MSPP Public Speaking Workshops

Presentation Practice this Week: Pitching Oneself in 15 or 30 seconds

You never get a second chance to make a first impression … but many of us lamely throw away the precious moments when we introduce ourselves at meetings, or flounder for the right words when trying to grab a recruiter or potential employer’s attention. And don’t even get me started on those dreadful diplomatic receptions …

This week we focus on pitching oneself. Otherwise known as the concise oral resume (actually, I just made this up, but it sounds reasonable), this workshop will provide the opportunity to construct and practice 15- and 30-second pitches.  Attendees will spend some time constructing a core pitch, and then have to modify if for practice in different scenarios. Because everyone’s backgrounds and professional interests are so diverse, there is no one ‘right’ way to pitch. As such, the main goal of these sessions will be to build a pitch and practice it. With enough practice, it should roll off the tongue when you need it most.  Or, at least that’s the hope.

It would behoove you to come prepared with a list of the main things you want to tell people about yourself, and in what kind of situations you envision needing to pitch yourself.

We will hold several sessions this week, so there is ample opportunity to come by and practice:

Wednesday, March 7:

– 12:15 to 1:15 PM, room 2101F (Dean’s Conference Room).

Thursday, March 8:

– 1:30 to 2:30 PM, room 2202A.

– 4:15 to 5:15 PM, room 2101F (Dean’s Conference Room).

– 5:15 to 6:15 PM, room 2101F (Dean’s Conference Room).

Questions?  Concerns? Suggestions?  Please reach out to bill@umd.edu.

Hope to see many of you (although preferably not all at once),

Bill