Speakers in the Schools
Questions to Ask the Speaker
As you prepare for your Speakers in the Schools engagement, review the following questions with the
Speaker.
The setting:
 Are there particular directions to the school you might need or are confused about?
 How will you be arriving? By car or public transportation?
 What is the approximate time you will be arriving?
 Would you be more comfortable if I waited at the entrance of the school for you or if you
found your way to the classroom yourself? (Explain your school’s visitor policy).
 Do you have A/V needs? If so, what? What are some things that I might be able to supply for
you? (Discuss what the school might be able to supply).
 Would you like certain equipment to be set up before your arrival?
 Is there a particular way you would like the classroom to be arranged?
The students:
 What are some things you would like to know about the students? (Their personalities, ages,
behavior, general interest in the lecture topic, etc.).
 Do you have any history working/speaking with high school students? If so, what was that
experience like?
 How involved will the students be during the lecture? How could we get them more
involved? How can we keep their attention on the topic?
 Will you call on students at random? Would you like me to provide a seating chart or have
students wear name tags?
The lecture:
 What do I need to know need to know before the lecture? What do students need to know
before the lecture?
 Do you have any recommended readings (short texts such as primary documents, articles,
etc.) website, or other sources you would like us to take a look at?
 What is some background information or readings you would recommend for me and the
students prior to your lecture?
 How else can I prepare my students for your lecture?
 How involved would you like me to be during the lecture?
 What will the structure of your lecture be? How will you structure your allotted time?
 What is your general lecturing style like?
 Will you be bringing in any handouts or reading material? Will there be visuals or power
points?
 Would you like the students to take notes?
After the lecture:
 What was your overall impression of the lecture and the students?
 How could I further my students’ knowledge about this topic?
 What are some ways that I could get my students more involved in the topic or the
humanities in general? (e.g. Recommended readings, visuals, resources, etc.).
 Would you like a follow up of the students’ responses to the lecture?