Communication is a key skill in any scientific discipline.  Botany is no exception.  All successful botanists must be skillful communicators in a variety of media. 

This course focuses primarily on developing skills in oral presentations.

Most people have a deep fear of public speaking. There are a number of techniques that help reduce this fear. Examining these techniques, and practicing their application, comprises the theme of this course.

Course activities range from establishing criteria for evaluating successful oral communication to the presentation of a short seminar and integrating its critique. We also make additional use of the seminar materials by reusing them to create a poster.

Class Strategy

This course is designed to allow considerable independent activity.  Most assignments can be completed without coming to any formal class sessions.  On-line materials will provide instructions in techniques.  Videos are available that discuss a variety of relevant topics. Assignments are exchanged through the internet facilities. 

There is one event that will require everyone's presence.  That is the day that everyone presents a short seminar (see Assignment 5).  The date and time for this class meeting will be negotiated early in the semester (see the Schedule link).

There is a need for synchrony in the class.  Most of the materials produced in the assignments will be circulated to the other members of the class for critique. It is essential that everyone do this together.  As a result, we will adhere quite strictly to the time schedule.

Class Resources

Considerable information about designing and presenting seminars is available on the internet.  Please look at the links that are provided (see the Links).  Many of these links are to short video segments.