10 tips for better presentations

10 tips for better presentations

Nov 3, 2026 | General interest, News | 0 comments

In a group setting, you can help make everyone feel included.

By Tony Knoderer 

For any Kiwanis club, communication is crucial. Without a clear understanding, engagement and enthusiasm falter — whether the club is addressing the community or someone from the community is addressing the club.

Either way, you can make sure everyone feels included during a group presentation. These 10 tips can help account for a range of factors, from audiovisual needs to diverse cultural backgrounds:

  1. On slides, use font sizes 18-24 points or larger.  
  2. Choose common, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial and Georgia.  
  3. Keep text on slides to a minimum (six to eight lines per slide and no more than 30 words).  
  4. Write in sentence fragments, using keywords and bulleted lists.  
  5. Stay away from harsh colors and busy backgrounds.  
  6. Stick with simple animations or don’t use them at all. Audience members with visual impairments or learning disabilities such as dyslexia could have trouble reading words that move.  
  7. Use inclusive language that shows respect for all people and cultures.  
  8. Avoid sexist language and gender-biased comments.  
  9. Know your audience — avoid acronyms when possible, and make sure any anecdotes or humor are appropriate for everyone.  
  10. If you’re using software, turn on auto captions, if available. 

Of course, one way to avoid communication mishaps is to let at least one other member preview the presentation materials (such as a script and slide deck) and then provide feedback.  

Similarly, ask a guest speaker to create those materials ahead of time for review. You might even consider having the speaker sign a basic agreement that outlines expectations. 

We offer more guidance — including the tips above — in our downloadable information sheet, “How to Host Inclusive Presentations.” Download a copy and share it (or the webpage link) with fellow members! 

Scorecards help clubs recruit and retain

Scorecards help clubs recruit and retain

Nov 2, 2026 | Club building, General interest | 0 comments

Use our resources to track recruiting success and members’ interests.

By Tony Knoderer 

The more members a Kiwanis club has, the more kids it can serve. That’s why two of the most important factors in a club’s success are finding new members and retaining current members. But recruitment and retention require more than a single event or activity. For the strongest clubs, it’s an ongoing part of the culture. 

Kiwanis International offers two “scorecards” designed to help Kiwanis clubs keep track of two crucial pieces of information: recruiting success and member satisfaction. 

The club growth scorecard offers a simple and convenient way to keep track of your club’s success in converting guests to members. It also lets the club note which members invited guests and sponsored new members — so everyone can celebrate the individuals whose commitment made the roster grow. The two-sided piece also includes instructions for using the scorecard, measuring success and more. 

Similarly, the member engagement scorecard offers an easy-to-use chart for clubs to record:  

  • Local charities 
  • Organizations that members support  
  • Current service projects 
  • Ideas for projects to engage more members 

All together, it’s a way to ensure that service projects reflect what your club’s members are passionate about. There’s even a column for “unlimited funds” projects — to facilitate discussion of members’ dream initiatives.  

The opposite side of the page gives instructions for filling out the scorecard and using that information.

We encourage you to download, print and start using both scorecards! 

Tell potential sponsors who’s coming

Tell potential sponsors who’s coming

Oct 30, 2026 | Club building, Fundraising, General interest, Service projects | 0 comments

Demographic information can persuade local businesses to support your club event. 

By Tony Knoderer

When your club is planning a fundraising or service event, a search for local sponsors should be part of the process. After all, sponsorship support can help pay costs, draw community attention and generate further connections.

Of course, it’s important to show potential sponsors why they should get involved. But it’s often more than just a matter of telling them how many people will be there.

It’s important to know who will be there.

Thinking about demographics will give your club a good start. Here are a few examples of event attendees who might get the attention of potential sponsors: 

  • “Green” consumers. If your event has an environmental (or general outdoors) theme, it will attract folks coveted by garden centers and landscapers. 
  • Foodies. Planning a meal-intensive fundraiser? Grocery chains, caterers, bakeries and restaurants should top your list of sponsorship candidates. 
  • Sports enthusiasts. For a sports-themed event, sporting goods stores and local teams (professional or semiprofessional) have an obvious interest in reaching attendees. A less obvious (but potentially fruitful) option is your local sports medicine center. 
  • Pet lovers. Cat and dog owners spend a lot of money on their four-legged friends — and plenty of businesses know it. If your event (or a portion of it) caters to this crowd, pet stores, veterinarians, groomers and kennels want to hear from you. 

Want more information like the tips above? Our sponsorship toolkit has it. You’ll find all the guidance you need for the process, from identifying potential sponsors to pricing and selling opportunities — and delivering what you promise.