1. selection: Not all quotations are worthy of your time since most are clichés, the same-old lessons that you get from parents, teachers, and moralists. But there will be others that might stimulate you into thinking the unconventional. So, to make it all worthwhile, look for those quotes that promise room for explanation or elaboration, scout around for thought-provoking statements, and think thoroughly before choosing one for your presentation.

2. background: Background information is not simply something that you cite but should be blended in with your interpreation. The identity of the speaker can be a good point of entry for how the quotation could be read or criticized. After all, background information can shed light on the intentions of the speaker as well as provide possible readings.

3. interpretation: Try not to stop at the most superficial or cliché. Don’t just repeat what is obvious; you would be insulting the intelligence of your audience—plus making yourself look bad. The first step should be an elaboration/explanation of the quote to elucidate its surface meaning, but then you must move on to the next step which could be a variety of things: you can be ironic about it, criticize it, expand on it, or affirm it—preferably with refreshing examples or views. Remember, even famous quotes can and need to be challenged.

Contacting the instructor: johomework@gmail.com. "Subject" of the email must be marked "oral training--your name in full" to avoid being lost in the ocean of correspondences.