Global Issues teams present their action plan presentation to judges (and often an audience) at many competitions including at our International Conference. Students create props from an approved material list and presentations can be up to four minutes long.
DO’s
Choose a format for your performance that your group enjoys
Anything goes! The format is not prescribed. You can be as creative as you want. In the past, student performers have chosen to present in many formats: parody, skit, dance, business pitch, advertisement, PSA, dramatic monologues, pantomime…the list goes on and on.
Get creative with materials
Use materials in unexpected ways. Use SCAMPER, a creative thinking tool, to help you brainstorm different ways to use your materials.
Show off your team collaboration
All team members should be participating at a high level, even if not all of you speak during the performance.
Practice
Time yourselves when you practice so you do not exceed the four minute time limit. Make sure your props won’t fall apart while you perform (unless that is the desired effect). Practice projecting your voices so that your judges and audience can hear you.
Incorporate your mandatory items and quote
All teams have to incorporate two props and one quote into their performance. You will learn about these after you complete your 2-hour writing competition. For example, one affiliate asked students to incorporate “Not all those who wander are lost” by J.R.R. Tolkien into their presentations, as well as hot pink flamingo yard decorations.
Be mindful and have fun
Enjoy yourselves. The more fun you are having, the more fun the audience is having. Remember that the audience at the International Conference will have a range of ages, beliefs, and experiences. All of your presentation content should be appropriate for all audiences.
DON’Ts
Copy a performance from another group
Just because a performance was successful one year, does not mean that your version of it will be. The best scoring performances are by students authentically engaged in their action plan and presentation.
Use your clothing or makeup as props
All of your props and costumes must be created from the listed resources. Theatrical makeup is not an acceptable prop.
Leave out a team member
Collaboration is key to a winning performance, leaving someone out will be very obvious to the judges and audience. Consider ways to create non-speaking roles if needed.
Go over the time limit or self identify
Be sure to avoid small errors like wearing a school t-shirt or forgetting to practice your timing. A little practice and consideration will set you up for success.
Forget your lines or props
Practice your presentation so that you are less likely to forget to incorporate your mandatory props and quote. Some teams find that cutting up any papers leftover from their approved materials and creating cue cards is a helpful strategy for a successful performance.
Forget your audience
Remember to be inclusive and appropriate when you plan your presentation for a diverse and global audience. Things that may not translate well, like caricatures, different voices or accents, may not be received well by your audience and your judges.
