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Speak to a Community Group

Potential Audience:

  • Schools
  • Colleges
  • Youth organizations
  • Service clubs
  • Faith-based groups
  • Government meetings
  • Community organizations

Plan your presentation.

Find out from your host if there are already planned events where you
can speak, or if they are willing to plan a time just for you. Learn about your audience so you can tailor your presentation to your audience's age, needs, and interests. Determine how long you have to speak, allowing time for questions and answers, and stick to it. Make sure to order your AmeriCorps Impact Kit that includes the Impact DVD and CD with materials for developing a successful presentation. Check on any AV needs such as a projection screen for your videos or PowerPoint.

Presentation Outline:

  • Play the slideshow or display the opening PowerPoint slide before beginning your presentation.
  • Introduce yourself and any others who are with you.
  • Thank your audience for coming.
  • Tell your story. First and foremost, you're there to share your own experience.
    • Describe what attracted you to AmeriCorps service.
    • Explain what you do or did as an AmeriCorps member.
    • Give an example of your typical day.
    • Share unique or memorable experiences during your service.
    • Share a specific way that AmeriCorps has affected your life or the impact your service has or has had on the lives of others in the community.
    • Explain why you would recommend AmeriCorps to others.
  • If other members or alums are presenting with you, have them talk about their
    experiences.
  • Describe AmeriCorps using the information on the DVD and CD including the videos, PSAs, PowerPoint, or fact sheet, as well as AmeriCorps: Tackling Tough Problems information on this website.
  • Provide an opportunity for questions.
  • Distribute the handouts (bookmarks, stickers, etc.) and tell the audience they can get more information at AmeriCorps.gov.

Promote

Promote your presentation if the public is invited. Check out the Promote Your Work section of this site for ideas on how to do this. Make sure to coordinate with your host.

Practice

Practice your presentation with family, friends, or other members beforehand to get more comfortable and ask for feedback. Make sure you are meeting your time target and are comfortable using any media such as the PowerPoint. Be sure you have all your notes, handouts, etc., that you want to use. Make sure you have an alternative way to present your information in case there are any technology problems at the site.

Present

Present your AmeriCorps story. Get to the location in plenty of time to meet your host. Check the room setup, and make sure that the equipment is working properly. Chat with the audience as they arrive, and show the slideshow before beginning.

  • Relax, smile, and make eye contact with your audience.
  • Introduce yourself and tell them what you're going to say.
  • Tell your own story and the AmeriCorps story.
  • Review the main points you want them to remember.
  • Answer any follow-up questions.
  • Thank your host and the audience for listening, and make yourself available for anyone who would like to talk after the formal presentation.
  • Leave information with your host and the audience.

Follow up

Follow up with your audience after the presentation. Ask your host for feedback. Follow up on any promises you made during the speech, such as answers for questions that you couldn't answer on the spot. Thank them again for the chance to tell the AmeriCorps story.