Organizational Structure of Group Presentation
Organization is essential during group presentations for maintaining the audience's attention in the midst of distraction created by changing speakers. In addition to organizing the content of the presentation, the group should organize its speakers so that they complement the organizational structure of the presentation. Below, the coordination of group members is explained as it relates to the structure of the presentation.
Introduction:
A "host" from the group can provide continuity
and organization by directing the presentation. The
host speaks first, delivering the introduction and
the preview. During the preview, the host should introduce
each group member, along with the section of the speech
they will deliver.
Body:
After the introduction, the second speaker will rise
and deliver the first point from the topic sentence
through the warrant and then exit the stage.
The host may return to the stage to deliver transitions, which will establish how the points of each speaker relate and will introduce each new speaker. Alternatively, each speaker may deliver a transition at the end of their point.
After the first point and transition the third speaker will rise and deliver the second point from the topic sentence through the warrant and then exit the stage. A transition will follow and then the fourth speaker will deliver the third point and so on.
Conclusion:
When the body of the speech is complete, the host
should return to deliver the review, restatement of
thesis, and conclusion.
Some helpful hints:
- Members who are not speaking, (or assisting the
speaker with visual aids), should not be on the
stage, as they will draw attention away from the
speaker. Non-speaking members could sit in a row
of chairs off-stage.
- When one member of the group exits while another
enters the stage, the person who intends to speak
next should walk in front of the person who exits.
- Consider coordinating your research and your presentation
so that each group member is an expert on the section
of the presentation that they deliver. Since each
group member will know part of the topic in depth,
the group as a whole will be more likely to be able
to answer challenging questions from the audience.
- Depending on the group size, the length of the presentation, the amount of material presented and the organization of that material, there may not be time for all group members to speak or members may be required to speak more than once. Members who don't speak may contribute to the presentation by handling visual aids. This allows the other members to concentrate on delivery.