Skill Building
JCI Michigan’s Skills Building Program is designed to improve and showcase the skills and talents of our members. These Skill Building opportunities allow members to become more confident in presenting themselves both verbally and in written format; skills which can be transferred to a member’s personal and professional life.
JCI Michigan believes members need to take advantage of all skill building opportunities provided, as this is a safe place to learn and not lose out on something that could change income levels or how you are perceived in a job/environment. We are here to support and grow each other. Further, all three areas are also critical when preparing and presenting an SPE submission- Written portion is done ahead of time similar to that of prepared write-up, the presentation portion of the SPE is a combination of both prepared speak-up and create it. Presenters are asked to speak about the projects to a panel of judges while also providing visual aids to showcase how amazing and great their SPE submission is.
Speak Up
As we look at developing skills of a leader, speak up helps members to develop different skills you may use during professional presentations, speaking opportunities, interviews, recruiting, and etc.
In the impromptu category, members are given the topic on the spot and have 60 seconds to prepare their speech which would be 3-5 minutes in length. This is like what you might do during a speaking opportunity or interview where you will be asked questions on the spot. This skill area will help the individual learn how to be able to answer or present issues when there is little to no time to prepare. Sometimes we are given amazing opportunities but very little time to prepare this skill building exercise will help the individual hone in on this area.
In the prepared category, members are given a topic ahead of time and are able to prepare a 5-7 minute speech that covers a topic that has been provided. This is like what you might do to get ready for a professional presentation or speaking opportunity as these are areas where you would know what the audience is looking for. This area allows for the individual to practice with others and polish their final presentation before presenting.
In the master category, members are given a topic ahead of time and are able to prepare a 5-7 minute speech that covers a topic that has been provided. Master speak-up fine tunes those skills of speak-up for chapter presidents, state board members, and prior winners of Impromptu and/or prepared. Because this skill building topic is provided ahead of time it works more closely with prepared speak-up but allows for a more complex topic.
Write Up
As we look at developing skills of a leader, write up helps members to develop skills that they might use in written communication both personally and professionally. Entries will be judged on comprehension and clarity of topic, format of written document, creativity, and mechanics (spelling, neatness and correct use of grammar). Remember our written speech is just as important to society as how we verbally present ourselves.
In the impromptu category, members are given topics on the spot and 1 hour to compose a written document. This helps to develop skills that members might use for things that need quick responses such as emails or announcements which need to share important information quickly and precisely.
In the prepared category, members are given topics ahead of time and documents must be submitted by the submissions deadline. This helps to develop skills which members might use for written communications such as grant applications, press releases, newsletters, etc. This also allows the individual time to brainstorm, write, edit, and present a polished document before submitting it to the skill building opportunity.
Create It
As we look at developing skills of a leader, create it helps members to develop skills that use the right side of their brain in areas such as marketing, graphic design as well as a way to express themselves artistically. For this category, members are given the topic ahead of time and must be submitted by the submissions deadline. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, relevance to the prompt and ability to make the viewer feel something.