In our Global Issues program students use our 6-step problem-solving method to develop action plans based on a future scene on one of our annual topics. At our world finals, and in many regional competitions, students must present their action plan in a skit.
What is an action plan presentation?
An action plan presentation is a creative performance or skit that represents the students’ problem-solving process and action plan. Students synthesize their problem solving into a creative performance based on their action plan for judges. The presentation is required at the International Conference. Students plan, create props, and perform after the Global Issues writing competition. Performed in front of a live audience, the presentation can be up to four minutes long.
What does an action plan presentation look like?
Student action plan presentations are as varied and diverse as the students performing. Each performance is unique. Winning teams in each of our divisions perform their presentation for the entire International Conference community at the awards ceremony. View three 2026 winning performances:
Who completes action plan presentations?
All Global Issues team problem solvers are required to participate in an action plan presentation at the International Conference. Many regional competitions also require presentations. At our world finals, students can invite up to three more competitors to perform with them, a total of up to seven student performers.
When do action plan presentations happen?
At our world finals, performers begin preparing their presentations after they complete their 2-hour writing competition. Performances usually occur the next day, with final rounds later in the event schedule. Many students present their action plans at regional competitions, at school, and virtually.
Where do competitors present their action plans?
At our world finals, students are assigned presentation rooms and share their action plans to an audience of other competitors, judges, and other conference attendees. In 2020 and 2021, students shared videos for our hybrid International Conferences.
How do students present their action plans?
Students begin their presentations by reading their underlying problem and a summary of their action plan to the audience. Students must include two assigned props and a quote, provided after the completion of the writing competition. An excellent action plan presentation will creatively present the student action plan, incorporate the mandatory items and quote, and engage the audience.
Why are action plan presentations valuable?
When preparing and presenting an action plan to an audience, students develop public speaking skills, experience a physical creative outlet, and have a lot of fun.
How are action plan presentations evaluated?
Students are evaluated on their performance based on the action plan presentation scoresheet. Judges evaluate student performances based on how creative, persuasive, relevant, and complete the performance is. They also assess the quality of verbal and nonverbal communication, staging, participant involvement, preparation, and incorporation of props. Students are also assessed on the appropriateness of their content and whether they used only approved materials.
