Chairman’s Award: PreparationTeam 135

Team IdentityTeam cultureTry to make everything fit the brand

Otherwise, what’s the point?Students, coaches, and mentors

Community OutreachFLL, FTC, FRC mentoringVolunteeringHosting/attending events

➔Expanding efforts➔Future submissions

ThemeDon’t get married to one themeDecision of the Chairman’s group

SubmissionExecutive summaryEssayVideoPresentation

How To Essay

Structure and flowTimeDrafts, Revisions, etc.

SummaryFun facts

VideoEmotional content

PracticeWith parents, mentors, other studentsMany many timesSmooth, fluid

Talking PointsKnow everything about everything Be unique

Limit buzzwords-- If used make relative

InterviewInterestedMotivatedKnowledgeableFocusedEnthusiasticGood speakers

Attractive TeamDon’t wait for the judges to come to youSay “Hi!”Friendly, positive and enthusiastic; good vibes

Equal Opportunity; Not just upper-classmen and/or females

Embodying FIRST Robotics Competition©

SelflessHelp others before helping yourself

Enthusiasm Chairman’s is not won, but earned

Chairman’s PresentationTHE CYBER BLUE APPROACH

Select the Presentation Team

Identify students with a genuine interest and ability to prepare and present (avoid the drive team if possible).

These presenters will have needed to work with the team who wrote the essay.

We generally identify 4-6 presenters.

Determine What to Include

Identify 8-10 key topics directly from the essay for presenting. Rank these topics in a few different ways

Most important Biggest impact Most unique Newest to oldest

Use these rankings to determine which topics to use in the presentation.

*We recommend 5-6 “top” topics to have the best impact*

Create the Presentation Draft

Create a bulleted list of points for each topic. Create sentences and paragraphs for each topic. Create an introduction and conclusion (1-2 sentences each)

Read the Presentation

Practice reading the presentation out loud. Time the presentation (determine if cuts need to be made or

items can be added). Make adjustments to the content. Have different presenters read different sections. Decide the best mix of 3 students and identify a back-up

presenter.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Assign specific topics to the 3 presenters. Practice individually and “own” those topics. Memorize the material. Practice together and coordinate cues. Get the timing down below the minimum.

Identify “Props”

Binder with photos/news Display boards Video Slideshow

Practice More!

Practice with the props. Practice in front of your team. Practice in an empty room. Practice for your Principal. Practice for a group of three “judges”. Practice answering questions and determine who will answer

what topics.

Present!YOU ARE READY FOR THE PRESENTATION TO THE JUDGES!

The Chairman’s Award - Document

Team 4272Maverick Boiler Robotics

Length• Maximum: 10,000 characters (spaces and punctuation included)

– Around 4 pages• Start without paying attention to the length

– First “complete draft” 2015 was 25,000 characters• Cutting down on length

– No double spacing or indentations– Find superfluous punctuation and combine sentences– Save “substance” that is cut for possible future use

Structure of your essay• No one way to write this essay• List of outreach/team elements• Introduction and conclusion paragraphs• Themes

– Connecting Chairman’s elements• Sectioning off essay• Ensuring transitions

Team 4272 – 2015 Chairman’s Essay Structure

• INTRODUCTION – What can a robot do?• A robot can assist FIRST teams• A robot can educate a community• A robot can help the environment• A robot can reach out to the community• A robot can reach out within a school• CONCLUSION - A robot can do anything

Essay Timeline• CREATE ONE

– Drafts due– Editing days– Who’s in charge of what

• Make essay due 1 week before deadline• Merits of starting beforekickoff

Executive Summary• Pay attention to it!• 12 sections with a 500 character limit• Mention things left out of essay• Paragraph form vs. bullet points

Pictures• 4 Pictures• Types

– Single pictures– Graphs and charts– Collages

Chairman’s Award Submission Definitions and Limitations

• FIRST team– Started/mentored/assisted/provided published

resources• FIRST event

– Run/host/assist• Don’t “overspin”• Make sure to stick to last 1-5 years (with

emphasis on last 1-3)