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1. Reporting to the Board
a. Knock loudly on the door of the board room and enter when told to do so.
b. Approach the president of the board using proper facing movements and position yourself in front of the president of the board.
c. Halt at attention, render a hand salute, and report to the president of the board as follows: "Sir," or "Sergeant Major, Specialist (Smith) reports. Hold your salute until the president returns it. This is the proper way to report.
d. If being seated, look over shoulder, step to the rear with your left foot, and be seated. While seated, sit straight with both feet flat on the floor and approximately one foot apart. Place your hands, fingers outstretched, but comfortable, on your knees or thighs.
2. Opening statement
a. Be prepared to give a brief summation of your military career. Include positions held, jobs performed, education, duty stations, and significant accomplishments. Do not try to memorize dates.
b. Be clear and concise, and use this as an opportunity to relax. Address the president, looking directly at him, and at least once, look directly at all board members during the your opening statement.
3. Answering the Board Member’s Questions
a. Do your best not to show nervousness and listen very carefully to questions being directed at you. Begin all statements to the board members by title with "Sergeant Major," "First Sergeant," "Sergeant," or with whatever salutation is appropriate.
b. Speak loudly enough so that all board members will hear you and distinctly enough so that you will not be misunderstood. If you feel your voice start to waiver because of nervousness, raising your voice will help to steady it.
c. Direct your answer to the person asking the question, maintaining eye-to-eye contact at all times.
d. Don't give answers you do not know or try to fake an answer. If you do not know an answer, simply say "Title of board member (i.e., Sergeant Major, etc.), I do not know the answer. If you do not understand the question, ask the board member to please repeat or rephrase it.
e. Don't mumble or begin your reply with "uh", "oh", "I think", or "I believe". This indicates indecisiveness. Never say "I'm sorry", if you don't know the answer. It is helpful and impressive to repeat the question as part of your answer. For example, "Sergeant, the five colors of the map are...
f. When asked your opinion, be sure it is your opinion. Board members do not penalize you for an opinion they do not agree with. They only want to evaluate your knowledge, speaking ability, and ability to intelligently present an opinion.
4. Departing the Board
a. Come to attention in front of the board president.
b. Render a hand salute to the president of the board and hold your salute until it has been returned.
c. Leave the room using proper facing movements and close the door unless directed otherwise.
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