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Articles Conference Reviews |
To Read or Not to ReadTo Read the Paper or Not to Read? As a general observation about the panels at 2010 Conference on College Composition and Communication, I was particularly aware of the variability in the apparent quality of the panels. While this is not unexpected at such a large conference, I did discern a pattern among the strong as well as the weaker presentations. I have noticed in recent years a rising interest in the options to replace the traditional “read a paper” model in favor of more dynamic modes of presentation. At this year’s CCCC, however, I found that, on the whole, those who followed the traditional path were much more effective, both from an intellectual and a presentation standpoint, than those who stood in front of the table and spoke extemporaneously or from a few notes. Now, my own sample of panels is of course limited, but based on the three days’ worth of sessions I was able to attend, I can say that the best, most astute, and well-thought-out presentations followed the “boring” model of reading a prepared paper, often while sitting at a table. These presenters had clearly taken their opportunity to present seriously, and put in the time to write a scholarly paper, shortened as it may be, that demonstrated respect for the audience, the field, and themselves. The “traditional” form, for these presenters, was not a fallback position, followed merely because it was expected, but instead represented the most effective way in which to convey complex, conceptual, and insightful material to an audience very much interested in what they had to say. |