Tips for School-to-Career Speakers

2. Bring printed materials to handout about your business or topic.

3. Use audio/ visuals when possible. everyone learns differently!

4. As a rule of thumb, plan a different activity every ten minutes or so such as a worksheet, factsheet, job application, test, or list making exercise.

5. If you wish the teacher to actively participate, inform him/her ahead of time.

6. Inform the teacher how you would like to be introduced.

7. Tell your audience ahead of time how you will handle questions. Do you expect them to jump right in or do you want them to hold questions to the end.

8. Let the audience know whether you are presenting facts or opinion.

9. Vary your volume and pitch even if it seems overly dramatic.

10. Be aware of your body language and facial expressions.

11. Move around the room. Walk between desks, speak directly to different students, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

12. Use age-appropriate language and information. Be sure to explain technical terms or indutry jargon and acronyms.

13. Keep a sense of humor; teens love to laugh.

14. Relate to their experiences as a customer or consumer. Illustrate how every class they are taking now will be helpful somewhere down the road. Relate your own education to you life today.

15. Take charge. Although the teacher is present, the students give you more credibility if you maintain control of the session.

16. Come prepared and organized; but remain flexible. Be prepared for sleepy, hungry, hyper, or disruptive classes.

17. Bring a filler activity just in case you have extra time. It's safe to ask students to make a list of 3 or 4 things they learned from your presentation.

18. Don't worry if you run out of time. The information you presented is very important and will provide some exposure for the students.

19. Listen. Ask students for their ideas and opinions on specific topics. Everyone likes to be heard.

source: Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association