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Pre-writing

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Write a lucid, persuasive script. In writing out a clear, researched script for your presentation, you set yourself up for success with this project. Aim for your script to be about 500 words long, but no more than 750 words. Depending on your rate of speaking, you may be able to fit more or less in your presentation. This type of writing will differ from others you have undertaken over the course of the semester, as any wordiness or awkwardness will be apparent when you read it aloud. Work to write in the most fluid and easy manner possible: this will make for the most persuasive presentations. Briefly acknowledge any counterarguments. Be sure to incorporate secondary sources, formatting them according to the MLA standards.

Within your process of writing your script, begin thinking about how you will pair visual persuasion with your written expression. You should block out where you will place images and/or clips (taking into account the time they will take). For example, you may write, “[30 second clip from film 0:30:10-0:30:40, featuring character ‘A’ speaking the rhetoric I will analyze].”

In tailoring your presentation, and in writing your script, think about your audience. What can you expect them to know? What will you need to explain? What can you leave out?  By thoughtfully completing this pre-writing exercise, you will save stress and prepare yourself to shine on the day of your presentation.

Formatting

Put your name & word count in the top left-hand corner and any pieces you cite at the bottom of the page—include full citation information (follow MLA); set margins at 1 inch, double space, Times New Roman font at 12 pt. Before you submit, be sure to time yourself – can you read your script (at a reasonable pace) in under 3 minutes? If not, you’ll need to revise. Include your audio time underneath the word count in the header.