Change is the only constant in today’s organizations. Kathleen Reardon, a noted scholar on persuasive organizational communication, explains that most business professionals will face a situation where they must convince other members of the organization to support an organizational change. The capacity to convince others distinguishes an effective business professional from an ineffective one. Influential professionals are able to use logical arguments with emotional appeals and credible delivery to motivate members of an organization.
The goal of this assignment is to help you develop the skills necessary to prepare and deliver a compelling argument for the support of a specific organizational change. To reach this goal, you are asked to structure a presentation that advocates a particular change in the organizational setting described in one of the case studies in this packet. You will use the Problem-Solution-Action pattern reviewed by your instructor to:
_Gain the audience’s attention
_Convince the audience of the need for change
_Present a proposed change
_Ask the audience to support the change
Your Responsibilities
_You will be assigned a case study in this packet. This case study will highlight an organization’s need for change. You must analyze the organization’s needs and develop a suggested organizational change to meet this need. If you wish to find or write a case of your own, please consult your instructor.Any case you locate/create must be approved by your instructor at least one week prior to your scheduled presentation date. If you write a case of your own, after gaining approval from the instructor, you must provide a copy of the case to each class member at least one class day prior to your presentation date.
_You will complete the Outline Worksheet in this packet for the Problem-Solution-Action pattern. A class workshop will help you work on creating your suggested organizational change and building arguments in support of your proposed change.
_On your presentation day, you will advocate your proposed organizational change to the audience.This presentation should: 1) both describe and draw attention to the extent/impact of the problem for you selected audience, 2) identify the underlying causes of the problem, 3) prescribe an adequate and adaptable solution, and 4) convince the audience to support the change.
_You have 5 to 7 minutes to persuade the audience and garner their support. If you speak for less than the 5 minutes, or more than 7, you will be penalized.For example, if a speech is less than 5 minutes, one point will be deducted for each 15 second interval.For example, a speech that is 1-14 seconds short, would lose 1 point; a speech that is 15-29 seconds short, would lose two points, etc.Please, time your meeting when you practice.
_Limit your notes to your instructor’s requirements. Include only KEY WORDS to prompt your thinking on notes.Do not write out whole sections (or the entire presentation) on your notes.If you choose to ignore this advice, expect to be penalized 5 points.
_You must incorporate at least three computer-generated visual aids that enhance your presentation by adding to the audience’s understanding of your argument.
_Remember, your grade depends on your ability to develop and deliver a well-organized presentation complete with rational, emotional, and credible appeals, as well as an attention-getting introduction and memorable conclusion.Delivery should include vivid and convincing language and you should strive to make meaningful eye contact and engage the audience.And be sure to dress the part.
Submit the following items in your presentation folder to your instructor on the day of your presentation:
_Your graded Instructor’s Evaluation for Presenting Yourself (original or copy)
_Instructor’s Evaluation for Presentation to Convince
_Presentation notes (place these in the folder following your presentation)
_Completed Outline
_Originals or copies of visual aids
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Points
Possible
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Presentation
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55
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Self-Assessment
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5
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Total
Points Possible
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60
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_On your presentation day, you will be videotaped while you speak.After the speech, you are to watch your tape and fill out the Self-Assessment form in this packet (your instructor will give you specific instructions on this).The Self-Assessment will be due one week after you deliver your presentation.