Bringing Greetings/Thought for the Day

Your remarks should be limited to two-three minutes unless you are told otherwise. Try to find a quotation or story you can build your remarks around. Also be sure to: 
  

1. Express your appreciation for being invited.
     
2. Let the audience know you appreciate the good work they are doing, and your recognition of some of their achievements. If you have something in common with the audience, let them know that from the beginning.
     
3. When bringing greetings, challenge your audience to achieve the goals of their meeting/organization.
     
4. Be enthusiastic and sincere.
     
5. Be sure your "thought" is free of bias (example: gender bias).
     
6. Get right to the point of what you wish to say and avoid small talk.
     
7. Conclude effectively. Use a quote, story, or recommend a course of action.
   

Introducing a Speaker

In advance, obtain the following information about the speaker you are going to introduce:

• Name, title or profession, place of employment (if important), and other significant facts
• Exact title of the speech
• Why the speaker is qualified to speak on the topic
• The significance of the topic for the audience
  

1. Be enthusiastic and sincere.
     
2. Be absolutely sure you are pronouncing the speaker's name correctly. It is acceptable to ask your speaker to help you with the proper pronunciation.
     
3. Some speakers have a prepared introduction they wish to haveread, and will usually let you know if that is the case. If so, read the introduction exactly as written.
     
4. Create suspense in your introduction so that your audience is waiting for the speaker.
     
5. Begin the applause after your introduction and wait at the podium until your speaker has taken his or her place. Then be seated as appropriate, generally in the audience.
     
6. Be alert to return to the podium after the speaker has finished, during the applause.
     
7. Be prepared to sincerely thank your speaker, comment briefly on the speech, and if appropriate, present a gift/plaque.
   

Sample Introductions

Introduction of a HOSA Officer

As members of HOSA, we are very honored to have one of our elected state officers here with us today to talk about "Becoming a State Officer". From _________________________________ school in ______________________, please welcome HOSA State ____________________________, _______________________.
      

Introduction of a Keynote Speaker

After 9 years as a classroom teacher, he attended UCLA and completed his master's degree in Educational Administration. After serving as a middle school principal for 12 years, he attended Princeton University, this time to finish his doctorate in Occupational Development.

Considered one of the top educational leaders in the state, our speaker continues to serve the needs of junior high students through his position as the state advisor of the Career Exploration Clubs of America. Here to talk about "Becoming the Leaders of Tomorrow", it is my pleasure to introduce to you - Dr. David Edwards.
   

Telephone Communication

• Warm up your voice before placing your phone calls. Talk to yourself if necessary, or make calls later in the day.
    
• Record your voice and play it back. Be your own voice coach by using a simple cassette recorder. Since most people don't like the sound of their own voice, practice enough with the recorder to get used to the sound.
    
• Use your natural pitch. Changing your voice to create another image is not only artificial but can be harmful to your voice over time.
    
• Sit up straight when you talk on the phone. It creates a more alert tone in your voice.
    
• Be sure you have the correct number when you place a call, and that you know the name of the person and location you are calling.
    
• Identify yourself and the reason for your call. If your call is going to last more than a minute, ask the person if they have time to talk. For example, "I'm calling to discuss your presentation at our state conference. Do you have a few minutes to talk?"
    
• Notice how the listener reacts to your voice. Do people often mistake who you are or ask you to repeat yourself? Do they hesitate when you expect them to speak? Chances are they may not be hearing you very well.
    
• Listen actively. Let the person on the other end know you're listening. Use response signs such as "Yes," "I understand," or "Certainly."
    
• Smile. People will "hear" your smile over the telephone. One symptom of not smiling is when people who know you ask if you're feeling all right. They can hear stress and fatigue in your voice.
  

Sitting, Standing and Posture

The right leg may be slightly bent to prevent a stiff looking pose. (This leg/foot position helps to slim the hips.)
  

1. Approach the chair, turn, and locate the edge of the chair with the back of your leg/calf.
     
2. Men may pull up pant legs slightly before sitting. Females should not arrange their skirts by smoothing the back of the skirt before sitting.
     
3. Looking straight ahead with the back straight and keeping your hands at your sides, sit on the front half of the chair with body weight forward.
     
4. Slide to the back of the chair. Females upper backs should not touch the backs of their chairs.
     
5. Females should sit with feet crossed at the ankles. (If legs are long or the chair is short, feet are under the chair and still crossed at the ankles.) Men should sit with feet flat on the floor. Both should keep their hands comfortably relaxed on either side of their laps.
   

