Guest Speaker Checklist You are probably here because you have been asked to be a guest speaker at one of our programs. We are committed to making your visit to the classroom a big success, thus we encourage you to take moment and review each section of this worksheet.
PRESENTATION OUTLINE PICK YOUR GOOD CHARACTER TRAIT STORY THEMES FOR INSPIRATION TIPS FOR INTRODUCING A GUEST SPEAKER
PRESENTATION OUTLINE Let's review a general guideline for your 15-20 minute presentation.
1. INTRODUCTION You will be introduced by the course instructor and asked to step to the head of the class.
NAME
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2. “MY NAME IS…” Start your presentation by writing your name on the blackboard. Tell the students a little bit about yourself – your educational background and some details that were not mentioned in your introduction that provide students with perspective.
Your Good Character Trait
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(It’s always good to remind the students that you too were once a middle school student.)
3. UNLEASH YOUR GOOD CHARACTER TRAIT Write the good character trait you have chosen on the board. (See “Pick Your Character Trait” below.) Engage the students in the meaning of the trait. Find out what preconceptions they have regarding the trait.
Define the Trait
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Discuss its dynamics: • How has mastering this trait made a difference in your life and/or career. • Explain why the trait requires effort and is sometimes difficult to attain. • Give the students a specific example from your life when this trait made all the difference. • Provide advice for how to practice and cultivate the trait. • Encourage students to recognize, as you have, the enormous importance of mastering this trait in daily life.
Why is the trait important? How does it improve the quality of life?
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4. TELL A STORY Take a step back from trying to define the word and tell a story (using the framing techniques offered below in “STORY THEMES FOR
Tell a story that helps students understand the power of the trait.
INSPIRATION”). Provide a specific example from
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your life when the trait made all the difference.
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Keep it simple. How would Obi-Wan Kenobi
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explain it? Think of someone you admire who is plainspoken and let their spirit of directness guide you to a definition that resonates with a middle school student. • • •
Explain why the trait requires effort and is sometimes difficult to attain. Provide advice for how to practice and cultivate the trait. Encourage students to recognize, as you have, the enormous importance of mastering this trait in daily life.
How can the trait be cultivated?
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Suggest questions below that prompts students to consider the traits implications for their future.
5. Q&A: Open your presentation up to questions. If there are none, turn the tables on the students and ask them a question. Prepare a question in advance that makes them consider the trait’s implications for the future or just the remainder of their day.
6. THANK YOU When appropriate, the course instructor will close your presentation by thanking you for sharing your insights and visiting the classroom.
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PICK YOUR GOOD CHARACTER TRAIT JUSTICE These individuals take an active interest in the cause of justice, as well as the causes of injustice in our society. Usually encompasses a refusal to be petty, along with a willingness to face danger in order to uphold the law.
DILIGENCE Individuals who expend considerable energy in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal. Individuals demonstrate a willingness to dig in for the long haul. They are rooted in the belief that great effort and tireless devotion will eventually yield results well worth the wait.
COURAGE The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution. These individuals possess the strength of character to live their values independent of the good opinion of their peers.
GENEROSITY With an inclination to perform kind, charitable works, these individuals devote their time, wealth, ideas or talent in ways that benefit others. Granting those with whom they disagree a sympathetic ear, these individuals treat others with respect and are always on the lookout for the good within others.
INTEGRITY The same person in both private and public life, these individuals live out their values in all areas of their life. Their actions reflect a consistent adherence to their ideals. Reliable, they inspire loyalty and dedication from those around them.
ENTHUSIASM These individuals put their whole heart into worthwhile tasks. Not discouraged by failure, they display intense devotion and tackle each challenge with zeal.
WISDOM The trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight for the benefit of others. These individuals see and respond to life situations from a perspective that transcends their current circumstances.
Additional traits: The working definitions associated with each character trait are from Character First! • Benevolence – Giving to others basic needs without having as my motive personal reward. • Boldness – Confidence that what I have to say or do is true, right, and just. • Compassion – Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others. • Contentment – Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions. • Creativity – Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective. • Decisiveness – The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions. • Deference – Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me. • Dependability – Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice. • Determination – Willingness to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition. • Discernment – Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen. • Discretion – Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences. • Endurance – The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best. • Forgiveness – Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge. • Gratefulness – Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefitted my life. • Honor – Respecting those who have earned your respect • Hospitality – Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to benefit others. • Joyfulness – Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions. • Patience – Accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it. • Resourcefulness – Finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard. • Self-Control – Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right. • Sensitivity – Perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of those around me. • Sincerity – Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives. • Thoroughness – Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected. • Thriftiness – Allowing myself and others to spend only what is necessary. • Tolerance – Realizing that everyone is at varying levels of character development. • Truthfulness – Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts. • Virtue – The moral excellence evident in my life as I consistently do what is right. • Wisdom – Seeing and responding to life situations from a perspective that transcends my current circumstances.
STORY THEMES
FOR INSPIRATION
We encourage guest speakers to invest their own experiences into the learning process in the form of a story. Think of a story that involves you and your selected trait. Here is a small selection of common story themes that may trigger a story from your past that dramatically underscores the importance and influence of your trait. Mentor who Mastered the Trait Think of a mentor in your life who passed the power of your selected trait along to you.  What impact have they had on your life? Honor and reflect on their contribution to your understanding of good character. Your Greatest Challenge Stories in which you have experienced a challenge and how you overcame it. These can be physical as well as mental challenges of conquering a specific fear. Explain how you overcame this adversity by leveraging the power of your good character trait. Objects & Artifacts Frame the story around an object or artifact. All of us own a possession that holds tremendous value in our lives. Bring the object to class and tell the story that brings that object to life and gives it meaning. Sacred Places Geographical places hold intense memories and emotional significance in our lives. While these places may not have historic markers and may seem unremarkable to the casual observer, they are never-theless sacred places in your life. The archaeological history of you is fertile ground for every storyteller. Bring a map to class; point to a place and share its significance. A Picture, Plus a Thousand or So Words Countless stories can be found in your well-worn shoe box or photo album. Each photo preserves a moment in time and each moment has a corresponding story. Select a snapshot, bring it to class and share your trait through a telling of the image’s backstory. Make a List Jot down three or five specific experiences that have made you the person you are; unique things that you do habitually that have helped you succeed; experiences you'd mention if someone asked you to explain why you do the work you do. What rules do you live by that are supported by your trait?
TIPS FOR INTRODUCING A GUEST SPEAKER: A proper introduction is imperative. Students will know little of the individual standing before the class. Your introductory statements will frame what is to follow and potentially seize student attention and curiosity. There are some basic principles: • • • • •
The final words of your introduction should be the name of the guest speaker. For example, you can finish with "Cadets, I'm proud to welcome Bill Gates". In your introduction of a guest speaker, do not give your own speech on the same topic that the guest speaker will be covering. Instead cover some interesting points about the guest speaker, such as some of their past achievements or credentials. In fact, don't talk too long. Keep your introduction to between 45 seconds to 3 minutes. Bios are a great place to get information. Almost all speakers will have a bio online or the event planner may have a copy of their bio.
Given these principles let's see how you can put together an introductory speech. You can start by an upbeat phrase such as "Students, we're in for a real treat today." Build up the credentials of the speaker in the mind of the audience such as, "Our guest speaker is a man who has been the driving force behind this project for many years". Then you finish by giving the name of the speaker - on an upbeat note. (Don't just say "So without further ado I'll hand over to Bill Gates".)
Ultimately good character traits are defined, not by the dictionary, but by people like you who are willing to share your experience and values with the next generation. Thank you. Kelly LeConte juniorpoliceacademy.org
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