1. Preparing for your NHD Interview
enCompass Academy National History Day

2. 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

3. 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

4. Dress Professionally

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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.