Throughout several sessions during the month of October, Jim Netto, Director of Training and Staff Development for the Western Region of the YMCA, conducted presentations for seniors regarding the senior project.

Netto, a former senior project judge, said that he often noticed that students created terrific projects but were uncomfortable with presenting them. He contacted teacher Anne Reinhard, the senior project advisor, and offered to hold presentations in which he gave seniors concrete tips and worksheets on the etiquette of public speaking.

“Students were very engaged,” Reinhard said. “They participated, asked questions, and seemed to get a lot out of the presentations.”

Participating seniors like Daniela Almeida also gained new insights on how to properly give a presentation. “He was very helpful because I now know how to present in front of judges and how to dress,” Almeida said. “I’m now a little nervous for presentation day but also excited and ready.”

The acronym SOLAR is among the tips Netto gave seniors. SOLAR stands for being square, open, leaning towards the audience, making eye contact and being relaxed.

Netto teaches seminars to new employees on public speaking skills all over the country. Senior Vahan Ghazaryan said he also benefited from attending Netto’s presentation. “He taught us valuable tips and essential skills that will greatly benefit us in presenting our projects and also in the future,” Ghazaryan said.

Senior presentations will be held in the beginning of May. However, they are still busy with their projects. Their project essays are due this upcoming week and will be read by the staff on Nov 1. In the meantime, seniors are still working with their mentors and completing their fieldwork.