Transcript Ambassador’s Training

Ambassador’s
Training
Florida Sons of The American Legion
College System – Course 7
Florida SAL College System
Objective
The objective and purpose of the Florida
SAL College System is to increase,
improve and enhance the administrative
and managerial skills of current and
future leaders of the Florida Sons of The
American Legion through education and
direct skill development.
Introduction
O In Providing this course we are attempting to:
O Give you some insights into the challenges of the
new year.
O Enhance the leadership and communication skills
of our officers.
O Allow our officers to be much better prepared.
O Help our District Officers and Detachment Vice
Commanders deal with unexpected problems.
Agenda
O Introductions (What is your goal?)
O Written Communications
O Oral Communications
O Non Verbal Communications
O Planning and Logistics
O Dressing for Success
O Public Speaking
O Final Special Points
Written Communication
O You will be called on to communicate in a
variety of ways in a written format:
O Acceptance of Invitations
O Thank You Letters
O E-mails
O Newsletter Articles
O Final Report
Written Communication Tips
O When accepting
invitations, be very
thorough on what
you are accepting.
O Use clear and
concise sentences
while writing.
O Always check your
spelling and proof
read for mistakes.
O Don’t write anything in
all capitals. It is
considered the written
version of shouting.
O Respond quickly after
an event or invitation
while details are still
fresh.
O Separate ideas with
paragraphs.
Written Communication
Exercise
In a moment, you will receive an invitation and
you will have a couple of minutes to read the
invitation and draft an appropriate response.
This should include important questions that
you will need to know prior to the event.
Written Exercise - Invitation
Dear Mr. (Your Name),
You are cordially invited to attend our Squadron
Children & Youth Dinner.
Our dinner will be held at our post and will begin at
6:00pm Saturday, August 1st in Orlando. We look
forward in your attendance.
Sincerely,
Squadron Commander
Oral Communications
O Always follow up acceptance of invitations
with a phone call. This will fill in details and
keep you aware of changing circumstances.
O Make a point to introduce yourself to a large
number of members before you speak. You
will be more personable, and your audience
will have a personal connection with you.
O Ask questions. It’s a great way to learn more
and to feel more comfortable in your
surroundings.
More Oral Communications
O Avoid nervous habits. Know what to do with your
hands. Habits are magnified one on one and in
front of an audience.
O Don’t repeat yourself. Say something once. If you
are coming back to it, its time to move on.
O Don’t stretch the truth. If you don’t know, say so.
An audience can pick up a lie very quickly.
O Keep your promises. If you say you’ll follow up,
do so.
Non Verbal Communication
O Stand tall. Don’t slouch or sit in a corner. You’re
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there to be seen.
Shake hands. Use your right hand, be firm, but
don’t strong arm. You want to have the image of
confidence, strength and control.
Don’t get trapped by one person. Find a way to
keep moving through a room.
Walk with a purpose. If you stride with a goal, it
gives an aura of confidence.
Smile, and smile often. Its disarming and makes
you approachable.
Planning and Logistics
Use the Newspaper Rule: The 5W’s & H
What
When
Where
Why
Who
How
More Planning Tips
O Know the Districts and Squadrons in
advance. Know current numbers, strengths
and weaknesses. Know what to stress, what
to stroke and what to avoid.
O Use certificates to highlight and recognize
each District and Squadron. Recognition
strengthens the bond between the
Detachment and individual Districts and
Squadrons.
Even More Planning Tips
O Assume you are covering your own
expenses. When you call to confirm, ask for
local hotels nearby, transportation and etc. If
the District or Squadron is covering those
expenses, then let them. Do not insult them.
If they do not, you will be prepared.
Expense Vouchers
O What can be reimbursed
O Detachment Expense Form
O Keep Receipts
O Submission
O Ask Detachment Adjutant if you have any
questions.
Dress for Success
O Wear business or professional attire unless
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informed otherwise.
Wear professional but comfortable shoes.
Expect to stand for long periods of time.
Always wear your cover and name badge. We
recommend that you do not wear your cover
when drinking alcohol.
Be prepared to be called on to speak and bring
greetings.
Always carry business cards. They are a means
of communication.
Public Speaking Tips
O Prepare your remarks in advance.
O Find out in advance if you need to bring
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greetings and/or give a keynote address.
Find out how long you are expected to speak. If it
is left to you, keep it around 5 minutes.
Know when you are speaking. Be in place to
make your entrance to the podium.
Don’t overwhelm your audience. Keep your
remarks to about 3 main points.
STAY OUT OF THE POLITICS. You are a visitor, not
a judge or arbitrator.
More Public Speaking Tips
O Avoid nervous habits. Avoid fillers such as umms and
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errs. Have a plan with what to do with your hands.
Don’t pace. Stand in one place and move places with
major speaking points.
Use the microphone. You’re not as loud as you think
and people cant hear you without it. No one likes a
shouter.
Use an outline. Its more natural than reading a
speech.
When you are done, you are done. Avoid the mistake
of repeating yourself and finishing badly. Finish
Strong!
Special Topics
O Alcohol Consumption
O Avoiding Politics
O Be Prepared
O Ask questions when you don’t understand
O Follow the lead of your hosts
Review
O Written Communications
O Oral Communications
O Non Verbal Communications
O Planning and Logistics
O Expense Vouchers
O Public Speaking
O Dress for Success
O Special Concerns
Open Discussion – Q&A
The Final Picture
O You are the Voice of the Florida Sons of The
American Legion
O You are the Image of the Florida Sons of The
American Legion
O You are the Messenger of the Florida Sons
of The American Legion
O You are a Leader of the Florida Sons of The
American Legion
Remember…
You are the
Ambassadors of the
Florida Sons of The
American Legion