Frequently Asked Questions for Guest Speakers

1. How do I prepare for the meeting?
2. What should I plan to cover in my speech?
3. Who will be in the audience?
4. Where can I find the meeting?
5. What is the room set up like?
6. What if I have more questions ?

How do I prepare for the meeting?

Every guest speaker has a Host assigned to them from the Club.  This person is your primary point of contact.  As early as possible, give your host:

* the title and description (25 words) of your speech (for the newsletter)
* a biosketch of yourself (for your introduction)
* the number of guests you will be bringing (for the lunch arrangements).

If you plan to make a presentation, please make arrangements to bring your own laptop and projector. 

Confirm a meeting time and place with your Host.

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What should I plan to cover in my speech?

You will have twenty (20) minutes, including a question and answer period.  Plan to talk for about 15 minutes; starting with an icebreaker is always a good idea.  Generally, your presentation should:

* tell us what you're going to tell us
* help us understand the motivation for the topic (i.e., why should we care?)
* tell us what you want us to know
* identify possible next steps, including sources of additional information
* close by asking for questions.

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Who will be in the audience?

You will be addressing approximately 100 men and women from Central Georgia. Our members are leaders and professionals from a wide variety of organizations in both the public and private sectors.  Please remember that Rotary Clubs are apolitical, interfaith, community service organizations.  Direct campaigning, selling, or otherwise soliciting is not allowed.

You may distribute handouts or brochures on the tables, before the meeting starts. 

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Where can I find the meeting?

The Club meets on Wednesdays in the Monument Room of the Macon Centreplex.  For a map and directions to the Centreplex, click here.  The Monument Room is on the far end (from the street entrance) of the building, on the lower level.  You will enter through solid doors and continue through another set of doors to the check-in area on your left.

As the guest speaker, you will sit at the head table with your host and Club officers.  Lunch is available as early as 12:15, although the meeting officially runs from 12:30 to 1:30.  You may want to come early to give yourself time to eat and get settled for your speech.

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What is room setup like?

The head table is on a raised platform and includes a microphoned podium for the speaker.  On the floor are three rows of four to five round tables seating eight people, each.  The buffet line is on the far side of the room.

A large overhead screen is available for presentations.

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What if I have more questions?

Your Host is your first point of contact.

Suggestions for additions to this page should be sent to the Club Services Director.

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© Site Copyright 2003
Downtown Macon Rotary Club
Macon, GA 31210
Email:  mulshafer@bellsouth.net