Tips on conducting initiation (non secret)

[Senusret I]

Proper ventilation!

[Rudey]

You are what you believe you are. You can be confident in your voice and believe the words, and I guarantee you everyone there will feel it.

-Rudey
--So take a shot before the ceremony, slap yourself in the face, and believe.

[decadence]

Originally posted by Kddani Thanks everyone!
I guess i'm just more nervous that i would be anyway because Frank Patek, the Executive Director, is also coming. Then on Friday I get to go to our district conference up in Niagara Falls. It'll be a PAD filled couple of days.
Seriously, everyone, thank you so much for offering excellent advice!

Wow! I spoke to Frank Patek v. briefly on the phone a while ago, having him actually present is major!!. I echo the sentiments everyone else made. Read through and practice the words so you dont have to have your head permanently pointed at a script . It's like when you were an undergrad and might have had to give a class presentation; look at the 'audience' (eye contact), involve them, and they'll be yours.
If I'm not mistaken, a beauty of the rituals of PAD (from what I've read) is how it allows for those who want to have a more modern ceremony (aesthetically) and those who want a more traditional candlelit one. Another way it which it helps to make the process 'yours'. The late George Burns once said "I drink coffee with my left hand and I smoke with my right. But I talk with both hands". If you get anxious try to keep gesturing minimal, the words themselves shall supply the meaning and emphasis needed. Project.

Lastly, remember you've been through Rush so don't need to rush this bit (weak pun I know). The Fraternity has waited over 100 years for each of these men and women; it's worth taking the time to make sure the process goes well.

Good luck Danielle; I'm sure it will be a success.

- Richard

[wptw]

Like any public speaking engagement, the trick is to imagine the initiates in their underwear.

Oh, wait...

wptw

[kddani]

Thanks everyone! It'll be showtime in 4 hours. I'm off to class now, then to set up. So at 7pm EST, everyone please send me warm wishes that I don't F up

[AlphaSigOU]

Just remember the test pilot's prayer: "Please, dear God, don't let me f*** up!" You'll do all right, and when you look back on the ceremony tonight you'll have the satisfaction of a job well done!

[ilovemyglo]

be sure and look the intiates in the eye, that really takes home what you are saying.

[decadence]

be sure and look the intiates in the eye, that really takes home what you are saying.

Especially valuable advice if you're following wptw's advice of imagining all the initiates in their underwear .

[kddani]

thanks everyone, it went really well! i'm beat, kinda drunk, and gotta pack to leave for a conference tomorrow.
Thank you all!