“World’s Greatest Expert” | Leadership Heights

LEADERSHIP TRAILS

“World’s Greatest Expert”

Academics

For your final meeting of the day, you’re meeting with the provost’s office. The buget process is just starting up for the next year and you’re eager to make a case for why your dinosaur project should run next year.

After a great meeting, the provost stops you, “I’ve just got one more thing. I hear you’re the world’s greatest expert on…” The only problem is that you know nothing about the topic. You launch into a detailed explanation, hoping that if you throw enough jargon the provost will believe you.

Goal

Give an impromptu talk about a subject as though you were an expert.

Goal

Give an impromptu talk about a subject as though you were an expert.

Purpose

Practice skills of communication, improvisation, and confidence.

Materials

None

Setup

Choose groups of 3 to 4 scouts for the activity. Have each scout brainstorm a topic.

Purpose

Practice skills of communication, improvisation, and confidence.

Materials

None

Setup

Choose groups of 3 to 4 scouts for the activity. Have each scout brainstorm a topic.

Running the game

Each scout in this game is going to give an impromptu lecture on a topic suggested by one of their patrol members.

Choose who is going to be the first lecturer.
A patrol member starts the game by saying “Hey, I hear you’re the world’s greatest expert in _________.”
The lecturer begins an impromptu (and likely largely false) lecture on the topic. Their goal is to speak continuously and convincingly for a full minute. They should say whatever comes to mind, even if it is absurd.
When the lecturer is done, give them a round of applause! The next scout takes the stage and the game begins again.

Debrief

The following debrief questions are meant to give you an opportunity to discuss with your patrol mates and reflect on the game. You can have one leader ask the discussion questions or you could take turns asking the questions, making sure everyone’s voice is heard.

The focus of this game is on the skills of communication and confidence.

How difficult was it to speak for a continuous minute? What were the challenges you faced when doing so?
Did you notice anything about your communication style as you spoke? What goals do you have for improving your speaking?
What were your emotions as you spoke? Did you feel scared, excited, amused? How might this translate to other leadership situations where you might be called on to speak?