Conference time is drawing near and your NCC or advisor has decided that you are to present a session. Perhaps you were instrumental in a project and have decided to share it at a regional or national conference. You have taken on the responsibility of representing your school by presenting a session to delegates from schools across the region or nation. This is a serious responsibility, so we would like to offer a few suggestions to aid in the preparation of your session.

1. Research: This is an important aspect of your presentation. Knowing how to do a program is easier than teaching others. The more familiar you are with your subject, the more comfortable you will be with presenting it and answering questions.

2. Integration: If you spend 10 hours on research, avoid trying to present those 10 hours of information in a 60-90 minute session. Integrate your material with the main points and the goals of your session in mind.

3. Practice: Present your session to your residence hall government, your advisors and other interested people; get a feeling for your use of time, clarity and overall effectiveness.

4. Presentation Style: There are many different presentation styles to choose from.

Here are a few ideas:

• A straightforward, formal lecture.

• A lecture/discussion/lecture format.

• A discussion session.

• An active/interactive format.

• Pace yourself so that all important points are given equal time.

• Use of audio-visual material and structured experiences.

• When thoughts and important points are clear and simple, they are easier for you and the participants to remember.

• Giving an "overview" of your session during the first few minutes helps participants know what to expect.

5. Handouts: A two-page (2) summary of your presentation is valuable to you and the participants. After your research, if you can summarize your thoughts, ideas and main points in two (2) pages, you should have a good working knowledge of your presentation. Participants have the opportunity to take knowledge and information home to be reviewed and studied. All handouts should contain the name of the session, the name of the presenter and the school.

6. Visual Aids: Visual aids can add to or detract from your presentation. Think of yourself as a participant when you are preparing your visual aids.

• Prints need to be clear and large enough for all to see.

• Colors help.

• Too much information is distracting.

• An outline of the presentation is helpful.

• Become familiar with your audio-visual equipment. Do you have another plan in case something goes wrong with the equipment?

7. Finally: It is important to present material that is congruent with the program description submitted for the program schedule. It is quite frustrating when you have limited time at a conference to choose a topic from the many listed and discover that the session bears no resemblance to the description.

8. Other comments:

• It is hoped that you will find these hints helpful in the preparation of your session.

• Remember - a conference is only as good as the presenter(s) of its session!!!

• Thank you for your support of the regional and national conferences!