[Eugenia Gabrielov]

Here are a few handy tips for your interview.

1) Timing!

According to this year's Chairman's award rule book, you have 10 minutes for your interview. The first 5 are for your presentation, the second 5 are for answering judge's questions. It is your choice what you do with the first 5. Just be careful. If you do show a video, a short clip (without having to worry about technology) may be more advantageous. For example, a short video from a camera that is quickly loadable.

2) Purpose

Five minutes is a short short time. If you're gonna use video, you needn't have a 5 minute video. It should compliment your presentation, not distract from it. Please consider doing a simple photo slide show where you can pause if you need to without disturbing quality. It's also easier to work with because it's easier to edit in captions.

3) Effectiveness

In order for this video to have a truly lasting impact, it needs to be innovative and show what method your team uses to bring FIRST to your school and community. If this is better explained in words, please do not do yourself in by limiting yourself to video format. A video may be more effective in other uses.

4) Videos in General

Team videos are emotional and meaningful years after they are made. A memory video may serve you better in effort. Also, a video for a sponsor or for rookie students may also be more effective.

I really like your plan for your presentation of knowing the material inside out, but it's not as easy as it sounds. I wish you luck!

- Genia