The Suffolk Rotarian’s Guide to Picking a Speaker

FOR ROTARIANS

• Find somebody interesting
• Ask them to talk.
• Repeat for four (or maybe) five weeks.
• Our club prides itself on featuring the most interesting presentations in Hampton Roads. But high quality luncheon speakers don’t show up by accident.
• We have to find them and invite them. Here’s how:
• Start with whatever you want to know more about, whether that’s the Civil War or the Great Dismal Swamp or wristwatches or peanut shelling or road paving or medical school or TV news or whiskey.
• Literally anything anyone makes or provides or studies or loves can be the basis of a good presentation. Chances are if you’re interested in something, and the subject is interested in something, Rotarians will be, too.
• But you have to find the right speaker. They should be expert and accomplished.
• Start by deciding who you’d call to find out more about a subject. If you’re not sure, or can’t find out, ask your fellow Rotarians.
• Call and tell the person you’re interviewing potential speakers, and talk to them about their subject.
• If they’re less than interesting in that conversation, chances are they’ll put your fellow Rotarians to sleep. Thank them for their time and move on.
• Prepare a list of speakers, with short bios and a list of necessary equipment. Submit that to the club’s vice president no later than a month ahead of time. If you’re bringing a distiller or brewmaster to a meeting, make sure you allow 90 days to secure the necessary ABC license.

When your speakers have been approved, call them and give them a date and ask them to prepare for a 20-minute presentation, including Q&A. Ask them to send you a fuller resume or bio. Ask them to arrive early so you can set up whatever needs setting up. You shouldn’t need more than 30 minutes, but may need less. On Thursday, meet your speaker early. Help them set up. Introduce them to members as they arrive. Ask them to join you in line for lunch (the cost is covered by the club). Your introduction should take no more than a minute. Then sit down and enjoy.

FOR SPEAKERS

Thank you for speaking to the Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club. You will be speaking before about 80 of the most successful and civically active people in Suffolk, who are eager to hear what you have to say. A few things to make your time as enjoyable for you as it will be for us.

• Please send me a resume or biography as soon as possible. I’ll be introducing you, so I want to make sure I get it right.
• Please let me know if anyone will accompany you, so we can order lunch.
• Please arrive early, so we will have time to help you set up equipment, props, costumes, cages or magic tricks.
• Your presentation should last about 20 minutes (including Q&A), and should be over no later 1:55 p.m. People will leave for their next appointment if your presentation runs long. Please take no offense.
• Any subject can make an interesting Rotary presentation except for the two things most folks agree shouldn’t be discussed at the supper table: Politics and religion.  

We’re sorry we have to mention this, but it has come up from time to time. While we appreciate anyone willing to teach us something new, speakers won’t have an opportunity to sell or promote anything, or ask for donations. Or votes. Otherwise, have all the fun you can, and our profound gratitude.