Planning for Time

• Make time limits on presentations clear. Typically a window of time is appropriate, i.e. 8-10 minutes. Specific time limits encourage students to rehearse their presentations and revise them accordingly. Holding each student to the time limits allows all the students who are scheduled for a particular day to give their presentations.

• Decide if you, a classmate or the speaker will be responsible for timing presentations. If you or a classmate does the timing, you will need a stop watch or suitable wristwatch.

• Consider if the speaker will receive "time signals" (an indication of how much time remains for their presentation) and how these signals will be made. Typically time cards or hand signals are used.

• Determine if there will be penalties for presentations that are over or under the time limits and what the penalties will be. Often instructors subtract points for each full minute over or under the limits.

• In scheduling the number of presentations for a class period allow time for
  1. dicussion or questions and answers if they are part of the assignment.
  2. changing speakers (generally 2-3 minutes between each speaker).
  3. equipment set-up if technology is being used.
  4. oral critiques if they are part of the assignment.

   

• Consider leaving time at the end of the speaking schedule for "make-ups" for students who are not able to present on their assigned day.

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