Team Thoughts

My excitement for LAUNCH grows more and more each day. I feel that is will be the peak of my attendance of Episcopal, and that’s a bold claim since I have been at Episcopal since kindergarten. This is my 13th year at EHS and I am determined to make a real impact on this community before I depart. Thus, my fellow presentation team members, from me you can expect the following: determination, crazy work ethic, hard work, and commitment. I am going to put all of my energy of my existence into my presentation. It has to be perfect, and I determined to do whatever it takes for it to be that. Also, I will act as y’all’s support system. I will be there to help you rehearse, calm your nerves, and well…be a friend for you! Luckily I am already great friends with the members of my team so the bond we share will transfer to the bond we share as a presentation team. From my partners what I want is very simple: I need y’all to support me and most importantly CALM ME DOWN. I already know that I am going to be a nervous wreck on launch day. Not only do I have to talk in front of the entire high school (I’m not complaining about that. It is was I requested but its still scary!!) but also the “fate” of my presentation is going to be not entirely in my hands. Isabel and Charles are going to be the focus of my presentation and I can’t control them (ex: make them say the right thing and not mess up). I can prepare myself as much as possible but in the end I have to put my trust in them. This is something I struggle with (like when I do group projects I tend to do the whole thing myself because I’m scared everyone else won’t do it right) but I want to improve and I think this presentation is a great step in the right direction.

Presentation Dream

A performance of a presidential debate. That is my dream as of now. I have a vision of me being a liberal candidate, having a libertarian, and also a conservative that debate questions given to them by a moderator. It would be a type of performance, meaning it was scripted and rehearsed. This seems crazy but it is my dream as of now. I need to talk to Mrs. Sutcliffe soon and get her ideas. I’m very passionate about this and ready to pursue it as a realistic option.

Talk Like Ted #7

“Eighteen minutes is the ideal length of time for a presentation” (Gallo 184). This Ted talk is 17 minutes and 40 seconds. The length of his ted talk allows him to be the most successful presenter possible. It proves that the 18-minute rule is one that actually has an impact on the success of the presentation.

Talk Like Ted #6

“Combine humor and novelty and you’ve got presentation gold” (Gallo 159). This speech shows a perfect mix of comedy and still sincerity.  I think it is important to remember why you are there but also don’t forget to add some fun and comedy into it.

Talk Like Ted #5

“Every memorable story, film, or presentation has one scene or one event that everyone remembers because it’s so impactful” (139). This scene from Star Wars is probably one of the most iconic scenes from literally anything ever. I hope in my presentation I can’t find one moment or saying that sticks with the audience forever. I want them to remember my presentation and the signifigance of the information I am presenting.

Talk Like Ted #4

On page 112 Galow literally blew my mind with facts about the world, a few of my favorite being, “Fifty percent of the United States of America lies beneath the sea,” and, “Most of our planet is in eternal darkness,” (Gallow 112). Though these facts were an example of what a certain presenter discussed, they caused me to reevaluate life in a way. It made me realize how individuals think they know everything when in fact they know such a small part of reality. People need to remember that they always have more to learn and stop thinking that they already know everything. These thoughts I am writing might seem a little confusing when written down because it is hard to explain. Essentially these facts made me draw the following conclusion: we will never be done learning. This inspired me to think about the continued research that I can do on my thesis, even past graduation. I will never be done learning about my topic, as every day I have the change to expand my knowledge even further. I’m excited by the fact that I will always have more to learn. Though this fact may seem overwhelming it opens up a world of possibilities that I can’t wait to encounter.

Talk Like Ted RR #3

When presenting I believe that the delivery of the information is one of the most crucial parts of gaining and maintaining the audience’s attention. Gallo gives some very useful tips about this subject matter that I will definitely recall when preparing my launch day presentation: “The four elements of verbal delivery are: rate, volume, pitch, and pauses. Rate: the speed at which you speak. Volume: loudness or softness. Pitch: high or low inflections. Pauses: short pauses to punch key words,” (Gallo 81). I appreciate how straight-forward Gallo is when explaining how to give a successful presentation. Remembering to perfect each of these four areas of speaking is crucial to delivering a great presentation. This chapter grabbed my attention with the table that shows Colin Powell’s words with corresponding gestures. I would never think that someone would have such variety with their movement while presenting. It makes me think about how little I move when presenting. I think this is a fantastic way for Gallo to show the reader how significant and useful movement can be when used correctly with purpose. Additionally, I loved how Gallo explained the most common mistakes he notices and gave specific ways to correct those issues. This is yet another example of how this book is so useful because of its clarity and practicality.