Choose the dates you will require a speaker for your classroom. Determine where the event will be held and the hours during which the speech will occur. Choose alternate dates and times in the event you need to change your plans to suit the schedule of a speaker.
Determine what subject or topic you will be teaching during the time frame closest to when you are hosting a speaker. Know that you will need to have the speaker mesh with current lessons to create a holistic learning environment. Make a list including the main subject area your students are studying and all relevant topics to the main subject. For example, if you are teaching about current events, you should list topics such as global economic policy, the upcoming election season and natural disasters and the impact on news outlets.
Create a list of potential speakers based on where the speaker would work or be associated. For example, if you want someone to discuss current events, consider approaching newspapers, magazines, webcasts, blogs or even television stations. Make your list to include all potential speakers within an easily accessible distance from your school.
Draft a letter to the community relations coordinator at each potential organization. Send the letter requesting a list of available speakers to come into your classroom to talk about the subject of current events. You need to state up front what subject you need a speaker for as that will be relevant to who is chosen to work with you. Ask to have the potential speaker contact you to discuss availability and scheduling. State in your letter that you would appreciate a response, even if it is to tell you that the organization does not have speakers available for use in a school or classroom. Know that some speakers only work when they are paid, therefore, you should note in your letter that you are looking for volunteer speakers.
Follow up with all organizations and contacts approximately two to three weeks after sending your request. Ask to speak to the community relations coordinator and verify that your request was received. Ask for an update as to whether any decision has been made. Ask if contacting the organization at a different point in time may be better, as this gives the organization a polite way to say no to you.
Continue approaching potential speakers until you find one.