Class Rap
Note: the training should take no more than 8 minutes. Move quickly, better for the student to just practice and learn by doing.
1) Review recruitment drive (1 minute)
What the recruitment drive is
Why it is important
What our goals are
2) Review class raps (1 minute)
Why raps are so important:
- Educate students about our organization and the campaigns we work on.
- Recruit students for volunteer positions [or internships if you are offering them]
- Build support among the faculty for our program.
3) Goals (e.g., do 60 raps, educate 6,000 students, generate 900 pledge cards, get 10 volunteers) (1 minute)
4) How to – run through this fast (2 minutes)
Preparation:
Pre-divide pledge by row/section to speed handing out the cards and ensure that we get cards into everyone’s hands.
Arrive 5 minutes before class begins.
Greet the professor professionally, thank them, give them a Power Vote and ask them if we can write our contact info on the blackboard.
Write our website and phone number on upper corner of the blackboard.
Doing the rap:
It should last 3-5 minutes.
Begin handing out cards right at the start of the rap.
Make 2-3 passes through the classroom to get all the cards back before leaving the class.
Basic tips on public speaking:
Memorize and practice the rap at least ten times before delivery. The more you know what you are going to say, the more you can focus on the style of presentation.
Speak loudly and slowly. If you think you are speaking loudly and slowly enough, raise your voice and speak even slower.
Pause between sentences and paragraphs for effect. Avoid saying “um” and “like”.
Stick to the rap so that you can focus on your presentation style.
After the rap:
Bring cards back to the office before 5:00 p.m. that same day so we can call those people in the evening.
Show students the card filing system and how to update the Master Class Rap scheduling form.
5) Practice
You demonstrate first.
Round robin the rap, stressing that its okay to look at the rap to learn the wording. If you have a big group, pair people up to do this.
Have people individually practice the whole thing to the wall.
Ask people to stand and deliver.
6) Wrap up training
Stress that people should work tonight to get it memorized, talking to the wall, mirror, roommate, etc.
Give some last tips:
- It’s okay to be nervous before doing a rap. Even famous people get nervous.
- Focus on memorizing the rap first and getting comfortable with it, then focus on style.
- The best way to learn is by doing. It’s okay to mess up!
- Have realistic expectations. You’re doing great if 15% of the class fills out and returns the card!
7) For a student’s first rap
Ideally, a more experienced person should accompany the student to his first rap, to give encouragement and simple feedback.
If they haven’t done so already, they should immediately get scheduled to do more raps right after their first one.
Everyone gets a second, advanced training within 3 days of doing their first rap.
