For two weeks I visited with five high schools in the Columbus, GA area. At four of the high schools during the lunch periods I was able to set up a visual presentation and speak with student as they approached me to inquiry about my presentation. Doing these presentations, I found which techniques do and don’t work when trying to communicate to a group of people who are not completely focused on the presenter. Bold colors really catches a person’s attention and promotes the presenter. Even your stance could either welcome attention or come off as un-approachable. I found it better to stand and be ready to interact when a person approaches the best way to appear professional when trying to promote yourself, or a product, or in this case a service.
Of the five schools, one of them invited Services to the Armed Forces, to come out and speak to the individual classes for the day. I was selected to do the classroom presentation and immensely enjoyed the opportunity. I was able to present to 18, high school, science classes and really felt it was a great opportunity to practice my presentation skills. When giving the first couple of speeches I felt a little bit nervous but as the day went on I warmed up very quickly. Next thing I knew I was feeling more and more connection with my targeted audience and at the end of the day I was told I received a very high response and level of interest.
At the end of the two weeks I was really grateful to be able to use these opportunities to build my communication skills and am really looking forward to my future as a communication major.
