail)
Week 6 – February 22nd: Demonstrative Presentations
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of readings
 Team Demonstrative speech presentation
 Technical speech presentation discussion and sign-ups
 Research Topic Discussion - Assigned
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 Effective Technical Presentations. Mark Tew. University of Mississippi
 The Craft of Scientific Presentations. Michael Alley
 Visual Aids. Michael Alley
 Delivery. Michael Alley
 Rethinking the Design of Presentation Slides. Technical Communication.
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Presentation Evaluation (E-mail)
 Technical Presentation
 Discussion Paper 1 Due
Week 7 – March 1st: Technical Presentation
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of readings
 Individual Technical speech presentation
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 “Improving Interpersonal Relationships”. Communicating for Results
 3 Ways to Talk so Clients Listen. Business Know-How
 Cost-Effective Motivation. Business Know-How
 Humanizing the presentation will make it more compelling. Charlotte Business Journal

Interpersonal Communication articles. Pertinent.com (Practice presentation for next
class)
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Presentation Evaluation (E-mail)
Week 7 – March 8th: Computer-mediated and Organizational Communication
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of Readings
 Brief Discussion on Research Topic
 Individual Legal Procedure Presentation
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 Chapter 4, “Effective Listening,” Communicating for Results
 Chapter 6, “Overcoming Obstacles to Organizational Communication, “ Communicating
for Results
 TBA
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Discussion Paper 2
 Preparation for Practice Team Presentation on Effective Listening Skills (Journal Article)
 Presentation Evaluation (E-mail)
Week 9 – March 15th: No Class – SPRING BREAK
Week 10 – March 22nd: Effective Listening and Obstacles to Organizational Communication
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of Readings
 Practice Team Presentation on Effective Listening Skills (Journal Article) (Counted as
part of class participation grade)
 Team Presentation on a Corporate/ Client Investment Issue discussion and sign-up
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 Social Validation of Non-verbal Behaviors in Social Skills Training Programs for
Adolescents. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology. 1984.
 Methods and Techniques. Teaching of Psychology. 1991.
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Evaluation for Practice Presentation
 Team Presentation
Week 10 – March 29th: Nonverbal Communication and Business Presentations
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of readings
 Team Presentation on a Corporate / Client Investment Issue
 Practice Team Presentation on Leadership discussion
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 Chapter 10, “Participation and Leadership in Small Groups, “ Communicating for Results
 Brave Hearts. CIO Magazine. 2000.
PREPARE FOR NEXT CLASS
 Presentation Evaluation
 Practice Exercise Assigned
 Discussion Paper 3
Week 11 – April 5th: Leadership
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of readings
 Concept selling exercise evaluation and discussions
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Chapter 7, “Basic Information for All Types of Interviews, “ Communicating for Results
 Chapter 8, “The Employment Interview, “ Communicating for Results
 Field Specific Interview Questions. Monster.com
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Presentation Evaluation
 Practice Exercise Assigned
Week 12 – April 12th: Interviews
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of readings
 Product selling exercise evaluation and discussions
 Team Negotiations on a bilateral plan discussion and sign-ups
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 Top Management Communication during Crisis. Public Relations Quarterly, 2005
 The Negotiator and the Bomber. Negotiation Journal. 2005.
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Bilateral plan presentation
Week 13 – April 19th: Crisis and Negotiations
ACTIVITIES
 Discussion of readings
 Team Negotiation on a bilateral plan presentation
READ FOR NEXT WEEK
 Nothing
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
 Presentation Evaluation
 Discussion Paper 4
Week 14. April 26th. Individual Research Paper Presentation
Week 15 – May 3rd: Research Papers Due and Practice Presentation on Class Articles
*** There might be occasional changes in the syllabus as we move along. However, all the
changes would be reasonable and geared towards better learning.