Talking the talk: E.L.C. members gain presentation skills
From storytelling to delivery to non-verb cues, certified speaking professional Mandi Stanley shared no-panic presentation skills to Meridian Community College Eagle Leadership Convocation members.
"I was impressed with her presentation skills and the activities we got to participate in," said Matt Milner, MCC lead media specialist, who is one of 10 members of the E.L.C. Class of 2025. E.L.C. is an academic year-long professional development and leadership program directed by Meridian Community College Foundation.
Stanley's appearance marked the third time she has presented to E.L.C.; with more than 27 years of experience on the seminar circuit, Stanley works with business leaders throughout North America. Some of her repeat clients include Campbell's Soup, the United States Air Force, and the N.F.L.
Focusing on the three significant critical components of presentation, Stanley explored the message, the delivery, and non-verbal communication with the class. "We have three minutes in any formal presentation that you either impress or depress your audience, and you have to catch them in the first three minutes so they will track you," she said. Working on storytelling techniques, she said, is essential. "Because stories are sticky. And if you can remember a story, you can remember the points," she added.
Something that everyone can improve on, Stanley said, is eliminating what she calls "vocal garbage – the uhs and ums." Non-verbal communication was also explored. "We say a lot without saying anything at all," she added.
"Overall, this was one of my favorite presentations because it dealt with some of my strengths. I've done improv since college, and being able to present in front of my peers made me remember when I used to do stage plays and musicals," Milner added.
The Class of 2025 cohort includes Darren Bane, director of workforce development; Jaterra Hurst, women's basketball assistant coach; William Davidson, associate dean for institutional research; Casey Holladay, director of social media; Phyllis Holladay, Eagles Scholars Program coordinator and mathematics instructor; Matthew Milner, lead media specialist/videographer; Jim Price, director of facilities management; Flora Sumrall, Business Office Management Technology Program and Accounting Technology Program coordinator and instructor; Crystal Webster, director of student accounts; and Marion Whiting, director of housing and student activities. MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner and Dr. Leia Hill, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the MCC Foundation, are facilitators for E.L.C. Jaycee Butler, executive assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement and MCC Foundation office coordinator, is the assistant for the program.
The next E.L.C. session is on Dec. 3, where Dr. Lavon Gray will speak on Conflict Resolution, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/elc.