Voice & Presence Academy
Led through the real world of live hosting with Chuck Lott, students build the voice, presence, listening, and adaptability to communicate confidently in school and beyond.
A 10-Session Communication Experience
The Cadets Rising Voice and Presence Academy gives middle and high school students repeated chances to speak, listen, and lead. The 10-session experience can fit a school day or after-school setting. Each meeting includes a brief model, practice in pairs or small groups, a real-world challenge, feedback, and another attempt.
"Communication here reaches beyond a prepared speech. Students learn to shape a message for an audience, tell a meaningful story, ask useful follow-up questions, and recover when a plan changes."
10
Sessions
School day or after school
6–12
Grade Levels
Middle & high school
7
Core Skills
Voice to live hosting
1
Live Showcase
Student-produced event
Chuck Lott
"The Garden Guy"
Known as "The Garden Guy," Chuck Lott is the premier high-energy host of Madison Square Garden, where he serves as the definitive voice of the Big East Men's Basketball Tournament and the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
A masterful crowd conductor with a unique ability to ignite thousands of fans, Chuck has built an elite portfolio as a professional host and emcee. His 2025 host reel includes NCAA basketball, esports, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, corporate events, and the NJ.com High School Game Changers Sports Awards.
Beyond MSG, Chuck's talent spans emcee, auctioneer, ring announcer, Premier Lacrosse League announcing, and commercial voice-over work. His live event background gives the academy a vivid, real-world setting that no classroom can replicate.
Program Philosophy
Find Your Voice
Start with a message that sounds like you.
Own the Room
Communicate with deliberate posture, pace, and presence.
Connect with the Audience
Listen and adjust in real time.
Think on Your Feet
Pause, recover, and continue with confidence.
Tell Your Story
Choose details that serve a purpose.
Take the Mic
Use these skills to lead a shared moment.
Core Learning Areas
Voice & Delivery
Breath, projection, pace, articulation, and microphone awareness.
Confidence & Presence
Entrances, posture, eye contact, and managing nerves.
Story & Message
Structure, specificity, authenticity, and a clear takeaway.
Audience Connection
Purpose, adaptation, timing, and respectful engagement.
Listening & Interviewing
Open questions, follow-ups, and accurate summaries.
Live Hosting & Improvisation
Introductions, transitions, run-of-show cues, and recovery.
Opportunity Communication
School and career introductions, interviews, and audio presentation.
10-Session Program Arc
Find Your Voice
Confidence & introductions
Activity: Name and story circle with a low-stakes second take
Host opening: welcoming people and establishing trust
Make Your Voice Work
Breath, pace & articulation
Activity: Mic and no-mic announcement lab with playback
Live event announcements and voice-over demand distinct vocal choices
Own the Room
Presence & body language
Activity: One-minute entrance and introduction with peer observation
An in-arena host must command attention while staying approachable
Tell a Story That Matters
Story structure & authenticity
Activity: Three-beat personal or community story studio
A host gives people and moments context without overshadowing them
Read the Room
Audience engagement & adaptation
Activity: Audience-switch challenge: school assembly vs. small group
Chuck describes working across different audiences and event formats
Stay Ready
Improvisation & recovery
Activity: Surprise-cue hosting relay with reset phrases
Live run-of-show changes require a calm pivot
Ask Better Questions
Listening & interviewing
Activity: Two-minute interview swap with follow-up challenge
Host interviews can spotlight a guest through listening
Take the Mic
Hosting & transitions
Activity: Mini event run-of-show in rotating roles
Emcee work links timing, audience energy, and clear handoffs
Speak for the Opportunity
Professional communication
Activity: Mock interview and 20-second voice-over or audio promo option
Versatility across live hosting and voice-over illustrates adapting style to purpose
The Main Event
Integrated live communication
Activity: Student-led showcase with hosts, interviewers, storytellers, and announcers
A professional run-of-show turns individual speaking into a shared production
The Main Event — Student Showcase
The experience culminates in a 30–45 minute student-produced live showcase. Small teams rotate through host, emcee, interviewer, guest, storyteller, announcer, presenter, and recorded voice-over roles. Students introduce segments, conduct brief interviews, and tell short stories around a school-selected theme such as community leadership or future possibilities.
Families, teachers, administrators, and community members may be invited subject to school approval. Students leave with recordings, rubric feedback, and a concrete next speaking goal.
Student Outcomes
Bring the Voice & Presence Academy to Your School
Designed for grades 6–12, this turnkey program fits school-day or after-school schedules. Contact us to learn how to bring Chuck Lott and the Voice & Presence Academy to your campus.