MCC leadership session puts communication skills in focus
A strong presentation takes more than knowing what to say. How speakers begin, pause, and carry themselves can help their message connect.
Members of Meridian Community College’s Eagles Leadership Convocation (E.L.C.) practiced those skills during their November session with guest speaker Mandi Stanley. Her program, “‘Hair-On-Fire!’ Presentation Skills,” focused on organizing ideas, delivering a clear message, and using body language effectively.
Stanley, a certified speaking professional, helps leaders become better speakers and
writers and has taught more than 75,000 seminar participants across North America. 
Anthony D’Angelo, MCC’s Information Systems Technology program coordinator and an E.L.C. member, said Stanley’s session gave him tools to become a more engaging presenter.
“The mind mapping strategy is a simple and effective brainstorming tool,” he said. “Mandi gave us a solid structure we can apply to any presentation to ensure our message is received.”
Stanley encouraged the group to plan and rehearse both their opening and closing words. Practicing the ending, she said, helps speakers finish with purpose. She also noted filler words such as “um,” “uh” and “like,” are also known as “vocal garbage.” E.L.C. members explored eye contact, posture, hand placement and handshakes, skills that apply to meetings, interviews, and campus tours as well as formal speeches.
“Your presentation of yourself begins with your handshake,” Stanley said.
D’Angelo said practicing presentation skills is essential to effective leadership. A clear, engaging presentation can help leaders gain support for their ideas and plans.
Stanley also emphasized the value of personal experience at a time when artificial intelligence can write speeches and generate talking points.
“We would much rather hear from someone personally sharing from their heart and their experiences,” she said.
Sponsored by the MCC Foundation, E.L.C. is a campus professional development program that builds leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while helping employees connect across departments.
The Class of 2027 includes Mya Adams, Heather Ammon, Mark Brentnall, D’Angelo, Marquita James, Will Nathan, Janet Parrett, Brandi Pickett, Tracy Stockton, and Erica Stokes.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/elc.