Students' zone -

How do I prepare a seminar paper to lead a discussion?

Seminar presentations usually contribute less to your final course grade than essays or exams (though it’s worth checking) – but somehow, they can be more stressful.

Many students are very anxious about public speaking – and about exposing their talent (or confusion) to their peers. Comfort yourself: everyone in your group is in the same boat – and no matter how confident they seem, will almost certainly be feeling the same fear. And then there’s the tutor, who has to do this kind of thing at every class - and who certainly understands the pressures.

What is the point of a seminar presentation? Of course, it’s like an essay in that it’s a test of your knowledge and critical skills. But whereas in an essay the primary aim is to produce your own critical conclusion, in a seminar presentation the primary aim is to stimulate and lead a group discussion.

• As in writing an essay, your seminar paper needs to have a clear agenda and to present a focused and critical overview of the relevant research

 The aim is to give your listeners enough information so that they can understand the issues and take part in a discussion (just in case there are others in the group who haven’t done any preparation…)

• But where a good essay works its way toward a focused conclusion, a good seminar presentation throws the floor open for an interesting discussion and exchange of ideas

 Have a clear idea what debate you want to follow from your paper, and write the seminar paper to set that up

• Presentation style matters.
o Mumbling in a monotone will send everyone to sleep!
o So will talking for too long
o Giving out handouts which summarise your main points and pose the question for discussion is helpful

o Useful website:
• Not psychology, but close enough! And amusing and very informative