Find a great speaker for your next recruitment meeting

John McCann, the mayor of Chula Vista, California, offers his cell phone number to people he meets at community events. He encourages people to call when they need a favor or just want to chat.

Adam Devor took him up on that.

Devor is the Cubmaster of Pack 863 and wanted a dynamic guest speaker for a blue and gold banquet. He called McCann, and two months later, a packed house heard stories about community involvement and learned more about being a public servant. McCann’s attendance wasn’t a total shot in the dark. He’s a former Scout and regularly attends local court of honor ceremonies.

“I knew he used to be a Scout, but I wasn’t expecting him to accept the invitation so quickly and make it so easy,” Devor says. “Public officials have very busy schedules, but sometimes all it takes is asking.”

Whether you’re planning a recruiting event, troop or pack meeting, or court of honor, the right speaker can bring new energy to your program. A memorable guest can introduce Scouts to a new career, reinforce the values of Scouting or simply create excitement that keeps youth engaged.

The good news is you don’t need a celebrity to make it happen.

Michele Byers, CEO of Catalyst Management Solutions and executive administrator for Meeting Professional International’s Dallas-Fort Worth chapter, has booked dozens of guest speakers for various nonprofit events. The mother and wife of Eagle Scouts, she offers tips on how to book your next speaker. In addition to the most important advice — ask your target speaker six to eight weeks in advance — here are tips to make your next meeting more memorable:

Many leaders immediately think about finding a famous athlete or politician. While those can be excellent choices, the best speakers might already be in your community.

Former Scouts, Eagle Scouts, firefighters, police officers, military veterans, business owners, pilots, park rangers, scientists and skilled tradespeople often have fascinating stories to share.

“Lean into your community,” she says. “Who are the leaders in your community who already have a connection with Scouting? I bet they’d be willing to help.”

The most successful guest speakers aren’t always the most accomplished. They’re the ones who connect with the audience. A wildlife expert bringing animals to a Cub Scout meeting might create more excitement than a polished public speaker. A pilot discussing aviation can bring a merit badge topic to life. A local entrepreneur can inspire older Scouts to become interested in leadership and business.

“You don’t want somebody to come in and lecture to these kids,” Byers says. “You want somebody who’s going to connect with them.”

One reason many potential speakers say yes is because the request is clear and manageable.

Byers says you should be specific and explain who the audience will be. The speaker needs to know how long you’d like them to speak, what topic you’d like covered and whether they should bring any materials or demonstrations. Most community leaders and professionals are willing to spend some time helping young people when they understand exactly what’s expected.

A guest speaker can make the meeting a recruiting opportunity. If your pack or troop secures a notable speaker, consider inviting prospective families, neighboring units or other youth organizations to attend. A joint meeting can create a larger audience while introducing new families to Scouting.

The excitement surrounding a special guest often generates buzz long before and after the event. Don’t overlook the Scouts themselves as promoters. Encourage them to invite friends and spread the word. Personal invitations can be the most effective form of marketing.

After all, that’s exactly how the mayor of Chula Vista ended up speaking at the Pack 863 Blue and Gold Banquet.

Photos: Adam Devor.