New Bedford Teen Uses PowerPoint to Convince Parents for E-Bike

When 13-year-old Ray Rouke Jr. wants something for Christmas, he doesn’t just ask. He makes a PowerPoint.

Forget handwritten wish lists. The Normandin Middle School student from New Bedford recently called a family meeting and presented a full slideshow titled “Why I Should Get a GT73 Pro.” The topic? Convincing his parents to buy him an e-bike for Christmas.

Ray Jr. showed up in McDonald’s Crocs, pink shorts, a tuxedo jacket, and sunglasses, complete with entrance music – WWE superstar John Cena’s theme song – and a Q&A session at the end. His dad, Ray Rouke, posted about it online, and people everywhere instantly fell in love with the creativity.

READ MORE: Massachusetts E-Bike Laws Every Parent Should Know

“He came bursting out of his door, and the outfit already had me sold,” Rouke Sr said. “He did his research, put work into it, and made a lot of valid points. It’s tough to say no when they make a good case for themselves.”

Safety, Price, Perks, and Reasons Why

Ray’s slideshow covered everything from safety rules (“I’ll wear a helmet and be home by 7”) to pricing comparisons (“Other e-bikes are $5,000-plus, this one’s only $2,000”).
He even laid out how the GT73 Pro’s dual batteries, hydraulic brakes, and 85-mile range made it a “smart investment.”

His pitch also included a section called “Convince," with photos showing his planned destinations once he had his new ride.

What really sold Dad was Ray’s reasoning.

“They don’t got to waste gas driving me to school as much,” Ray Jr. explained on-air. “And they probably won’t have to deal with me as much because I’ll be out all day.”

That line got laughs across the studio on The MGM Show when Ray and Jr. called in.

A Real-World Skill

Rouke Sr. said he was impressed by his son’s effort – not just for the humor, but for the life lesson behind it.

“He showed that he’s able to present himself and get a point across,” he said. “This is good for him in real life. It sharpens a skill that’ll be very useful someday.”

When asked if he’d get the bike, Dad hinted, “He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s already got me sold.”

Still Waiting on Santa’s Verdict

For now, it’s a “maybe," not a "no." But Ray Jr. is confident.

Before signing off, Michael Rock asked Ray for advice on negotiation skills. His response?

“Depends if I’m getting paid," he said.

That earned him one final round of applause, proving the future of persuasive PowerPointing is still alive and well.