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Some suggestion for the presentation:
Do not put paragraphs on slides! You will loose attention immediately. The best powerpoint presentations are filled with multimedia (such as short video clips of people sharing personal experiences), pictures, quotes, and bulleted lists of simple-to-read points. Oh yeah, no sound effects, those are really annoying!
A general rule that I was taught in a class:
- No more than 8 lines of text per slide
- No text running from one line to the next
- Text should be large (18-24 pt)
- Keep complete sentences and paragraphs to a minimum
- Bulleted lists are good
The above rules would be an example of a great way to layout a slide!
Now, an actual suggestion about starting a team:
In my experience, the best way (I'm one for one with this method) to start a team is to setup as many meetings as possible. If at a college, meet with professors to get their advice, meet with your dean to ask about funding, meet with admissions, meet with department heads, meet with alumni. These people will give you contacts of people who might be willing to act as an advisor or funding source. Meet with those people. I am estimating that I had met with about 10 different people (about 20 meetings total since I met with some multiple times) before receiving funding for the team our first year. On the high school end, do the same. Meet with teachers, department heads, principles, and so on. I think usually the high school will be very receptive to having a team started (especially if the funding is coming from outside), and usually there are teachers who would love to work on a project like FIRST.
I think the same would apply if you are looking for coorporate sponsors. Send a packet of information (or bring it with you if you can have a meeting (with anyone!)), including:
- Short cover letter explaining what you intend to do, and listing the contents of the packet.
- CD-ROM or VHS with movies about FIRST
- Proposal for how your team will work. Be detailed! This should look professional, and should be convincing that they are investing in an organization that will really make a difference in students' lives!
- Proposed budget, including how much money is needed. Include both the minimum amount you need to have a team, and how much you ideally would like. In my experience, if you just ask for the ideal amount (eg $30000 instead of a minumum $8000 or so), they will loose faith that you will ever get that much and not promise anything.
Good luck!
- Patrick
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Systems Engineer - Kiva Systems, Woburn MA
Alumni, Former Mechanical Team Leader - Cornell University Robocup - 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 World Champions
Founder - Team 639 - Ithaca High School / Cornell University
Alumni - Team 190 - Mass Academy / WPI
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