TOOLS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN MEMBERS
An effective speaker program can be one of your Rotary clubs’ most important tools to attract and retain members.
The role of speaker co-ordinator(s) for each club should be handled with the attention and priority it deserves. If a club wishes to grow and prosper – this is an integral key to that direction.
While every club operates its speaker program differently, this is designed to provide ideas and tools. Stronger clubs increase our capacity to do even more. Remember, there are no right or wrong ways to do this.
The below is just my opinion. Use what you wish.
Why do we have speakers at our Rotary meetings? For many clubs, it is a focus for their meeting. The right speaker can draw current members and even attract new or potential members. It can help retain members by giving them something to take home.
Not every weekly meeting can feature a captivating speaker. Some meetings necessitate the need for informational speakers – such as Rotary topics. Rotary Foundation, member inductions, business meetings, and other topics are important but can diminish the quantity of weekly meetings where you can truly choose handpick someone to speak who will excite and captivate. If your club meets 50 weeks a year, ten meetings may be a form of club business. Maybe five meetings may be speakers that inform you about Rotary topics. Youth Exchange students maybe your speaker once or twice. Suddenly you are down to potentially just 50 to 60% of your meetings where your speaker team can handpick. Use this opportunity wisely.
“If you wait for people to come to you and ask to speak at your club – chances are your speaker program will suffer.” I’ve heard it said, “There are two types of speakers. The speakers who ask to present at your club, and the ones you want.”. When speakers are there to sell something or pitch funding partnerships, your audience may not be quite as excited to be at the meeting.
When Choosing a speaker for a Rotary meeting consider things like:
- Topic: The speaker’s topic should be educational, informational, motivational, or entertaining, and of general interest to your members. Avoid controversial topics that could cause division or anger.
- Experience: The chosen speaker should be accomplished and an expert in their field.
- Freshness: Look for a speaker with a fresh topic that your members haven’t heard before.
- Connections: Use your connections to find speakers. People are more likely to speak when approached by someone they know.
There are two important parts to our Speakers Resource Center:
- A list of Speakers to Explore in Your Area – provides you with ideas for possible speakers in your community.
- District Rotary Experts and Freelance Speakers – provides you with topics and contact information for Rotarians as well as speakers outside of Rotary who have agreed to present to clubs in our District.
Tips for using our Speaker List:
- Contact the Speaker directly – for additional information about their presentation.
- Please remember speakers on the list are volunteers – willing to share their time and expertise with your club. Ask for their bio ahead of time so you can provide a proper introduction.
- Many speakers listed may work full-time, so their availability might be limited.
- Plan ahead. Offer several possible dates from which they can choose.
- Speakers may want to limit the distance they are willing to travel.
- Offer a Zoom meeting option, if available.
- Be clear about your club’s program perimeters – letting them know when on your agenda they will speak, and time allotted for their presentation.
- Be sure to discuss speakers’ equipment needs and your ability to provide what they need.