Assignment 6: Oral Report

Assignment 6: Oral Report

September 17, 1999. This is an assignment for Indiana University's G100: ``Business in the Information Age''


Each team will present a report on some aspect of one or more of its companies that it finds interesting. A recitation of what products each company makes would be a bad choice of topic; a description of lawsuits against two of the companies and your opinion of the effect on profits would be a good topic. Your research for this project can be minimal-- you may even have all the facts you need from the company's annual report or from other assignments.

We will split the time in the sections equally among teams, which means you will have very little time, and should be ready to move from one presentation to the next. There should be a little time for questions after your presentation, though. Each person in the team should have at least a minute of speaking, but the times do not have to be equal. You should have a one-page handout that will increase the effectiveness of your presentation in conveying your points to the audience.

You may not use notes of any kind. You may not use your handout as notes-- it is for the audience, not for you. I have found in the past that more students are hurt by notes than are helped by them, but it is hard for you to believe this until you have tried presenting something without notes.

You should dress formally, as if you were being interviewed for a job with an investment bank. If you don't own a tie, for example, borrow one from a friend, just as you would if you had a sudden interview. Your oral style should be informal, though, even though you are in business dress.

You may use overheads if you like-- contact me or the T.A. on how to get these made. Also remember that the blackboard is there if you need it, and that visual props such as company products are quite appropriate.



Send comments to Prof. Rasmusen.