DCA Jewelry Career Readiness Initiative
Industry Guest Speaker Messages
Suggestions for Extra Impact

If possible, use a signature block with your school’s logo for all emails.

Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation carefully. Pay extra attention to the speaker’s
name and the name of her or his business. Make sure you get these right!

For messages after the invitation, you may also use only the speaker’s first name – rather
than Mr. or Ms. and the last name. Even on the invitation this is okay if you know the
speaker personally. When you use only the speaker’s first name in the greeting, use only
your first name in the signature.

For maximum impact with Message 4, write it by hand on nice Thank You note stationery,
and send it within one week after the presentation.

If you wish to have the same guest speaker again in the future, you can use the same basic
communication process and messages sequence. You need to do a little editing and updating
to reflect the previous event and your existing relationship. For example, you could change
the beginning of Message 1a to read: “Last year you spoke to my Jewelry Arts class at
[school’s name] and I am writing to invite you again this year. …”
Colored Gemstone Course / Industry Guest Speaker Message 1a: Invitation – First Contact
(“Cold Call”)
Subject: High School Speaking Invitation
Dear [Mr./Ms. speaker’s last name],
I am writing to invite you speak to my Jewelry Arts class at [school’s name] about your career in
the jewelry industry. We are using the Diamond Council of America’s Colored Gemstone Course
as the text for a study of gems and jewelry, and I believe you could make a great contribution to
the class’s success.
The class includes [number of students] students, ages [youngest] to [oldest], and some of them
are considering a career in jewelry. I am trying to develop a lineup of interesting and inspiring
local business speakers who can bring this subject to life.
If possible, I would like to have you as our Industry Guest Speaker on [day of week and date].
During that month, we will be studying [topic for speaker], and we would love to hear what you
might have to say on this topic as well. The class runs from [start time] to [finish time].
Please notify me by [date] if you are interested in this opportunity. You can reach me at:
[school’s name]
[school address – street]
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DCA in High School/Support Docs – Speaker Letters
[school address – city, state and ZIP code]
Phone: [phone number (including area code)]
Email: [email address]
[Mr./Ms. speaker’s last name], I have a class full of bright, creative, and highly motivated
students who are beginning to explore the fascinating world of gems and fine jewelry. I hope you
will join us as one of our expert guides to that world.
Thank you!
[your name (first and last)]
[your title]
Colored Gemstone Course / Industry Guest Speaker Message 1b: Invitation – First Message
Following Previous Contact(s)
Subject: High School Speaking Invitation
Dear [Mr./Ms. Speaker’s Last Name],
I am writing to follow up on the conversation you and I had recently, about your speaking to my
Jewelry Arts class at [school’s name]. We are using the Diamond Council of America’s Colored
Gemstone Course as the text for a study of gems and jewelry, and we would like to hear about
your career in the jewelry industry. I believe you could make a great contribution to the class’s
success.
The class includes [number of students] students, ages [youngest] to [oldest], and some of them
are considering a career in jewelry. I am trying to develop a lineup of interesting and inspiring
local business speakers who can bring this subject to life.
If possible, I would like to have you as our Industry Guest Speaker on [day of week and date].
During that month, we will be studying [topic for speaker], and we would love to hear what you
might have to say on this topic as well. The class runs from [start time] to [finish time].
Please notify me by [date] if you are interested in this opportunity. You can reach me at:
[school’s name]
[school address – street]
[school address – city, state and ZIP code]
Phone: [phone number (including area code)]
Email: [email address]
[Mr./Ms. speaker’s last name], I have a class full of bright, creative, and highly motivated
students who are beginning to explore the fascinating world of gems and fine jewelry. I hope you
will join us as a guide to that world.
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DCA in High School/Support Docs – Speaker Letters
Thank you!
[your name (first and last)]
[your title]
Colored Gemstone Course / Industry Guest Speaker Message 2: Thank You for Accepting
Invitation to Speak
Subject: High School Speaking Invitation
Dear [Speaker’s First Name],
I am writing to thank you for accepting the invitation to speak to my Jewelry Arts class at
[school’s name]. I would also like to confirm that the date and time for your presentation will be
[day of the week and date], from [start time] to [finish time].
As I said in my invitation letter, the class is studying gems and jewelry, and during the month in
which you are coming, we will be covering [speaker topic].
About two weeks in advance, I will send you details concerning parking and security check-in at
the school. If you have any questions between now and then, please contact me.
Once again, thanks for helping to make the class a success.
Sincerely,
[your first name]
[your title]
Colored Gemstone Course / Industry Speaker Message 3: Two-Week Reminder with Parking
and Other Details
Subject: High School Speaking Engagement
Dear [speaker’s first name],
My class and I are getting excited about your presentation on [day of the week and date]!
Here are some details you may need:
Class Time: [start time]
Arrival Time: 20 minutes before class begins.
School Address: [school address]
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DCA in High School/Support Docs – Speaker Letters
Where to Park: [clear directions]
Where to Check-In: [clear directions]
Classroom: [number and location]
We have the following audiovisual equipment available: [list]
If possible, within the next few days, please notify me of any special needs you might have for
your presentation.
Sincerely,
[your first name]
[your title]
Colored Gemstone Course / Industry Speaker Message 4: Thank You for the Presentation
For maximum impact, write this message by hand on nice Thank You note
stationery, and send it within one week after the presentation.
Remember:
Dear [Speaker’s First Name],
I’m writing to thank you for the absolutely great presentation you gave my Jewelry Arts class
this past week. You added authentic human interest and insights to the fascinating topics we’ve
been studying. The class especially liked [class’s favorite part of the presentation]. And I
personally appreciate – very deeply – your willingness to contribute your time and expertise in
order to give my “kids” a top quality learning experience.
Sincerely,
[your first name]
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