10 minute presentation

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I'm in need of encouragement and advice for a project at school.

Long story short, we had to write a paper and now give a 10 minute multimedia presentation on the same topic. I would like to just make a video. But I know nothing about videography.

So, other ways to keep the attention of a group of 17 and 18 year olds for 10 whole minutes without being completely awkward. Ideas?

By the way, my topic is how Asperger's syndrome affects communication.

How good are you usually at public speaking?

One thing is, most classmates barely listen to presentations at all.

But that's not a bad thing.

For me it makes me more comfortable knowing people aren't actually judging you and aren't listening to you word-for-word, but are just listening a little here and there.

I just believe for most presentations, no matter what the topic is about, those interested will listen, those who aren't, won't.

Don't worry about being 'interesting' or catching your audiences attention.

Do it for the teacher, not for the class.

How is the presentation being graded? Are your classmates being given survey forms to fill out rating your presentation? I personally found presentations to be very easy, much to my great surprise. What worked best for me was to create a very basic outline of what I planned to present (not what I planned to say!) and the order in which I would present it. Basically, I would never know exactly what I would say or how I would say it in advance. This practice eliminates the need to make and follow a script. Scripts can backfire if you are not careful as you may be trying to visualize the script in your mind as you speak and if you forget a part it might trip you up in your presentation. KNOW your subject matter, that is the key thing. Making eye contact is preferred, but if that is a problem try periodically 'skimming' the room looking at the hair on people's heads. Go in sync with your media aids (Power Point, etc) which should for the most part consist of 'bullets', which will help you to move along smoothly. Ten minutes is not a long presentation. Trust me, it will go fast, especially if you are 'into it', treat your subject like your special interest. You will do fine.

Can you get disability accommodations? If there are presentations in my classes I get accommodations and only have to give the presentation to the teacher and not the whole class.