Preparing for your NHD Interview enCompass Academy National History Day

Eye Contact & Shaking Hands It seems obvious, but when people are nervous they tend to avoid eye contact Stare at your judge’s nose if that helps you Don’t stare at/read off of your poster board Shake your judges hand (I know you know them) Hand shakes mean a lot in business, and this is good practice for hand shakes at job interviews Practice your handshake, but firm and direct

Dress Professionally This is not just a requirement on your judge’s rubric, but it will also help give you confidence Practice good hygiene Professional clothing looks like: Dress or skirt (not too short) Slacks, khakis, or nice jeans (no holes) with belt Blouse, button up, polo shirt Cardigans, blazers, suit jackets Nice shoes (if you can, avoid wearing sneakers) Subtle make up, simple jewelry

Dress Professionally

Confidence I have heard you all sharing information about your topics over the last few days, and you have learned A LOT (I’m impressed ) You probably know more information about your topic than your judge does You’re the expert, be confident in your answers It’s ok to say “I don’t know”. You don’t need to make things up.

Be Prepared Read over sample questions, but be prepared to answer other questions too Don’t create a script, memorizing the answers will make you nervous. You should know enough info to not have to script The judges are just your teachers, they are not scary, and they just want to have a conversation with you about your topic and find out what you have learned

Structure of your Talk After you shake your judge’s hand, talk about your topic a little bit: Introduction: What is your topic? Thesis? Body: Explain 3-5 main points about your topic Conclusion: Wrap it up, how is the impact of your topic? What did you learn?

Voice, tone, and speed Pay attention to the tone of your voice, try to sound pleasant A common problem when people are nervous during presentations is to speak too quickly Slow down Take pauses in appropriate places Don’t read from your poster/essay/notes/script This is a conversation so talk, don’t read If you do want to bring notes, look at them occasionally It is more important to capture main ideas than to say EVERYTHING

Body Language Try not to fidget or fiddle with notes, pens, etc. What message is your posture sending? Stand up straight Face your judge Try to look relaxed but confident (keep your knees bent and breathe)

Rehearse Practice what you will say when your judge comes to view your project Practice your responses to the example questions Try practicing by yourself, in front of friends or family Try taping yourself to see what you look like while you are presenting

Managing Nerves Be organized and prepared Look at this as an opportunity to prepare for your senior project Focus on the needs of your audience: What do you need your judge to know? Practice Take time to breathe and relax (practice skills to help calm yourself) Slow down Welcome distractions – use them as an opportunity refocus

Managing Nerves Bring notes if that will help with your nerves or make you feel more confident Use note cards, or the worksheet your teacher will give you Don’t read from your notes, just glance at them occasionally Try to get excited, rather than trying to calm yourself Remember that even some of your judges hate public speaking (Vikkie for example)

Question Time Try to look interested in answer questions, not like you want to run and hide If you don’t understand a question or need it repeated don’t be afraid to ask Reponses to difficult questions You’re right. I hadn’t thought about that. That’s a good question. I don’t know the answer. That’s a very interesting question; however it’s not something I’ve looked into. In this project I limited myself to researching ______________. I suggest you look at (reference). She/he discusses that issue.