Application · By invitation only

The Knight-Hennessy Video Statement

“Teach something to your cohort.” Two minutes. Your face on camera. Recorded in the application portal. It’s as nerve-wracking as it sounds — and far less polished than you’d expect.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 4 min read Updated Oct 5, 2026

2 min

Maximum length

In-app

Recorded in the portal

5–10 days

To submit after invite

What You Need to Know

The prompt

The official prompt is: “Teach something to your cohort of fellow Knight-Hennessy Scholars.” It has also been described as some variation of “Teach us something — it can be anything.” The key word is “teach.” You're not performing. You're not pitching yourself. You're genuinely teaching something you care about. Shorter than two minutes is fine.

Recording mechanics

Invitations go out on a rolling basis through January to about 500 applicants, and you usually have 5–10 days to submit. You record the video directly in the KHS online application using your webcam; external videos can't be uploaded. This is deliberate — they don't want professionally produced videos. Your face must be visible. KHS does not publish rules on retakes or editing, so read the instructions in your invitation carefully.

Why they do it this way

KHS wants authenticity, not production value — it says there is “zero emphasis” on production. A polished, pre-recorded video would tell them nothing about who you actually are. The slight nervousness, the occasional stumble — those are features, not bugs.

The anxiety is normal

Nearly every scholar reports significant anxiety about the video. You've made it past thousands of applicants on the strength of your writing, and now you need to show up as a human being on camera. The discomfort is universal. The committee knows this. They're not looking for a TED Talk. They're looking for a person.

Topic Ideas That Work

These are illustrative examples of the kind of topic that works, not verified accounts of specific scholars. KHS says it does not evaluate your choice of topic.

How to tie a specific sailing knot used by her grandfather

Connected a physical skill to her family history and her relationship with her grandfather, who was a fisherman in Southeast Asia. The knot-tying was the vehicle; the story of her family was the real lesson.

The physics of why a curveball curves

An engineer who played baseball used a simple ball to demonstrate the Magnus effect. Engaging because the explanation was clear, joyful, and you could tell he genuinely loved both physics and baseball.

Three phrases in Quechua that have no English equivalent

A Peruvian scholar taught Quechua phrases that express concepts English simply can’t capture. It worked because it revealed her cultural roots, her passion for indigenous language preservation, and her ability to communicate complex ideas simply.

How to read a topographic map in a combat zone

A military veteran used a printed map as a prop and explained terrain features. The lesson naturally led into his experience as a platoon leader and why he was pursuing a policy degree. Authentic because it came from real expertise.

What NOT to Do

Don't give a resume walkthrough. They've already read your resume. Using two minutes to repeat it signals you don't understand the exercise.
Don't memorize a script. Reciting memorized text is visible instantly. Bullet points or a rough outline are fine. Word-for-word scripts are not.
Don't obsess over production quality. Don't spend hours finding the perfect background or lighting setup. Decent lighting and clear audio are enough. This is about you, not your setup.
Don't teach something you're not passionate about. If you choose a “safe” topic you don't actually care about, it will show. The committee can tell the difference between genuine enthusiasm and performance.
Don't try to be funny (unless you're actually funny). Forced humor under pressure is painful to watch. Natural warmth and genuine personality are much more effective than attempted comedy.
Don't hide your face. Some applicants try to share screens or hold up slides. Your face needs to be visible throughout. Props are fine; disappearing behind them is not.

Practical Preparation Tips

1
Practice with a timer visible
Two minutes feels much shorter than you think. Practice until you can comfortably deliver your topic in 1:45, leaving a buffer.
2
Record practice videos on your phone
Watch them back. The first time you see yourself on video is always jarring — get that shock out of the way before the real recording.
3
Test your setup the day before
Check your webcam, microphone, lighting, and internet connection. Have a backup location ready in case of technical issues.
4
Choose a topic that connects to your story
The best videos teach something that naturally reveals who the applicant is. KHS does not grade the topic itself, so pick one you enjoy teaching.
5
Simple props can help, but aren't required
A whiteboard, a physical object, a printed image — these can make your teaching more engaging. But a compelling person speaking directly to the camera is equally effective.

Next: Recommendation Letters

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Your recommenders face a unique set of prompts and a nine-characteristic rating grid. Brief them well. Recommendation guide →