Planning your talk

Here you'll find everything you need for planning your talk, from what questions to ask of your hosts when booking in the date, to your on-the-day checklist.

Booking your talk
Planning your talk
Before leaving the house
When you get there

Things to check when booking your talk

• What's the name of the organisation or group?
• Who's your main contact, what are their preferred contact details? (phone or email)
• What's the date and time of the talk?
• Where is it?
• Is there parking nearby?
• How long do they want you to talk for? You might not be needed to stay for the whole meeting, so always best to confirm this.
• Do they have some information about you, so they can introduce you?
• What type of meeting or activity is it? (sit-down meal, cheque presentation, etc)
• Who will be there, and roughly how many?
• Are they clear that you're speaking on behalf of Marie Curie to raise awareness of the charity, and that you’re not able to give medical advice?
• Is it okay for you to bring handouts/flyers/a collection tin?

Planning your talk

Think about your safety and security

Review the In Person Talks Safety Plan and Virtual Talks Safety Plan to make sure you've done everything you can to plan for your own safety and security around the talk.

Find out as much as you can about the group you're visiting beforehand

Having a basic understanding of their values, what they've been up to recently and any upcoming events shows you've taken an interest, and may make them better disposed towards you.

A quick online search or looking at your local parish magazine might help you to get clued up.

Talk to your Community Fundraiser

Tell your Community Fundraiser what you have planned, and what you've learned about the group in the course of your reseach. They might be able to give you more background, such as whether or not the group has supported Marie Curie in the past. They can also supply you with any supporting materials you need for your talk.

You should always take a donation receipt book, information and support line cards and your Community Fundraiser's contact details. You might also want to take posters and flyers for particular fundraising events, such as:

• Blooming Great Tea Party (summer)
• Great Daffodil Appeal (spring)
• Gifts and Wills
• Volunteer with us
• Treks and Challenges (both UK and international events, including treks, cycles and runs)
• Swimathon
• A-Z of school fundraising ideas
• Local fundraising events

If you think the audience might be interested in Marie Curie services and support, you may wish to take:

• About Us
• Are you of a loved one affected by terminal illness?
• Helper information flyer

Consider your audience

When working on your talk or presentation, make sure the stories you've chosen and the messages you want to share feel right for your audience. Will they resonate with the type of people you'll be speaking to? Are there other options or approaches which might be more suitable?

Before leaving the house

• Contact your hosts to confirm the talk is still going ahead.
  
  
• Let a family member or friend know where you're going, and how long you'll be.
  
  
• Plan your travel and give yourself plenty of time to get there. If you're using public transport, check routes are running normally. Factor in some time to get set up, once you arrive.
  
  
• Think about what you'll wear. You might want to sport your yellow Marie Curie T-shirt, something smart and comfortable or a more formal outfit depending on the event. Whatever you wear, remember to pin on your Marie Curie name badge.
  
  
• Make sure you've packed the following:
  
  
  • your notes
  • frequently asked questions
  • donation receipt book
  • Community Fundraiser business cards
  • Information and Support Line cards
  • a collection tin
  • a bottle of water
  • your laptop or a USB stick if you're using PowerPoint
  • a daffodil hat, if you're wearing one
  • any other props, if needed
  • posters and flyers, if needed.

When you get there

• Run through the order of the meeting with whoever is running it to check when you'll be speaking.
• Check they have information about who you are so they can formally introduce you.
• Check the presentation tech, video and sound is working okay, and that you can hear and see it at the back of the room.
• Make sure you have water or a drink at hand.
• Put out any resources or handouts.