Deliberative Dialogue Appointments

The purpose of this capstone project is to engage in a small group discussion about a difficult problem, develop a solution to the problem, and present your group’s ideas using both research and persuasive techniques. Mason is committed to solving problems that we face together.  

Brainstorming Appointments

1. The majority (more than half) of your group must come to the appointment.

  • A group of 4 needs at least 3 members
  • A group of 5 needs at least 3-4 members
  • A group of 6 needs at least 4 members

Why? Since this is a group speech, you need to collaboratively come up with a topic. One or two people cannot decide the topic of the speech, it’s unfair to the rest of the group.

2. Come in with at least one (1) topic idea.

  • Topics to avoid include parking and dining.

Why? You need to find a problem that you can create a reasonable solution to. Parking and dining are far too expensive to fix, which creates an unreasonable solution.

3. How to get credit for your visit.

  • Again, the majority of your group needs to be there.
  • If you are 10 minutes late, you will not receive credit.
  • Please have at least one topic idea in mind.
  • You need to know the requirements of the speech.
  • Only members who attend the appointment and participate can earn credit.

Preparation Appointments

1. Preparation appointments require a completed draft outline.

  • Please upload your completed draft outline to the scheduling website: gmu.mywconline.com at least an hour before your appointment time!
  • Your outline should be completed or at least mainly filled out.
  • You can come in alone! We recommend sharing the feedback with your group.

2. Come with questions and/or a focus!

  • We’re here to make sure your draft is great! If you don’t ask questions, we can’t tailor our advice to your needs.

3. How to get credit for your visit.

  • Bring a completed draft outline.
  • If you are 10 minutes late, you will not receive credit.
  • Only members who attend the appointment and participate can earn credit.

Practice Appointments

1. Your outline and PowerPoint slides should be completed

  • A PowerPoint is required for this speech!

2. Even if you are only practicing your section of the speech, the whole presentation needs to be complete 

  • It's important we understand the full context of the speech.
  • We need to know how close you are to the total time limit.

3. How to get credit for your visit

  • Come prepared!
  • Only members who attend and participate will receive credit.
  • If you are more than 10 minutes late, you cannot receive credit.