Req 2 — Creative Presentation
This requirement asks you to step into the spotlight. You will pick one of two options: presenting yourself creatively to your counselor, or building a persuasive sales pitch. Both options challenge you to organize your thoughts, create a visual aid, and deliver a confident presentation.
Option A: Describe Yourself Creatively
This option is all about self-expression. You get to choose your medium — and there is no wrong answer. The key is that your presentation gives your counselor a real sense of who you are.
Choosing Your Format
Think about what you enjoy and what you are good at:
- Collage — Gather photos, magazine clippings, and printed images that represent your interests, values, and goals. Arrange them on a poster board to tell your story visually.
- Short story or autobiography — Write about yourself in narrative form. Focus on a few key moments that shaped who you are today.
- Drawing or series of photographs — Create original artwork or take photos that capture different parts of your life — your family, hobbies, favorite places, and dreams.
- Song or skit — Write lyrics or a script that reveals your personality. Perform it for your counselor.
Making Your Presentation Memorable
Creating the visual aid is only half the job. You also need to present it. Here are some tips:
- Practice — Run through your presentation at least twice before meeting with your counselor.
- Explain your choices — Do not just show the collage or read the story. Explain why you chose each element.
- Be genuine — Your counselor is not looking for perfection. They want to see the real you.
- Make eye contact — Look at your counselor, not at your visual aid.
Option B: Persuasive Sales Talk
This option challenges you to be persuasive. You will pick something you believe in and convince your counselor that it is worth their attention.
Picking Your Subject
Choose something you genuinely care about. Your enthusiasm will be your greatest tool. Some ideas:
- A hobby or activity you love (rock climbing, coding, cooking)
- A cause or idea you believe in (recycling, community service, reading)
- A product you use and trust (a specific water bottle, a favorite book, a useful app)
- A Scouting event or program you think more Scouts should try
Building Your Sales Plan
A strong sales pitch follows a simple structure:
- Hook — Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question. “What if I told you there is one activity that builds strength, confidence, and friendship — all at the same time?”
- Features — List the key benefits or good points of your subject.
- Evidence — Support your claims with facts, personal experience, or examples.
- Objections — Think about why someone might say “no” and prepare responses.
- Close — End with a clear call to action. Ask your counselor to agree, try it, or commit.
Sales Talk Preparation
Make sure you cover these before presenting
- Identify your subject: Something you genuinely believe in.
- List at least three benefits: Why should someone care?
- Prepare evidence: Facts, statistics, or personal stories that support your points.
- Anticipate objections: What reasons might someone have for saying no?
- Practice your delivery: Rehearse at least twice, out loud, standing up.
After the Pitch
After your sales talk, your counselor will discuss how persuasive you were. Be open to feedback. Ask yourself:
- Did I make strong eye contact?
- Did I sound confident and enthusiastic?
- Did I address potential objections?
- Was my closing clear and compelling?
Both of these options push you to organize your thoughts, create something meaningful, and present it with confidence. These are skills you will use over and over — in school, in your career, and in Scouting.