Tips for Presenters Show-Me Show-MeScholars Scholars

Objective To encourage ALL h igh school students to complete a defined, rigorous academic course of study that prepares them for a successful transition to college or university coursework, college or university coursework, vocational/technical training, the military, or the workforce.

Timing of Presentations Student presentations normally made within 2 weeks of “course sign-up day” for high schoolStudent presentations normally made within 2 weeks of “course sign-up day” for high school Parent presentations made in evening, at open house or career and college fairs.Parent presentations made in evening, at open house or career and college fairs. High School presentations can be done at any time during the year.High School presentations can be done at any time during the year.

Synopsis of 50-Minute Presentation First Half – Introductions (Business Cards) – Discussion of dynamic forces shaping world and effect on U.S. ability to compete – Highlights relationship of properly educated workforce to economic success of any nation – Emphasis on selecting right courses in high school to prepare for a career and be prepared for a lifetime of continual learning

Synopsis of 50-Minute Presentation Second Half Go through budget exercise based on… –Hypothetical monthly income of $2,250 –Relate it to a full-time, minimum wage job –Recap critical importance of preparing oneself properly in high school –Handout Scholars Student Brochure –Acquaint students with Scholars Contract

Key Points Present program in classroom setting, normally 25–30 students per sessionPresent program in classroom setting, normally 25–30 students per session Do not dwell on introductions (It is difficult enough to complete in 45–50 minutesDo not dwell on introductions (It is difficult enough to complete in 45–50 minutes Use a brief personal experience to bring information to lifeUse a brief personal experience to bring information to life Don’t preach, share----ask questions, involve them in the presentationDon’t preach, share----ask questions, involve them in the presentation Add, delete, modify slides as appropriateAdd, delete, modify slides as appropriate

Key Points Continued Have logistics lined out well in advance of presentation day!  Where what, when, who? *Where are you presenting? *Where are you presenting? *What items do you need to take with you? i.e. computer, projector, CD, handouts (Check this out in advance) *When is your presentation (time, date, how many minutes do you have for the presentation)? Make sure you show up at least 20 minutes early to get set up to begin on time. Every minute you have with the students is valuable. *When is your presentation (time, date, how many minutes do you have for the presentation)? Make sure you show up at least 20 minutes early to get set up to begin on time. Every minute you have with the students is valuable. *Who is your contact at the location you are assigned? *Who is your contact at the location you are assigned?

Lessons Learned No substitute for spending time in classroomNo substitute for spending time in classroom Multiple presentations highly recommended. It gets easier the more you do it.Multiple presentations highly recommended. It gets easier the more you do it. Kids respond to messages involving you, them and their future….especially earnings.Kids respond to messages involving you, them and their future….especially earnings. High levels of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment are an absolute must!High levels of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment are an absolute must! Student participation is very important to your presentation!Student participation is very important to your presentation!

Lessons Learned Avoid extensive use of notes or script.Avoid extensive use of notes or script. Compliment whenever possible.Compliment whenever possible. Do not criticize but do not shy away from being assertive and frank.Do not criticize but do not shy away from being assertive and frank. Be alert for unexpected questions; i.e., “How much do you make?”Be alert for unexpected questions; i.e., “How much do you make?” Stay in control of the presentation and the class. ( The classroom teacher should be with you during the presentation to take care of discipline)Stay in control of the presentation and the class. ( The classroom teacher should be with you during the presentation to take care of discipline)

Bottom Line Knowing or feeling you have “reached” the students with important information about their future is one of the most gratifying experiences in life!  Planted an important seed  Helping shape their destiny  Being remembered

What is Your Role as Presenter? PreparePrepare Edit Powerpoint PresentationEdit Powerpoint Presentation Review notes and Tips for PresentersReview notes and Tips for Presenters Be on time and ready for presentation at schoolBe on time and ready for presentation at school Make Presentation to studentsMake Presentation to students Share your experience with othersShare your experience with others Promote the program whenever possiblePromote the program whenever possible

The work reported herein was supported under State Scholars Initiative, PR/Award Number (V051U050006), as administered by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education or the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.