On Saturday, Kovel was host to a public speaking trainer from Kyiv as part of the Center of Legal Aid’s Leadership Development Program which is funded by the USAID’s Small Project Assistance fund. This training is the fourth in a set of 6 aimed at increasing the ability for citizens in the community to formulate project ideas and turn those ideas into action.

Throughout Saturday’s training participants learned exercises which could help them deal with the nerves of public speaking and prepare their body to perform in front of a crowd. Participants also received a crash course focused on how to create and deliver a successful PowerPoint presentation. Throughout this portion of the training I had the opportunity to explain the basic rules when it comes to not boring your audience while delivering a PowerPoint presentation.

Above all else I hope one philosophy was embedded into their minds. That is, when you present to an audience… You are the presentation, not your PowerPoint. It is hard for a lot of people to understand this vital element. However, if you are aware of it, you will increase your capability to deliver dynamic and charismatic presentations which will captivate your audiences (And, maybe if they are lucky, inspire a few people to act).

*These are the thoughts and ideas of Richard J. Roman and are not a direct reflection of the Peace Corps or its affiliates.