Assignment Dates

What I Want You to Do

Computer screen playing a video that shows a skillet tossing shrimp, mushrooms, cauliflower, peas, and corn

Create an informal introduction video with audio that tells the class who you are and shares a personal food story. Your video should be about 3–5 minutes long. You will share your video with the 9 other people in your Accountability Group.

You can record a simple video of yourself talking or use a few simple slides. I know some people do not like being on camera, so choose the option you are most comfortable with.

Why I Want You to Do It

You will give many presentations in the workplace, and a lot of them will begin with a self-introduction. You should become comfortable with telling a group who you are and providing enough additional information for listeners to understand why you presenting. Storytelling is one effective way to draw your audience in and make connections with them. This short and informal presentation lets you practice both of those skills.

Show/Hide Relevant Course Objectives

Relevant Course Objectives

  • How to analyze your audience and purpose so that you can choose the best way to present information clearly and effectively.. [CLO 1]
  • How to write documents you may encounter in the workplace, such as letters, memos, instructions, proposals, reports, and presentations. [CLO 4]
  • Collaborate with classmates in planning, researching, writing, revising, and presenting information. [CLO 5]

Where You Can Find Help

How You Do It

  1. Decide on the basic personal information that you want to share, being sure to include the following:
    • Your name (what you want us to call you)
    • Your area of study/major
    • What’s next for you: a particular job? further studies?
    • Any additional personal information you want to share (e.g., preferred pronouns, clubs or Greek organizations, military experience).
  2. Choose a food story that you will help the class get to know you:
    • Pick a story your audience (college students at Virginia Tech) will find interesting or entertaining.
    • Choose a story about yourself, your family (however you define it), or your cultural background.
    • Select a story that you can tell in 2 or 3 minutes.
    • Consult the Food Story Ideas page for possible topics.
  3. Combine all your notes from the activities above (in Steps #3 and #4), using the information in the textbook and on the Tip Sheet: Self-Introduction Presentation to create a script of what you will say in your video.
  4. If you decide to use slides, design the slides to display in your video, using advice from the General Guidelines for Powerpoint Presentations to guide your design.
  5. Record your video, using whatever software or app you are comfortable with, using the links below for help:
  6. Post your video here once you are ready. See How do I submit an online assignment? if you need help with Canvas.

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