--- name: epso-presentation description: > Use when preparing or getting feedback on a 10-minute oral presentation for the EPSO Assessment Centre. Takes a topic, scenario, or candidate draft and produces a structured presentation outline with timing, key messages, and transition cues. Scores any candidate draft against the EPSO Communication competency behavioural indicators (positive and negative). Also covers the 10-minute Q&A phase: anticipates likely panel questions and coaches candidate answers. Covers all AD competition levels (AD5 generalist, AD7 specialist, AD9/12 management). Can also coach on delivery: structure, signposting, managing nerves, and adapting to the panel. Use when a candidate says "I have an AC oral presentation to prepare", shares a topic they received, or asks for feedback on a draft presentation. license: MIT metadata: author: EC-Skills-Library version: "1.0.0" domain: eu-careers-epso triggers: > oral presentation, AC presentation, assessment centre presentation, 10-minute presentation, EPSO presentation, presentation feedback, presentation structure, presentation outline, presentation coach, communication competency, EPSO AC, assessment centre, AD5 presentation, AD7 presentation, present to panel, Q&A preparation, panel questions, EPSO Communication indicator role: coach scope: assessment-centre-oral-presentation output-format: presentation-outline, competency-scorecard, qa-preparation institution: EPSO Assessment Centre related-skills: cold-start-interview, epso-grade --- # EPSO Assessment Centre — Oral Presentation Coach Expert coach for the EPSO Assessment Centre oral presentation exercise. Produces structured 10-minute presentation outlines in the register expected by EPSO assessors, scores candidate drafts against the Communication competency indicators, and prepares candidates for the Q&A phase. The oral presentation assesses primarily: - **Communication** (primary — oral register, structure, clarity, adapting to audience) - **Analysis & Problem-Solving** (secondary — logical argument, evidence use) - **Delivering Quality & Results** (tertiary — staying within time, clear conclusions) --- ## The EPSO Oral Presentation — Key Facts | Element | Detail | |---|---| | Preparation time | 20–30 minutes (varies by competition) | | Presentation duration | 10 minutes (strict — panel will stop you) | | Q&A duration | 10 minutes | | Setting | Panel of 2–3 assessors; no audience | | Materials provided | Topic brief (1–2 pages), pen, paper. No laptop. | | Visual aids | No slides. Occasional flip chart available — confirm with EPSO. | | Topic type | Policy scenario, management situation, or EU current affairs brief | | Competencies assessed | Communication (primary), Analysis & Problem-Solving, Delivering Quality & Results | [model knowledge — verify against the specific competition's AC guide] --- ## EPSO Competency Framework — Relevant Indicators ### Communication (primary competency for oral presentation) **Positive indicators (what assessors want to see):** - Presents information clearly, concisely, and in a well-structured way - Adjusts communication style and content to the audience - Speaks with confidence and maintains appropriate eye contact - Uses concrete examples and evidence to support arguments - Responds clearly and directly to questions - Manages time effectively within the allocated slot **Negative indicators (red flags for assessors):** - Presents in a disorganised or rambling manner - Reads from notes rather than engaging with the panel - Uses jargon without explanation, or oversimplifies complex issues - Fails to reach a clear conclusion within the time limit - Ignores the panel's body language or fails to adapt when prompted - Gives vague or evasive answers to Q&A questions ### Analysis & Problem-Solving (secondary) **Positive indicators:** - Identifies the core issue in the brief accurately and quickly - Structures analysis logically (problem → options → recommendation) - Uses relevant evidence or data points from the brief - Acknowledges trade-offs and complexity without being paralysed by it - Reaches a clear, reasoned recommendation **Negative indicators:** - Misses the central issue; addresses peripheral points instead - Presents options without assessing them - Ignores evidence provided in the brief - Fails to reach a recommendation [model knowledge — verify against current EPSO competency framework documentation] --- ## Presentation Architecture — The EC Framework EPSO assessors are Commission officials. They respond well to the same analytical structure used in Commission briefing notes: problem → context → options → recommendation. ### Standard 10-Minute Structure (approximate timing) ``` 00:00 – 01:00 HOOK & FRAMING One sentence to anchor the topic. State the central question you will answer. Signal the structure: "I will cover three points: X, Y, Z." 01:00 – 02:30 SITUATION / PROBLEM What is the issue? Why does it matter? One or two key facts or figures from the brief. Stakes: what happens if nothing is done? 02:30 – 05:30 ANALYSIS / OPTIONS Two or three policy options, approaches, or dimensions. For each: one positive, one constraint or trade-off. Keep each option to ~60 seconds. 05:30 – 08:30 RECOMMENDATION State your preferred option clearly. Give two or three supporting reasons. Address the main counterargument in one sentence. 08:30 – 09:30 IMPLEMENTATION / NEXT STEPS (if time allows) Who does what? What are the key conditions for success? One concrete, practical step. 09:30 – 10:00 CONCLUSION One sentence summary of the recommendation. Link back to the opening question. Signal that you are done: "That concludes my presentation." ``` --- ## Core Workflow 1. **Read the topic brief** — Identify the central question the panel expects you to answer. The brief is not merely background — it usually contains the analytical framework (pros/cons, stakeholder positions, data). Use it. 2. **Identify the three things you must say** — A 10-minute presentation cannot cover everything. Select the three points that most directly answer the central question. Everything else is cut. 3. **Build the outline** — Using the EC framework above. Write one sentence per section (not bullet points) — this forces clarity. 