1. Shift torso weight forward and, using leg muscles and keeping your back straight, stand straight up - gracefully. Don't use your hands to push up off the chair.
     
2. Walk away gracefully.

REMEMBER...when sitting on stage, try to sit as still as possible. Don't wiggle around or play with any parts of your clothing. ALWAYS keep your eyes focused on the stage action, such as a speaker. Keep a positive expression on your face, and remember that someone in the audience is watching YOU!
  

1. Establish eye contact with the person at the podium as you approach, and courteously take command of the podium. Watch the other person leave and then direct your eyesight to the audience before you start to speak.
     
2. Stand up straight, feet slightly apart and flat on the floor, hands gently holding on to the top sides of the podium.
     
3. DO NOT swing, sway, bounce up and down, or wiggle. DO NOT hold the podium in a death grip. Relax!
     
4. To exit the podium, open the podium to the next speaker and wait until that person takes over the podium before you leave.
   

Shaking Hands

A good hand shake is firm, brief, and at elbow length. It should convey a positive attitude. Be sure to establish eye contact - and smile.

1. Bring your right hand from the side of your body to the waistline.
     
2. Place your palm firmly in the other person's hand for one or two shakes.
     
3. Your left hand should remain at your side.
     
4. Say "Hello" or "How do you do."
     
5. Maintain eye contact and a sincere smile.

BE SURE YOUR HAND SHAKE IS VERY FIRM - NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO HURT THE PERSON YOU ARE GREETING, BUT NOT LIMP AND WEAK EITHER!

Rules for introductions and hand shakes:

1. A younger person is presented to an older person.
     
2. A male is presented to a female.
     
3. Regardless of age or gender, always present to a person in a high position.

Generally, a female offers her hand first in a hand shake, although that is not a rigid rule. When you are in HOSA uniform and are being introduced to anyone, offer your hand in a hand shake.
   

Presenting Awards

When asked to present an award, the HOSA officer should be sure to find out WHERE, WHEN, and the PURPOSE of the award.

Prior to the actual award presentation, the HOSA officer should determine the location of the award to be presented. (Is it on a table? Under the podium? Is it in a box? etc.) Preparing ahead of time could prevent an uncomfortable experience at the podium.

At the podium during the award presentation, the HOSA officer should be prepared to:

1. Explain the purpose and importance of the award. Show sincere enthusiasm and appreciation for the award recipient's achievements.
     
2. Introduce the recipient while discussing that person's accomplishments.
     
3. Present the award with your left hand while shaking the recipient's hand with your right hand.
     
4. Position yourself and the recipient so that the recipient is holding his/her award so that it can be seen while facing the audience. Expect a picture to be taken at this point - and smile!
     
5. Lead the applause.

For your award recipient, this could be an important moment in recognition of their outstanding efforts to support the HOSA. Take the time and care necessary to honor that person's achievements when preparing to present an award.
   

Writing Skills

Your investment of time in saying "thanks" will build others because they know you have their best interest in mind.
   

1. Write regularly.
     
2. Avoid the use of "I" - Never use it at the beginning of the paragraph and limit it in the rest of the body.
     

3. Use inclusive pronouns -- the use of "we,""our,""you,""yours," and "us" include the reader in the letter. The more involved the reader becomes, the more effective the letter is.
     
4. Make your messages personal -- no one really enjoys a form letter or note. Refer to something that applies to the reader if possible.
     
5. Use correct grammar and spelling. A dictionary, thesaurus, and English grammar books are necessary for the effective leader. Use them!
     
6. Use a professional grade of stationary for letters. White stationary with black is OK. HOSA stationary is preferred. HOSA note cards can also be used.
     
7. Practice good handwriting. Make your handwriting neat, clear, and easy to read. Use a black or blue ink pen.
     
8. Be timely. Respond within a few days after the project, visit or accomplishment. Follow-up is important.
   
     

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  

   
   
Mr. First Last
321 Something Street
Town, TX 72777-8889

Dear Mr. Last:

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to visit with the members of the Town Lion's Club to talk about the HOSA last week. It was a pleasure to share with you HOSA's efforts in community service and in supporting the health care community.

Your generous contribution of $1000 to sponsor the Researched Persuasive Speaking event at our State Leadership Conference in Austin is very much appreciated. I will be forwarding the names of those Lion's Club members who have agreed to serve as judges for this event to John Doe, our HOSA State Advisor. He will follow-up with additional information in the near future.

On behalf of the over 8000 members across Texas, thank you for your support and participation with our organization.

Sincerely,

Your Name
(State) HOSA Officer

c: HOSA State Advisor