Oral Presentation - Interview Course
Aims and Benchmarks:
Welcome to the OP-Interview Course!
This program is designed to prepare you for private school admission interviews by building your confidence, enhancing your communication skills, and helping you articulate your unique qualities and experiences. Through guided practice, mock interviews, and personalized feedback, you will learn how to present your best self during interviews.
The course consists of eight sessions, each focusing on a key aspect of the interview process, such as personal reflection, academic interests, and goal setting. You will tackle real interview questions, develop thoughtful answers, and refine your speaking skills. By the end of each class, you’ll have the chance to present your responses in a simulated interview environment.
Our goal is to create a supportive and engaging atmosphere where you feel comfortable sharing your stories and ideas. With practical tips, interactive discussions, and plenty of opportunities for practice, you’ll gain the tools you need to succeed in your interviews and leave a positive, lasting impression.
Whether it’s expressing your strengths, discussing your hobbies, or sharing your future aspirations, this course will empower you to communicate clearly and confidently throughout the interview process, setting you up for success in the next step of your educational journey.
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Organization:
Ideas are clearly organized, developed, and supported to achieve a purpose; the purpose is clear. The introduction gets the attention of the audience and clearly states the specific purpose of the speech. Main points are clear and organized effectively. The conclusion is satisfying and relates back to introduction.
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Topic Knowledge:
Student has clear grasp of information. Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration. Speaking outline or note cards are used for reference only.
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Audience Adaption:
The presenter is able to effectively keep the audience engaged. Delivery style is modified as needed. Topic selection and examples are interesting and relevant for the audience and occasion.
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Language Used:
Language is familiar to the audience, appropriate for the setting, and free of bias; the presenter may “code-switch”(use a different language form) when appropriate. Language choices are vivid and precise.
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Delivery:
The delivery is natural, confident, and enhances the message -- posture, eye contact, smooth gestures, facial expressions, volume, pace, etc. Indicate confidence, a commitment to the topic, and a willingness to communicate. Articulation and pronunciation are clear.
Contents and Topics & Sample Topics :
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Session1:
Personal and Self-Reflection: Helping students express self-awareness and understand their unique qualities.·
Example Questions:
1️⃣"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
2️⃣ "What makes you unique compared to other students?"
3️⃣ "Can you tell me about a time you learned from a mistake?"
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Session2:
School and Academic Interests: Guiding students in sharing their academic passions and how they handle challenges.·
Example Questions:
1️⃣"What is your favorite subject and why?"
2️⃣ "How do you organize your time for schoolwork?"
3️⃣"Can you describe a project or assignment you enjoyed?"
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Session3:
Extracurricular Activities and Interests: Showcasing interests outside of academics, including hobbies and sports.·
Example Questions:
1️⃣ "What do you like to do outside of school?"
2️⃣ "Have you learned any important lessons from a sport or hobby?"
3️⃣ "How do you balance schoolwork with other activities?"
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Session4:
Character and Values: Discussing values, leadership, and how students interact with others.·
Example Questions:
1️⃣"How do you handle conflicts with friends?"
2️⃣ "What does being a good friend mean to you?"
3️⃣"What values are important to you?"
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Session5:
Goals and Aspirations: Exploring personal goals and long-term thinking.·
Example Questions:
1️⃣ "What do you want to achieve in the next few years?"
2️⃣"How do you plan to achieve your goals?"
3️⃣"What are you most looking forward to in middle school?"
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Session6:
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Assessing how students approach challenges and find creative solutions.· Example Questions:
1️⃣"Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem."
2️⃣"How do you handle situations when things don’t go as planned?"
3️⃣"What is the most creative solution you’ve come up with for a problem?"
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Session7:
Interest in the School: Articulating reasons for choosing a particular school and what they hope to gain.· Example Questions:
1️⃣"Why do you want to attend this school?"
2️⃣ "What makes our school different from others?"
3️⃣ "How do you think attending this school will help you achieve your goals?"
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Session8:
Family and Background: Sharing how family life has shaped their values and perspectives.·
Example Questions:
1️⃣"Can you tell me a little bit about your family?"
2️⃣ "What are some important values that your family has taught you?"
3️⃣ "How has your family shaped who you are today?”