Effective Financial Aid Presentations Elizabeth McDuffie NCSEAA Spring Conference 2008

What are the counselor’s goals? Ask the school counselor what she expects –Go over the FAFSA in detail? –Explain various aid programs? –Discuss aid process? –How much time is allotted? –Will there be other presenters? –Estimated number of attendees? –If you have handouts, who will provide copies?

Logistics  Ask for items needed –Screen –Projector –Laptop –Extension cord –Microphone, if needed –Podium or table for materials, if needed  Let the counselor know when you will arrive –If using technology, arrive at least minutes ahead of meeting time.

Who is the audience?  Parents  Students –Seniors –Juniors –Underclassmen

Resources Presentation materials are already available  NCASFAA Website –Resources for Counselors  Powerpoint  Script  Handouts  NASFAA Website –  Others?

The NC PowerPoint NCASFAA/NCSEAA presentation  Two versions available for download from – with FAFSA images (very large file) – without FAFSA images  Comprehensive –Customize by hiding slides not needed –Section in middle of presentation covers aid formula

NASFAA Materials

It’s showtime….Let’s get started….  Who are you….why are you qualified to present the material? –Counselor may have covered in the introduction.  Connect with your audience –Prior to presentation –Share something if possible that you have in common with the group.  Be confident –Who in the room knows more about this?! –If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t bluff. Admit your lack of knowledge and tell them how to get the answer.

Format  Give an overview of the subject matter to be covered in presentation.  Explain the presentation format –When will you take questions?

Covering the material…  A lot of slides—keep it moving BUT  Stop periodically and solicit questions –Helpful at the end of topics  Watch out for jargon!  Make eye contact and watch faces for comprehension

Distractions  Mannerisms  Certain words or phrases –Um –You know –Actually –Virtually

Covering the FAFSA  Don’t go over the each question on the form! –Do point out error-prone or important questions –Explain the questions for independent students  Instill confidence that parents and students CAN complete the FAFSA. –Yes, there are over 100 questions, but most of them are things they know! –Completed tax returns will make the other questions much easier to answer.

Shared tips  What challenges have you encountered? –Other presenters?  Military  Financial Planners –Other challenges?  Solutions