How to Prepare an Oral Report
Alaska: The last Frontier
The name Alaska comes from the Aleut Indian word Alyeska, meaning "The Great Land." Not only is Alaska the largest state in the United States, it is also a kind of "last frontier." Much of Alaska's land remains unsettled, even to this day. It is home to both North America's tallest mountain and its deepest ocean trench. In winter, Alaskan skies are dark for months on end. During the months of June and July, the sun shines nearly around the clock. For this reason, Alaska has the nickname "Land of the Midnight Sun."
This information would be interesting to include in an oral report about Alaska. A report is a presentation, spoken or in writing, about a single topic. Most reports include information about real people, places, or events. An oral report is a report delivered in person to a live audience.
Doing a report about one of the 50 states can help you learn about U.S. history and geography.
STEPS IN Preparing an Oral Report
1. Find Sources of Information
find as many different sources of information as you can. You may be able to interview an expert Library books, magazines, audio tapes, video tapes, and Web sites are full of interesting information.
Check reference sources.
Encyclopedias give general information about topics. They come in book form, online, or CD-ROM. Atlases have detailed maps and facts about geography.
2. Collect Information
Gather the facts you need for your report. You might start by writing questions you would like to answer. Then search your sources of information for answers.
Take notes.
When you find information you can use, read it carefully and take notes. Writing notes on index cards can help you organize the information later. Write one note or summary on each card. If you use a quote, copy it down exactly and then write down who said the quote and the source. Include the name of the author, date of publication, and page number for each source used.
Find pictures, charts, and graphs.
An oral report can include showing and telling. Photos and illustrations make reports more interesting. Charts and graphs are good ways to present facts and figures.
3. Prepare Your Report
First, organize your information. What do you want to show or tell? Decide which facts are most important to include in your oral report. It may help to write an outline of the main topics, subtopics, and supporting details. Prepare a beginning, middle, and ending for your report.
Beginning
The beginning should introduce your topic in an interesting way. Try using one of the following types of beginnings.
A quote: "Alaska's flag, to Alaskans dear, the simple flag of a last frontier." These lines are from Alaska's state song.
A startling fact: In parts of Alaska, the sun does not rise at all between late November and late January.
A story: On my trip to Alaska, I was surprised to learn the state sport is "dog mushing," which is racing dog sleds. I'll never forget my first dog-sled race.
An interesting question: In which state can you see the sun shining at midnight in summer? The "Land of the Midnight Sun," Alaska!
Middle
The middle should give more facts about your topic. This is the main "body" of your report. Decide what pictures, charts, or examples to show. Create your own artwork will make your report more unique, interesting, and fun.
Ending
The ending should tell why the subject is important to you, your audience, the community, or the world. The last two or three sentences could summarize main points from your report. The ending should sound final and complete.
4. Rehearse Your Report
Practice giving your oral report. After you have practiced alone, you may want to do your report for family or friends. Practice these public speaking skills.
♦ Introduce yourself and your topic.
♦ Give your report in a strong voice and speak clearly.
♦ Look at the audience as much as possible.
♦ Keep going even if you make a mistake.
After you have practiced in front of an audience, ask them to suggest improvements. Make any changes you might need, then practice again.
TIPS
☛ Write your notes large enough and clearly enough that you can quickly glance at the facts as you present.
☛ Use an audio tape or video tape while you practice giving your report. Listen to or view the tape and decide if you need to make changes.