INTERPRETER: Part 2 - Skills Assessment

Instructions: Carefully read through the list of capabilities/skills and identify your current skill level for each. Continue to focus on your targeted presentation (identified in Part 1) as you answer each question. Allow up to 15 minutes to complete this section.

Once you have answered all the questions, click the “View Results” button. Your results will appear on the screen and will be e-mailed to the address you provided.

Adaptability

 InadequateAcceptableProficient
1. Adapting to last-minute glitches (technology, logistics)
2. Considering what to do in advance if the rules change (less time, etc.)
3. Knowing when to go off script to make sure the presentation resonates with the audience

Know Your Audience

 InadequateAcceptableProficient
1. Researching who will be there
2. Identifying what they already know on the topic
3. Knowing the pain points of the situation
4. Understanding their point of view on the issue / topic
5. Identifying how interested they are in what I have to say
6. Finding out who can make things happen
7. Understanding how this audience prefers to receive information

Establish Rapport

 InadequateAcceptableProficient
1. Engaging listeners in conversation as they arrive

Clarify the Core Message

 InadequateAcceptableProficient
1. Identifying the purpose of the presentation
2. Distinguishing between a topic and a core message
3. Distilling the presentation into one, simple take-a-way sentence
4. Tailoring the message to different audiences
5. Targeting the message to different needs within the same audience

Organize Using a Storyboard/Outline

 InadequateAcceptableProficient
1. Brainstorming the potential content on a given issue / topic
2. Boiling down information into 2-4 main points that support the core message
3. Grouping together concepts/insights that are similar
4. Prioritizing the order to create a logical flow
5. Supporting key points with evidence
6. Translating data analysis into insights
7. Incorporating stories and analogies to help the audience get it
8. Omitting unnecessary details to avoid information overload
9. Showing listeners that adopting your position will get the job done
10. Developing transitions to move listeners from one topic to the next
11. Creating an opening that will grab attention
12. Creating a resounding conclusion that includes a call to action
13. Using plain English and avoiding unnecessary jargon
14. Staying within time allotted, allowing time for questions and discussion
15. Using language that unites and enables a bond between you and the audience

Develop Media to Maximize the Impact of the Message

 InadequateAcceptableProficient
1. Selecting media that will aid comprehension
2. Ensuring media supports key points
3. Ensuring content is relevant to what is being discussed
4. Ensuring everyone in the room can see or hear media
5. Using visuals vs. text whenever possible

Express Yourself With Authenticity

 InadequateAcceptableProficient
1. Understanding how I am seen by others
2. Knowing how my personal style differs from others
3. Including everyone with direct eye contact
4. Aligning my facial expression with my purpose
5. Focusing on the audience instead of media
6. Standing tall and open, with good posture
7. Using gestures to support the content of the presentation
8. Using purposeful movement to emphasize main points
9. Avoiding verbal fillers like ah, um, ya know, so, like
10. Talking with a conversational tone when delivering a presentation
11. Keeping a good speaking pace (not talking too fast or too slow)
12. Adjusting volume and using pauses to emphasize important points
13. Speaking with conviction
14. Talking with, not at your audience

Gain Buy-In Through Q&A Discussion

 InadequateAcceptableProficient
1. Setting audience expectations for a Q&A
2. Inviting questions and comments confidently
3. Allowing the audience time to formulate questions and comments
4. Handling silence and pauses with finesse
5. Identifying who will go 1st, 2nd, and 3rd when multiple hands are raised
6. Establishing a rhythm that enables inclusion; no one dominates
7. Responding to questions and comments without showing defensiveness
8. Keeping cool under fire
9. Ending Q&A by summarizing key areas of agreement and action
10. Listening and expressing empathy to different points of view
11. Facilitating, synthesizing, and summarizing discussion
12. Pulling in audience to seek common ground and acknowledge differences