Debunking the APC myths

The final assessment presentation is a key part of the APC process. Jon Lever dispels some of the common misconceptions and provides suggestions for how to deliver it with aplomb. Questions are often asked by APC candidates about the final assessment presentation: what format should it take and what should actually be presented? As a chair of RICS APC final assessment panels, I see many different and varied attempts. Some bad, some not so bad and the odd good one. The winning formula What are the key components for success? ■ The presentation is a requirement of the APC process, as much as competency knowledge, experience, achievement, the creation of the submission documentation and undertaking relevant CPD and recording it effectively. However, the presentation is often the part of the process that gets left behind or considered only at the last minute – yet quality is directly linked to the level of commitment and practice that has been applied to the task. ■ It is so important to appreciate that the presentation is a focal part of the assessment and the mandatory competency achievement – especially within the communication and negotiation competency (embodying written, graphical and verbal communication). Don’t forget that this is one of the three level 2 mandatory competencies. You must be able to demonstrate that you “know it” and “can actually do it too”. Assessors expect you to deliver a perfect and professional presentation. If you take a moment to think about it, why wouldn’t you, because chartered surveyors are expected to be able to communicate in many different ways: to clients, the public, et al. There is also plenty of time to perfect it. ■ The presentation is the first 10 minutes of the 60-minute final assessment interview and it is unique, uninterrupted time during which you have an opportunity to deliver, shine, and impress your assessors with your abilities. A brilliantly produced, immaculately delivered presentation really does set the tone for the rest of the interview hour and will impress your assessors. ■ You need only deliver the content from your case study. Follow the APC candidate guidance – you do not need to bring something new to the table or an update to your project. Deliver the case study report content as you have submitted it, working your way through the report components and explaining your experience and actions. It is important to note that this does not simply mean reading it verbatim. You should turn it into an informative and interesting presentation that by its nature will tell the story of your experience. ■ Simply because the assessors have read your case study report a few times does not mean that they will get bored. In fact, the presentation is often a useful embellishment of the written report and is of great benefit to the assessors as there may be pieces that they didn’t fully understand in the written version, which then fall into place more readily when it is all competently explained and presented. Concern sets in only when the presenter and presentation are not well prepared or practised.  ■ Timing is important. You cannot approach any part of the APC process with a half-hearted attitude and the 10 minutes for the presentation is just that. It is not seven minutes, which a lot of candidates deliver. There is an odd correlation between 10 minutes’ practice and preparation in a candidate’s own comfort zone and delivering the presentation in seven minutes when stressed or under pressure. Stress, though, is a by-product of anticipation, so get to know what you must present, practice it and then practice it again, so that you’re perfect at the final assessment. ■ Run over the 10 minutes and the assessors will ask you to stop. Don’t assume that there is a clock in the room, don’t use your mobile phone to time it and don’t bring your kitchen timer or a stopwatch. Simply take off your watch and place it on the table, noting the time that you start on the pad of paper provided, then take a deep breath and begin. ■ Presenting well is something you can learn and teach yourself to do. It has an element of muscle memory to it. Practice it enough so that you deliver consistently well every time. But remember that you need to build an environment similar to the real assessment panels, so why not set up a table at work or at home in the same fashion? Ask your critics (your family and friends) to watch and listen and give constructive feedback. ■ The KISS approach (keep it simple, stupid) really does work, so try not to overload the presentation with words. Use pictures, plans, elevations, photographs, etc to get your message across and keep the words to a minimum in short bullet points. “They say”, backed up by copious amounts of research, is very effective. Deliver something visually stunning and competent and the assessors will be suitably impressed. But also remember that your audience expects the glitz to be backed up by solid knowledge and experience, so make sure that you’ve prepared that effectively too. Master communication The presentation element of the assessment is important and the spring board through the remaining 50 minutes of the interview. The aim is to impress and engage the assessors with enthusiastic delivery demonstrating your ability to communicate competently. This is one of the most fundamental things we do in our work. Useful resources ■ APCeye magazine Critical APC information in a free magazine. ■ My APC Journey Know where you are at any time in the process.  ■ APC presentation Online masterclass discussing key elements of the APC final assessment interview. Hints and tips on best practice.  ■ Free timeline wallchart A3 pictorial view of the APC process, based on the RICS guides and Jon Lever’s professional knowledge. ■ Free Supervisor and counsellor APC training – formal CPD Tips on how to manage and support your candidates.  ■ APC mock interviews Practice your APC final assessment interview, including the presentation and competency-based questioning.  ■ APC commercial property and resi revision guides New for 2018: Commercial Property Revision Guide for RICS APC and puzzle book. ■ Free trial: myAPCDiary This resource can save up to 60% of a candidate’s day-to-day APC administration. ■ RICS APC guides These should be read at least once every three to four months. Candidates from outside the UK also need to check their regional websites for any local APC requirements.  Jon Lever FRICS is the RICS’s UK licensed assessor trainer, a RICS regional training adviser, an APC chairman of assessors and a member of the RICS’ governing council. Follow Jon on Twitter @deleverapc Pic credit: Cultura/REX/Shutterstock