PERSONAL PRESENTATION IN PROFESSIONAL SETTINGS

In this activity, Explorers will look inside themselves and write down their own accomplishments and what they want others to know about them.

Say: In a professional meeting or at the beginning of a group discussion, the first few minutes typically involve everyone introducing themselves.  When it is your turn, what are you prepared to say?  Solicit answers. I tell people my name, where I’m from, and what I’m doing “here” (in the particular situation).  This activity prepares you with a carefully thought out set of characteristics that you can choose from (any part or all) for any introductory situation. Having your key features ready at the tip of your tongue, ready for any situation demonstrates confidence and character.

Take a pen and paper.  Write down five characteristics about yourself that you would want others to know.  What about you do you think is most unique and interesting?  Encourage Explorers to identify positive characteristics.

Write down four groups/communities (i.e., family, church, school, sports, hobbies, work, etc.) you belong to.  For each group, write down your role(s) you have (i.e., family: I’m a big sister, oldest child; school: 8^th grader, player on the softball team…etc.)

Now write down two of your accomplishments in each of the groups you listed. (i.e., perfect attendance at school; getting to the Exploring meeting on time, completing their work, winning a race, finishing a project, etc.)

Have the Explorers put these notes in a place they can refer to them for Activity #4. Alternatively, collect all the papers and save them for activity #4.

Hand out or have projected five to ten different photos/images of people dressed in different styles. Have them discuss the perceived image for each. Prompt them with three questions: In what profession(s) would this attire be appropriate? What does this person’s appearance say about him/her? What attire is appropriate for this Explorer Post during a Post meeting? Outside a Post meeting? Why?

Hand out or view the information on Language: Unnecessary Jargon, Clichés, and Complexity. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of each in a self-introduction, in a report to Explorer Sponsors, and when recruiting others to join the Post.

Using the information gained in the previous 3 activities, have Explorers write a 200 to 300-word personal description of themselves.

Have each Explorer practice their personal description out loud at least five times until each feels comfortable with the information.

Pair up Explorers and have them introduce themselves to their partners or have each present him/herself to the group, using notes.  Do not read the statement, present yourself with your own personality.  Ask each partner to provide positive feedback about the short presentation.  For example, “I didn’t know (fill in topic here) about you; how interesting!”  “It would be great if you could look at me/your audience.  Your focus was on your notes.” “Can you go into a little more detail about (fill in topic here)?”

Ask Explorers to provide their feedback about the series of activities.