Presentations Skills Class from a Student’s Perspective

When Grace joined the Harmony Plus Presentation Skills class, she did not like presenting — at all. The thought of standing in front of a crowd of people, even classmates her age, and having to give a presentation was frightening. She was apprehensive to even attempt public speaking at the risk of being made fun of or being thought of as weird. And when her mom told her not only would she be taking a presentation class but she’d be the youngest one in there, Grace was understandably nervous. But that all changed once she started the class. Here’s Grace’s story in her own words:

As a former student of the Presentation Skills Class, I would like to show some appreciation. I have never like presenting. It was a chore to me. The thought of standing in front of a crowd of people, even my classmates, and do any type of speaking, was a frightening thought. This thought lingered in my mind for years. I always thought that people would make fun of me or think that I’m weird. It was something I never wanted to do ever again. I was already planning to pick a job where I would never have to do that. That is, until I first joined the class. It was just a normal dinner, and my mom tells me that I would be attending a Presentation Skills Class, and worst of all, I would be the youngest one there. I was smiling on the outside, but in my head, I was sweating. The thought of speaking in front of people, worst of all, people older that me, was so nerve-wracking. The first Tuesday of class was the longest day of my life. As I logged in to the class, my heart was beating at a thousand miles per hour. But, as the teacher began speaking and giving tips, I was taking them to heart, trying to calm myself down. It did not work. As you may know, my first presentation was a hot mess. I forgot lines. Period. I was humiliated. Now, I have improved over the weeks, looking at my presentation, searching for definitions, and doing everything I could to make myself calm down. As the last class came along, I was just telling myself that I would not win, and that the experience was win enough for me. I mean, there was no way that I stand a chance against high schoolers. However, I set aside all of my thoughts, and did the best that I could do. The Q&A was a success too. I thought that I had did well. When the teachers and judge went into the breakout room for discussing, I was telling myself that even if I didn’t win, it was going to be fine. I had come a long way from being too nervous to even say the word hi, to giving a great presentation on a company that I didn’t even know much about. All of that set aside when I was announced the winner. I was ecstatic. I couldn’t believe that I had just won. As the class ended, I jumped and screamed and bounced on the sofa, I could have sworn that my relatives in China had heard me. It was the best feeling ever. Well, that’s the story of how I learned to realize that even if a fear is holding back a part of me, there is always a way to push through. Because of this crazy ride, I would like that thank all of the teachers, judges, and classmates who made me the person I am today.

As we can see, instead of letting her failure be her downfall, Grace used it to fire her determination. Throughout the program, Grace came to realize that even if fear is holding her back, there is always a way to push through. But she wouldn’t have come to that realization without her classmates and most importantly, her teacher. Ethan helped Grace to learn to pitch with confidence and skill.

The Presentation Skills course he teaches is designed for middle and high school students to teach them the skills they need for pitching, particularly for business. Over four weeks, the students work through their hesitations to learn pitching techniques and create powerful presentations, while perfecting their delivery through a pitching competition. Throughout this course, students receive instruction and mentorship from Ethan, who is an experienced professional and entrepreneur. Ethan helps the students to feel comfortable in this otherwise intimidating field. By the end of the course, students have learned comprehensive pitching knowledge and techniques, while demonstrating their learnings through a pitching competition.

With its innovative curriculum and hands-on activities, this Presentation Skills course helps students to conquer their fears and learn to pitch confidently — just like Grace. Plus, presentation is a soft skill that students will need throughout their academics and careers, so don’t miss out on the chance to enroll in this essential class.

Sign up today and help your child secure skills that will last a lifetime!