Speaker Rules

Guest‑Speaker Guidelines

Below are the expectations and recommendations for anyone invited to speak at our Kiwanis Club meeting. Please review each item and incorporate it into your preparation and presentation.

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1. Topic & Audience Fit

• Focus: Your talk should be informational, educational, motivational, or entertainment‑focused and of general interest to all club members.
• Priority: Whenever possible, align your subject with children‑focused missions (e.g., youth development, education, health, safety).
• Avoid Duplication: Check recent club agendas to ensure your topic has not been presented in the last few years.

2. Content Sensitivity

• Stay Neutral: Refrain from discussing controversial, political, or highly divisive issues that could split the audience.
• Balanced Messaging: If you touch on a sensitive area, present it in a fact‑based, non‑partisan manner and keep the tone constructive.

3. Public Officials vs. Candidates

• Elected Officials: If you are an elected representative, frame your remarks as a straightforward report to constituents rather than a campaign pitch.
• Political Candidates: Should you be running for office, all candidates for that position must receive an invitation. Your presentation should focus on community issues, not campaign promotion.

4. Non‑Profit Representation

• Mission Alignment: Your organization’s mission should complement the Kiwanis focus on service to children and the community.
• Fund‑Raising: Brief fund‑raising mentions are acceptable, but they must not dominate the presentation. Allocate the majority of time to the educational content.

5. For‑Profit Representation

• Industry Insight: Emphasize industry trends, community impact, or expertise that benefits the audience.
• Product Mentions: You may reference products or services only as illustrative examples, ensuring they do not become the central theme of the talk.

6. Pre‑Visit Coordination (What We Need from You)

• Logistics Confirmation: Provide the club with the date, time, location, expected audience size, agenda outline, allotted speaking time, and estimated adjournment time.
• Technical Requirements: List any AV equipment you need (projector, screen, microphone, laptop connections, etc.).
• Dress Code: Indicate any attire expectations (business casual is typical).
• Personal Details: Supply the correct spelling and pronunciation of your name and a short résumé or bio for introductions and promotional materials.

7. On‑Site Hospitality (What to Expect)

• Greeting: A club member will meet you at the venue, introduce you to the group, and escort you to the head table.

8. Introduction & Acknowledgment (During the Session)

• Formal Intro: The club will give a brief, formal introduction of you and your background.
• Applause Cue: The club encourages members to stand and applaud at both the start and end of your presentation. Feel free to acknowledge this gesture.

9. Post‑Visit Follow‑Up (After the Session)

• Thank‑You Note: Expect a personal note of appreciation from the club.
• Future Involvement: If appropriate, the club may extend an invitation for you to join as a guest member or recurring speaker.

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By adhering to these guidelines, you help ensure a smooth, engaging, and mutually beneficial experience for both the Kiwanis Club and its members.