Their success depends a lot on club preparation.

By Julie Saetre

An interesting guest speaker is a valuable addition to any Kiwanis club meeting. For members, a guest’s presentation can be a way to learn about potential service projects, partnerships and more. And guest speakers can learn the same things from visiting your club. In some cases, presenting at a meeting can even be an effective introduction to Kiwanis.  

But the success of a presentation isn’t just the guest’s responsibility. To ensure that the experience is productive and positive for both parties, it’s important to prepare. These tips can help: 

• Offer key information. Establishing guidelines and expectations can make the presentation go smoothly and give the speaker confidence. For example: 
  • Confirm the meeting date, place and time. 
  • Make sure you and the speaker agree on the presentation’s content. 
  • Let the speaker know the meeting’s agenda, the time allocated for the speech (and for the Q&A session, if you offer one) and the approximate time the meeting will end. 
  • Provide the number of members expected to attend. 
  • Detail any available equipment the speaker can use (e.g., screen, lectern, audiovisual equipment, computer, etc.). 
  • Explain the club dress code, if any. 
• Make your guest feel welcome. Speakers do better when they feel relaxed — and when the club seems prepared for them. Some tips: 
  • Arrange for a club member to greet the speaker upon arrival and introduce them personally to other members.  
  • Provide a guest or speaker’s badge and seat them at the head table (if applicable).  
  • Have water available within the speaker’s reach during the presentation.  
  • Designate an officer or member to introduce the speaker and provide their credentials. (Request the spelling and pronunciation of the speaker’s name ahead of time, along with a résumé or other details. 
• Promote Kiwanis. If the speaker agrees, invite local media to attend the meeting and presentation. Kiwanis International has tips and tools to help. And don’t forget to add a properly branded Kiwanis logo to your podium or lectern for photo opportunities. 
• End on a positive note. When the presentation concludes, thank the speaker and offer a show of appreciation. Consider a small donation on the speaker’s behalf to a cause that reflects your club’s focus on service and community.  
• Follow up. A day or two after the presentation, send the speaker a note of appreciation on behalf of the club. And don’t forget to invite them to join!