Review of Meredith Presentation

1. Review of Meredith Presentation • Techniques Dennis used… • Visuals – think of the range of imagery you can use! • Still images • Video – including scientific animations • Cartoons • Use of figures from popular culture (e.g., Bart Simpson, John Belushi) • Slogans – “say cow, see cow” – many variations on theme to reinforce his point • The exercise with audience (What adjectives are associated with the word “scientist”?) • Wireless mouse (and microphone), allowing movement around the room - candy

2. Review of Meredith (Cont.) • Use of theatrical techniques • Gestures • Demonstrations • Humor • Enthusiasm • Eye contact • Interference with screen to draw attention to him • Movement across the stage and toward audience to make point • No reading of slide text – interferes with connection to audience • Props (Susan Estrada example)

3. Meredith’s Recommendations for PPTs • 40 words maximum per slide • All text presented meant to be read • Only relevant data (on graphics) – may require simplified graphics! • Meaningful slides headlines • Steph’s addition: For longer headlines, break phrases by line into semantic pieces • Elimination of all “non-data ink” • 28-30 pt font size minimum • Sans serif fonts (easier to read on screen) • 4 bullets max per slide • Short bullets – friendlier, better pace, creates intrigue, forces better preparation

4. Using Appropriate Language May 14, 2012 Purdue website: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/608/01/

5. It’s Important to Use Language that Fits Your Audience & Matches Your Purpose • Inappropriate language can • Damage your credibility • Undermine your argument • Alienate your audience

6. Major Issues of Appropriate Language Use • Levels of language formality • Deceitful language and euphemisms • Slang and idiomatic expressions • Group-specific jargon • Biased and stereotype language

7. Levels of Language Formality • Write in a style your audience expects and fits your purpose • Examples: • Cover letter for job application or a college academic essay: Formal • Letter to a friend, memoire, article for humor or special interest magazine: Less formal

8. Example of Formality • Formal (written to an unknown audience): I am applying for the engineering position advertised in the local paper. I am an excellent candidate for the job because of my technical experience (I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UCSD), superior communication skills (writing and in presentation)and my management training.

9. Examples of Formality (Cont.) • Semi-formal (Written to a well-known individual): I am applying for the Electrical Engineering position open in our company. As you are aware, I have worked as a temporary employee in this position before. As such, I not only have experience and knowledge of this position, but also already understand the company's needs and requirements for this job.

10. Group Jargon • Definition of “jargon”: “Any in-group or specialized language used by small groups of like-minded individuals” • Specialized to the function of the group • Used by group members as sign of belonging, status, and for keeping out outsiders • Use what is considered correct language by the group(too PC?)

11. Choose Vocabulary Based on Audience • For general audience (incl general academic audience), avoid using in-group jargon without explanation • For in-group audience, use group-specific jargon • If you don’t do this, you signal you are not a member of the group or haven’t mastered the group’s terminology • Can lead to damaged credibility

12. Avoid Slang and Idiomatic Expressions • My favorite example: “You guys” • These words sound informal and, hence, less credible • For non-native speakers of English, slang may be hard to parse because of its non-literal nature • Exception: humorous writing

13. Avoid Deceitful, Euphemistic, and Complex Language • Avoid language whose purpose is deceitful • Avoid euphemisms: Terms that attempt to cover up what is wrong, unethical, taboo, or harsh • Avoid overly complex or confusing language

14. Example of Government “Bureaucrat-ese” The acquisition of pollution permits by individuals and corporations that produce toxins has now been allowed by the recently amended Clean Air Act of 1990. Institution of permits simplifies and clarifies obligations for business and industry, making environmental protections more accessible for these constituents. The government and the Environmental Protection Agency will be greatly assisted in their endeavors by monitoring the release of all substances and having the substances listed on one individual permit. This example makes it seem as if the Clean Air Act is improving the environment when, in fact, it provides a loophole for permit holders to release pollutants.

15. Let’s Edit Previous Example The acquisition of pollution permitsby individuals and corporations that produce toxins has now been allowed by the recently amended Clean Air Act of 1990. Institution of permits simplifies and clarifies obligations for business and industry, making environmental protections more accessible for these constituents. The government and the Environmental Protection Agency will begreatlyassisted in their endeavors by monitoring the release of all substances and having the substances listed on one individual permit. Noun verbs: acquisition Passive voice Wordiness that obscures the subverts the point!

16. Avoid Stereotypes and Biased Language • Avoid language that suggests stereotyping or bias • Gender • Sexual orientation • Ethnicity • Race • Political orientation • Religion

17. Stereotypes and Biased Language (Cont.) • National Council of Teachers of English recommends: • Generic language • Mankind or human rather than “man” • Synthetic, manufactured rather than “man-made” • Average citizen, ordinary person rather than “common man” • Staff (rather than “man”) the stockroom • Occupations • Avoid calling attention to gender with professions oriented toward one gender or another (e.g., male nurse, woman doctor) • Coordinator, presiding officer, head, chair rather than “chairman” • Business executive, business person rather than “businessman”

18. Appropriate Pronoun Usage • English has no generic singular pronoun. • We have historically used “he,” “his,” “him.” • Ways to avoid this problem: • Recast singular to plural. • Reword to eliminate gender reference (Ex: The average student is worried about his grades.). • Replace masculine pronoun to “one,” “you,” or (sparingly!) “he or she” (also “s/he”). • Alternate male and female examples (be careful not to confuse the reader!). • ‘”Let each student participate. Has she had a chance to talk? Could he feel left out?”

19. Quick Quiz: What’s Wrong with This List of Words? • Sight, sound, touch, taste, smell

20. Homework and Upcoming Topics • Lab report “story” due today. • Look at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/635/1/(posted on my website) wrt to today’s topic. • Group edit in class on Wed (due 5/23). • Teams for editing homework assignment 5/21 : • David and Marvin edit each other’s work. • Zoe edit’s Jessica’s. • Jessica edits Barbara’s. • Barbara edits Zoe’s. • Due Session 16, 5/23. We’ll discuss your peer-review editing. • Discussion of how to work with Public Information Officers 5/23/12. • Write 500 words on topic in your major area for your PIO who is not familiar with it. Due 5/30/12.