Host Intro & Debrief Lines

Opening the Simulation

Host:
“Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our Professional Showcase Day. I’m [Host Name], and I’ll be guiding you through today’s simulation. Over the next 45 minutes, you’ll practice two key professional skills: a mock interview and a team project pitch. This is your chance to build confidence in real-world scenarios. Ready to get started? Let’s go!”

Segment 1: Warm-Up Word Check (5 minutes)

Host (Introduction):
“First up: a warm-up activity. I’d like each of you to think of one word that you hope an interviewer remembers about you. Maybe it’s “confidence,” “creativity,” or “enthusiasm.” Go ahead and type your word in the chat—or if we’re in person, write it on a sticky note and stick it to the board.”

Host (Debrief):
“Great work! I’m seeing words like confidence, innovation, and passion pop up. These themes are exactly what employers notice first. Keep these words in mind as we move forward: they will guide how you present yourself in interviews and pitches.”

Segment 2: Narrative & Vocabulary (5 minutes)

Host (Introduction):
“Now, let’s connect today’s work to a real job-fair experience. In a few moments, you’ll interview each other and present pitches—just like meeting recruiters at a fair. Before we dive in, let’s define four key terms:

• Portfolio: Your collection of qualifications and achievements.
• Pitch: A concise, engaging overview of your idea or project.
• Body language: The nonverbal signals you send with posture and gesture.
• Reflection: Thinking back on your performance to make it even stronger.

Any quick questions about those terms?”

Host (Debrief):
“Fantastic! Understanding these will help you stay focused during today’s simulation. Let’s move on to our first hands-on activity.”

Segment 3: Mock Interviews (15 minutes)

Host (Introduction):
“Time for hands-on practice! Pair up with the person next to you. One of you will be the interviewer, the other the candidate. You’ll use prompts from the Interview & Pitch Prompts deck. Here’s how it works:

1. You’ll have two minutes for Q&A.
2. Then one minute for peer feedback using sentence starters like, “I appreciated when you…”
3. After each round, switch roles and repeat—three rounds total.

I’ll keep an eye on the timer and give you a one-minute warning. Let’s begin!"

(Host starts timer.)

Host (Debrief after Round 3):
“Great job, everyone! How did it feel to step into each role? What feedback helped you most? Remember, giving focused feedback is just as important as answering questions. Take a deep breath—our next segment builds on what you just practiced.”

Segment 4: Team Project Pitches (15 minutes)

Host (Introduction):
“Now we’re shifting gears to teamwork and persuasion. Form teams of three to four. Decide on a project idea—or use your teacher’s assigned concept—and prepare a 60-second pitch. Follow this structure from the Interview & Pitch Prompts:

1. Hook
2. Problem Statement
3. Proposed Solution & Benefits
4. Team Intro & Call to Action

You have 7 minutes to plan. I’ll give a two-minute warning. Then we’ll present and vote live using the Peer Scorecard Poll. Let’s get started!”

(Host monitors planning time, then invites teams up one by one.)

Host (Before Each Pitch):
“Team [Name], your turn! You have 60 seconds—go!”

Host (After Each Pitch):
“Thank you, Team [Name]! Peers, cast your vote now on your devices. I’ll tally the results and share them in just a moment.”

(Host announces poll results.)

Host (Debrief after All Pitches):
“Let’s give all teams a round of applause! What elements of the winning pitch stood out? How did teams use their hook or closing ask effectively? Take note: these strategies will strengthen your future presentations.”

Segment 5: Closing Reflection (5 minutes)

Host (Introduction):
“As we wrap up, remember: Professionalism practiced today becomes confidence on the day that counts. Who would like to share one key takeaway or insight from today’s simulation?”

(Pause for 2–3 volunteers.)

Host (Closing Prompt):
“Thank you for sharing. Finally, take out your journals or devices and write down one specific action you’ll take to improve your interview or pitch skills based on the feedback you received today. I can’t wait to see how you put today’s practice into action in real interviews and presentations. Great work, everyone!”

Peer Scorecard Poll

Purpose: After each team’s 60-second pitch, classmates cast quick votes on three key criteria using their devices. Results display in real time to fuel debrief.

Instructions for Students:

1. When the host opens the poll (30 seconds), rate the pitch on a scale of 1–5 for each criterion.
2. Submit all three ratings before time runs out.

Criteria & Scale:

Poll Setup for Host:

• Create a live poll with three questions (Clarity, Engagement, Structure), each with options 1–5 labeled as above.
• Open it immediately after each pitch and close after 30 seconds.
• Display average scores for each criterion before moving to the next team.

Debrief Prompt:

• Which criterion varied most across teams?
• How did the winning team excel in all three areas?
• What one change would raise your own pitch’s score next time?

Teacher's Facilitation Script

This script provides additional guidance for the teacher to facilitate discussions and activities, complementing the main Host Intro & Debrief Lines.

Warm-Up Word Check (5 minutes)

Teacher (During student submission):
"As you're thinking of your word, consider what impression you want to leave with someone. What quality best represents your professional self?"

Teacher (Observing submissions):
"I see some fantastic words emerging! 'Resilience,' 'Curiosity,' 'Problem-solver.' These are all powerful traits. Why might an interviewer value these specific qualities?"

Narrative & Vocabulary (5 minutes)

Teacher (After defining terms):
"Let's do a quick check for understanding. Can someone give me an example of what might go into a portfolio for a creative role? How about for a technical role?"

"Why is effective body language so crucial, even if you're saying all the right things? What are some examples of positive body language you can show?"

"When we talk about reflection, why isn't it enough just to do something? Why is thinking about how you did it so important?"

Mock Interviews (15 minutes)

Teacher (Circulating during Q&A rounds):
"Listen for how clearly the candidate articulates their experiences. Interviewers, are you asking open-ended questions that allow for detailed responses?"

"Candidates, if you're stuck, remember to connect your answer back to a relevant experience, even if it's from a different context like a school project or volunteer work. Think about the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)."

"For those needing extra support, remember the prompt cards I've provided with answer frameworks. Use them to help structure your responses effectively."

Teacher (During peer feedback):
"Focus your feedback on specific actions or phrases. Instead of 'You did great,' try 'I appreciated how you used specific examples to answer the question about challenges.' Or, 'Next time, consider making eye contact more consistently.'"

Team Project Pitches (15 minutes)

Teacher (During 7-minute planning):
"Teams, ensure everyone contributes to shaping the pitch. How are you grabbing attention in the first 10 seconds? Is your problem statement clear and impactful?"

"Think about your audience: what do they need to hear to be convinced? Practice saying your pitch out loud to check for flow and timing."

Teacher (After pitches, before poll results):
"Excellent effort, teams! I noticed diverse approaches to the 'hook' and problem statements. Keep those observations in mind as you cast your votes on the Peer Scorecard Poll."

Closing Reflection (5 minutes)

Teacher (After volunteers share):
"Those are insightful takeaways. How many of you felt a noticeable difference in your confidence from the start of the activity to the end? What contributed to that shift?"

"As you journal your action steps, be specific. What exactly will you do? Will you practice a specific answer, refine your pitch hook, or work on your body language?"