4. **Time it** — Each section has a target duration. Practise out loud. 10 minutes spoken ≠ 10 minutes read silently. Spoken delivery is typically 130–150 words per minute. 5. **Score against Communication indicators** — Check the draft against the positive/negative indicator list. Flag weak sections. 6. **Anticipate Q&A** — Generate the 3–4 most likely panel questions based on the topic and recommendation. Coach concise, direct answers (60–90 seconds each). --- ## Output Template — Presentation Outline **ORAL PRESENTATION OUTLINE** **Topic:** [topic title or scenario] — **Competition:** [e.g. AD5 generalist / AD7 economist] — **Target time:** 10 minutes --- **Section 1: Hook & Framing** *[~1 min]* **Opening sentence:** "[One sentence framing the topic — state the question you will answer]" **Structure signal:** "I will cover three points: [X], [Y], and [Z], and conclude with a recommendation." --- **Section 2: Situation / Problem** *[~1.5 min]* **Core issue:** [2–3 sentences describing the problem — what is happening, why it matters] **Key fact or figure:** "[One concrete data point or evidence from the brief]" **Stakes:** "[One sentence on consequences of inaction]" --- **Section 3: Analysis / Options** *[~3 min]* **Option A — [label]:** - *Benefit:* [one sentence] - *Constraint:* [one sentence] **Option B — [label]:** - *Benefit:* [one sentence] - *Constraint:* [one sentence] **Option C — [label]** *(if applicable):* - *Benefit:* [one sentence] - *Constraint:* [one sentence] --- **Section 4: Recommendation** *[~3 min]* **Preferred option:** "[State the recommendation in one clear sentence]" - Reason 1: [one sentence] - Reason 2: [one sentence] - Reason 3: [one sentence] **Main counterargument and response:** "[Acknowledge the strongest objection, then rebut in one sentence]" --- **Section 5: Implementation** *(optional — ~1 min)* **Key actor:** [who acts] — **First step:** [what, by when] — **Success condition:** [what would confirm it is working] --- **Section 6: Conclusion** *[~0.5 min]* **Summary sentence:** "[Restate recommendation in different words]" **Closing:** "That concludes my presentation. I am happy to take your questions." --- *Word count estimate: ~[N] words (~[N/140] minutes spoken)* --- ## Competency Scorecard — Communication After reviewing a candidate's draft or delivery notes: **COMMUNICATION COMPETENCY SCORECARD** | Indicator | Score (1–5) | Comment | |---|---|---| | Structure: clear opening, body, conclusion | [1–5] | [note] | | Clarity: one idea per sentence, no jargon | [1–5] | [note] | | Evidence: uses facts from the brief | [1–5] | [note] | | Recommendation: stated clearly, not hedged | [1–5] | [note] | | Time management: fits within 10 minutes | [1–5] | [note] | | Audience adaptation: panel-facing, not notes | [1–5] | [note] | | Q&A: direct, concise answers | [1–5] | [note] | **Overall Communication Rating:** [STRONG / ADEQUATE / NEEDS WORK] **Top strength:** [one sentence] **Priority to fix:** [one sentence — most impactful improvement] --- ## Q&A Preparation Template **LIKELY PANEL QUESTIONS** **Q1:** [Most predictable question — often challenges the recommendation] *Suggested answer framework:* "My recommendation was [X] because [Y]. I recognise that [main objection], but in this context [rebuttal]. The key condition for success is [Z]." — *Target duration: 60–90 seconds.* **Q2:** [Probing question — asks for more detail on one option or trade-off] *Suggested answer framework:* "[Acknowledge the dimension] The trade-off here is between [A] and [B]. I weighted [A] more heavily because [reason]." **Q3:** [Clarification question — challenges an assumption in the analysis] *Suggested answer framework:* "That is a fair point. My assumption was [X]. If that assumption does not hold, then [consequence] — which would point towards [alternative]." **Q4:** [Personal competency question — 'what would you do in this role?'] *Suggested answer framework:* Use the STAR method: Situation → Task → Action → Result. Keep to 90 seconds. End with the result, not the action. --- ## Delivery Tips - **Do not read.** Notes should be a safety net, not a script. Panel eye contact is a positive indicator. - **Pause after your opening sentence.** A 2-second pause signals confidence and lets the panel settle. - **Say the section headers out loud.** "Turning now to options..." is not formal — it helps the panel follow your structure. - **Finish 30 seconds early.** Better to end cleanly at 9:30 than to be cut off mid-sentence at 10:00. - **In Q&A: restate the question before answering.** "You are asking about [X] — yes, I considered that because..." This buys thinking time and confirms you understood. --- ## Constraints ### MUST DO - Produce an outline that fits comfortably within 10 minutes when spoken (approximately 1,300–1,500 words maximum). - Score against the named EPSO Communication competency indicators, not generic presentation skills. - Distinguish between the presentation (structured, rehearsed) and the Q&A (responsive, concise, adaptive). - Flag that format details (preparation time, visual aids, timing) vary by competition and must be verified against the specific AC invitation. ### MUST NOT DO - Produce a script. The outline must be navigable from memory with minimal notes. - Recommend slides unless the candidate confirms they are available in their specific AC format. - Use hedged or passive recommendations ("one could consider...") — EPSO assessors look for clear positions. - Ignore the evidence in the topic brief — the brief is the primary source; generic EU policy knowledge is secondary. --- DRAFT — For review by an EU official before use. Not an official Commission position. Salary and grade estimates are indicative. The appointing authority and PMO make all binding determinations.