JEHS students sharpen public speaking skills during ‘Shark Tank’ project
The 40 seniors in Linda Falk’s media studies class at Jordan-Elbridge High School have been working to refine their public speaking and presentation skills through a project that mirrors the format of the show Shark Tank.Throughout March, students worked collaboratively with a partner to come up with an original product or service idea and an advertising campaign. Students’ ideas ranged from a frog leg food truck and a portable toaster to a mobile ATM and color-changing eye shadow.
Falk charged students to research manufacturing and retail costs, percent profits, and conduct surveys or focus groups. Additionally, she instructed students to produce advertisements and determine the most effective placement of them to target their demographics.
Students then presented their product/service and ad campaign to a panel of teachers, or “investors,” just like in Shark Tank.
“Students were passionate about their ideas and their business plan, causing them to be actively engaged,” Falk said. “Overall, it is a fun project that enables students to practice their presentation skills, acquire new insight about advertising and be innovative and creative.”
Students presented in the large group instruction (LGI) room, Falk said, which is similar to a college lecture hall.
She said the project also helped them refine their ability to think on their feet.
“Students had to do this when answering questions from investors. This skill is useful for job interviews,” she added.
Brooke Severin created a multi-use shaver, and said the project helped her hone her public speaking skills, which she knows she will use in the future.
“I recently had to speak at a 4-H show, and this project really helped me,” she said.
Bella DeCola and Madi Daly came up with an idea for a breakfast pizza food truck, and said the project was fun, but also helped refine their problem solving abilities.
“I think we learned a lot that we can use in the real world,” Daly said.
“We had to be very organized for this project and that is an important skill to have.”