• When addressing the public or judges, speak distinctly. Don't talk too fast.
• Keep good posture when speaking. Don't slouch.
• Practice speaking in front of people. Try to keep strength in your presentation.
• It's OK to write a script for your presentation, but don't merely reel off a memorized speech. With sufficient practice, your "speech," should sound like conversation, not canned.
• Do not clutter your presentation with long words and lists of numbers. It is OK to generalize, unless you are asked for specific data to support your claims.
• Get plenty of rest for two days before the fair opens. It is surprising how tiring a fair can be!
• Do not be ashamed or hesitate to utter the words "I don't know." The more you work on a project, the more you realize that you don't know.
• Do not falsify or hide information. Be truthful at all times.
• Do not make exaggerated claims. More than likely, you project will not change the world. However, it is OK to be excited and energetic about your work.
• Cite all of the help you received. Give credit where credit is due.
• Rehearse your presentation on two groups of people: those who have a scientific background and are familiar with your topic, and to those who know little or nothing of science.
• Check your time. You should be able to completely explain your project in two to three minutes, or within 10 to 12 sentences.
• On fair day, wear comfortable clothes.
• Keep your display board simple, clear, and free of unnecessary clutter. A neat and tidy Showboard is preferred over a fancy or expensive model.
• Avoid name-dropping, bragging, or embellishments.
• Allow plenty of time in your presentation for judges to ask questions.
• Don't answer questions too quickly. Pause and consider before speaking.

• On the day of the fair, wear comfortable shoes!
• Get lots of rest before the fair. You'll need it!
• Don't wait until the last minute. You can always tell who has done that.
• Be prepared to not win a top prize the first year you enter. It takes a while to learn how to create a good project. Don't give up!
• Make plans for securing items used in your display. Secure your stuff!
• On the day of the fair, arrive as early as possible. It sometimes gets to be a mad house when everyone is sitting up their displays.
• Watch the judges judge. You can learn a lot from them.
• Ask last year's winners for hints. They usually like to brag and you can learn a lot from them.
• I usually pack some high energy snacks to see me through fair day.
• I print up short descriptions of my project to distribute to people. It saves my throat.
• Don't try to bluff the judges. They'll get you every time.
• Pack repair supplies in your fair kit. Things always get broken or need a last minute patch.
• When selecting a project topic, choose something you really like. It makes the work go easier.
• Don't forget to thank your mentor, teacher, and anyone who helped you. It will mean a lot to them.
• Make copies of important papers, and backup your files.
• It's OK to work on the same project for several years. You become an expert that way.
• Keep your parents informed of what you are doing, and what the schedule is. It might keep them from getting mad.
• I try to get my project done two or three weeks before the fair. That gives me time to make final changes or improvements.

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Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge