Inside the APR Panel Presentation: Turning Preparation into Poise

By Benjamin Speed, APR

This post is Part 1 of the Maine Public Relations Council’s APR Journey Series, following newly Accredited member Benjamin Speed, APR, through the process of earning his Accreditation in Public Relations. In this first reflection, Benjamin shares insights from his APR Panel Presentation — how preparation, authenticity, and composure turned an evaluation into a conversation.

When I stood before my APR panel at the University of Maine this March, I expected a test. What I found instead was a conversation — one that challenged, encouraged, and ultimately affirmed my readiness to join the community of Accredited public relations professionals.

Earning the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) isn’t just about demonstrating technical expertise. It’s about reflecting on your professional growth and showing how you think through problems with ethics, balance, and purpose. For me, the panel presentation was where those qualities came to life.

My panel took place on March 28, 2025, in Orono. I arrived an hour early to set up my presentation, test the AV equipment, and get a feel for the room. Of course, something went wrong — my laptop couldn’t connect to the internet. Instead of panicking, I pivoted. I had backup copies of my slides printed for the panelists and a PowerPoint ready to go offline.

That quick adjustment was a reminder: flexibility is part of our DNA as PR professionals.

Once my first panelist arrived, I stopped troubleshooting and started connecting. We chatted informally before everyone gathered, which helped ease the tension. I even began my session by inviting each panelist to introduce themselves and share their own panel topic. That small icebreaker transformed the atmosphere from formal to friendly — exactly what I needed to find my rhythm.

I approached my presentation as a guided discussion, not a monologue. My roadmap followed the classic RPIE model — Research, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation — and mirrored the APR study guide’s recommended flow.

I didn’t pretend to have all the answers. My goal was to show my growth and reflect on what I learned along the way.

I explained my role in the campaign early on — project manager, communication plan writer, and videographer — and revisited those roles at the end to close the loop. I incorporated slides that addressed situational analysis, problem statements, audience identification, strategies, tactics, timelines, and outcomes.

Along the way, I paused after each major section to invite discussion. This made the hour feel more like a collaboration than an interrogation.

In the weeks leading up to the presentation, I rehearsed — a lot. I timed my talk five times alone and twice in front of colleagues. I even asked one trusted teammate to “grill” me with tough questions so I could practice thinking on my feet.

That exercise proved invaluable. It helped me prepare for moments when panelists would ask for clarification or alternative approaches. And it reminded me that humility — admitting what you’d do differently with more time or resources — often demonstrates greater professionalism than trying to have the perfect answer.

I also used the official APR scorecard with my peers, inviting them to rate my presentation objectively. Their feedback helped me refine weak points and strengthen my transitions. By the time the real panel arrived, I wasn’t nervous — I was eager.

On the morning of my presentation, I focused on being calm and steady. I practiced breathing techniques — slow inhales to relax, quick bursts to raise energy — and told myself to slow down and listen.

I offered snacks and water for my panelists (a small gesture, but one that set a welcoming tone) and reviewed my binder, neatly organized by the four RPIE sections. My presentation ran about 40 minutes, with an engaging discussion that stretched to 85 minutes in total.

“The APR panel isn’t about perfection. It’s about demonstrating authenticity, composure, and the ability to reflect with purpose.”

When the panel wrapped up, I asked if there was anything else I could clarify before they scored. It was a small question — but one that showed respect for their process and confidence in mine.

Ten days after my presentation, I received the email I’d been waiting for — I passed! The feedback itself is never shared (the notes are shredded), but the experience left a lasting imprint.

The APR panel taught me that professionalism isn’t about control — it’s about adaptability, humility, and preparedness. Those same qualities are what define steady communication leadership, especially in times of uncertainty.

This November, I’ll be recognized as one of Maine Public Relations Council’s newest Accredited members and share my experience as a panelist at the 2025 #SteadyPR Conference: Maintaining Balance and Trust in Chaotic Times.

If you’re considering the APR journey, start now. Whether you’re preparing your questionnaire or your first practice presentation, remember: the process will make you a more thoughtful, confident communicator.

After completing his panel presentation in March, Benjamin turned his focus to the written exam — a different kind of challenge that tested endurance and steady decision-making under pressure.

 

Continue the story in Part 2: Inside the APR Exam: How Preparation and Perseverance Pay Off

Interested in starting your APR journey? Visit MPRC’s Accreditation page to learn how to begin.