Once you’ve read your sources and taken notes, you’ll have a clearer idea of what your research presentation should encompass. However, there are a few important steps to complete before you start writing.

  1. Create a Focal Point: Identify the central idea or theme that will guide your presentation.
  2. Develop a One-Minute Pitch: Expand this focal point into a concise pitch that captures the essence of your message.
  3. Write an Outline: Create an outline that will serve as a roadmap for your writing, helping you organize your thoughts and structure your presentation effectively.

A Research Model

Now it is time to start putting skills into action. First, understand what your research project should not be:

  • A string of quotes mashed together
  • A regurgitation of everything you have read about a particular topic
  • A paraphrase of one person’s opinion on the topic

Create a main focal point, find and analyze information, and create a report, with conclusions or recommendations.

Identifying a Focal Point

So how does one create a focal point? And why is it necessary?

Think about the solar system example handout from earlier. If you were doing research on this topic, how would you know what you are looking for? Would you read every available piece of information about the solar system? How would you know what is relevant?

The research focus needs to be narrowed. Typically, it is best phrased as an open-ended question, such as:

  • How could the collapse of the housing market in Florida in the late 2000s have been minimized or avoided?
  • Are assimilitis and abysnomosis related diseases?
  • Is there proof that aliens landed in Roswell in the 1950s?

 

 

A One-Minute Pitch

Now that we have a focal point, it is almost time to get started! Before diving into that pile of reference materials, though, there is one more thing to do. Get a general knowledge of your topic – think of a short, one-minute elevator pitch to your boss, or a supper table update to your spouse.

A pitch should focus on the five W’s and the H:

  • Who
  • What
  • When
  • Where
  • Why
  • How

Find an authoritative, all-encompassing reference source (such as an authentic encyclopedia, either in print or online), and prepare a few brief sentences on the focal point. (Remember to use the reading and note-taking techniques discussed earlier!)

PreviousNext