Guidelines FOR
PROGRAM SPEAKERS

When your turn comes up to select a speaker for a club meeting, here are some guidelines to consider and to share with the speaker:

    
a. Choose a speaker with a topic of informational, educational, motivational or entertainment value that will be of general interest to all club members.

    b. Be aware of controversial topics or volatile issues that could arouse anger and division among members. Consider the Four-Way Test when considering speakers and topics.

        i. Is it the TRUTH?

        ii. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

        iii. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

        iv. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

    c. Avoid repetition or sameness. Look for a speaker we haven’t heard before with a fresh topic.

    d. Political/Religious topics. Rotary International is a non-political and non-religious organization. As a matter of policy, Rotary Clubs do not take positions on public questions including political or international issues nor supports the proselytizing of individuals.

    e. Avoid product or service promotion. Advise company executives who are invited to speak to deal with issues that affect their industry and the community and how they cope with them. They should not use the Rotary podium to promote their products or services.

    f. Political candidates. It is acceptable to have current political office holders and candidates for office speak to our club when the format is simply a report on issues that face the community or speaking on behalf of another entity. The speaker should not use the speaking invitation as an opportunity to garner support for the office that they are seeking.

    g. Non-profit organizations. Consider such speakers of organizations that impact our community that is not a sales pitch for funding. Never allow requests for funding unless the request has been formally approved in advance by the club board of directors.

    h. Meeting Schedule. Our members arrive around 12:00 noon and begin with lunch. The program begins at 12:20 pm with the introduction of the speaker at 12:35 pm. The speaker then has 15 – 20 minutes to present including a time for Questions & Answers. The meeting will be closed by the Club President promptly at 1:00 pm.

    i. Meeting Set-Up. The meeting usually hosts 25 – 30 members at circular tables. The front of the room includes a large monitor with an HDMI cable. A podium can be set-up if the presenter requests it. If Audio-Visual equipment is going to be used, it is important that the presenter comes early to set that up.

    j. Tips about speaking at our Club. Our club is made up of professionals with a wide amount of experience and expertise. Presenters have been most successful when they:

        i. Are well-organized and well-prepared.

        ii. Provide opportunities for engagement with the members.

        iii. Let their personality come through via humor, stories, and non-verbal behaviors.

        iv. Use an outline to share (versus reading the slides in a PowerPoint).

Approved: March 11, 2024

With thanks to the Rotary Club of Crown Point and the Harvard University Division of Continuing Education: Professional and Executive Development