P4 Oral Book Report Presentation
Your task is to give talk to your classmates about a novel you have read. The
talk will last for about 2-3 minutes and you will allow the audience to ask
questions at the end.
Essential points
1. This is a talk, not an essay or PowerPoint read out loud.
2. You must read the book you are going to talk about! Otherwise, you will sound hesitant
and look foolish.
3. Have a copy of the book beside you when you make
notes for your talk. You can check details about the
characters, events etc. and quote from the text.
4. Have a copy of the book with you when you give your
talk. You can show it to your audience and possibly
refer to parts you have bookmarked.
5. Do not write a speech. Instead, make notes which
will guide you when you speak. (Many speakers find index cards useful for their notes.)
The Report
1. The Structure of your Report
The following is a basic structure that should be successful for most novels:
a. Title, author, illustrator
b. Genre (What type of story is it? e.g. Humour, Ghost, Horror, Family, Thriller,
Sci-Fi, Fantasy)
c. The setting (Where does story take place? If it is not set in the present, say
when … Is the setting important to the story?)
d. The main characters (describe them, comment on their personality, behaviour,
relationships and how they change as a result of their experiences)
e. The plot (summarise what happens; do not bore your audience with every detail)
Describe the main conflict of the story. What is the basic situation your
characters find themselves in at the beginning of the story and what problems
develop as the story continues?
f. Conclusion (sum up what you liked about the book; possibly mention others in the
same series or by the same author)
2. Body Language
You are going to give a talk – not read an essay out loud. You must look at your
audience (make eye contact with every single person there!); turn your head from side
to side; and change your facial expressions.
3. Voice
Your voice is a tool and you can use it either skilfully or clumsily.
a. Speak loudly enough for your audience to hear you without
straining. Raise your head, take deep breaths, speak from
your diaphragm. (Think of the person furthest from you
and make sure they can hear you.)
b. Be confident: tell yourself that you know the book well
and your audience probably don’t, so you’re the expert!
This confidence will help you to speak clearly.
c. Vary your voice: change the volume, stress and tone in
different parts of your talk and even between words or
sentences.
4. Making Notes
a. Notes should be notes, not whole sentences or paragraphs – and certainly not an
essay!
b. Make them big enough to glance at quickly.
c. If you write notes on numbered index cards or strips of paper, they will be
easier to read. As you finish each card, move it to the bottom of the pile.
Top tips
1. Select a passage from your book to read aloud as a part of your report. Be prepared to
explain to the class how the selection fits into the story. Practice your oral reading so
your reading is smooth and expressive.
2. Prepare props or an illustration for your report. Be sure to include the title of your
book, the author, your name and due date. Your illustration can be hand drawn, or you may
use any combination of computer graphics, collage, or magazine clippings. Your illustration
should relate to the major events, the setting, or the theme of your novel. Do not just
redo the cover. That idea has already been taken. Be sure to take time to do quality work.
3. Do not share the ending with the class. They need to read the book!
4. Practise! Perform your talk at home to you family, pair up with a friend and rehearse
together, review the book with your cat...however you do it, practise makes perfect!
5. You have been given lots of time to prepare this, use it wisely!
Feedback sheet- Name
Success Criteria
Length
Voice
Body language and facial
expression
Introduction- Title and
author
Genre
Characters
Plot
Conclusion (with
opinions)
Questions
Props/illustrations
Peer Assessment
Date
Comments