Picture this– an industry professional is leading your class, sharing a story about how they got started in the accounting field. Students are listening and asking questions about the process. You’re at your desk observing.
Sounds perfect, right?! Let me elaborate if you’re still wondering about the specifics.
Why Guest Speakers? 🌐
Let’s face it: textbooks are great, but there’s something magical about bringing the real world into your classroom. Guest speakers breathe fresh air, turning class concepts into real-world experiences. Your students deserve more than just words on a page; they deserve a taste of the ever-evolving world of business and marketing.
Making the Curriculum Come Alive 🎉
Have you ever witnessed a moment when a light bulb flickers over a student’s head? Sometimes, a student not that into our everyday class comes alive during a guest speaker presentation.
Some students have difficulty imagining how class content would play out in the real world. Still, when they hear from a successful entrepreneur about their killer marketing campaign, they’re suddenly on a whole new level, and those ideas from class become tangible and exciting.
Building Bridges to the Real World 🤝
Guest speakers serve as valuable connections to the business world. If you’re like me, you’ve preached to students how important it is to network, but what if we could give students a head start?
When we bring guest speakers into the classroom, they’re not just names in a textbook. They could turn into mentors, role models, and industry insiders. When your students interact with these professionals, they start building networks even before entering the workforce.
Fueling Passion and Purpose 🔥
What I love about guest speakers is that they can tell students REAL stories about the business world. And for some, this may even help them discover their passion. Whether it’s a digital marketing whiz, a serial entrepreneur, or a branding genius, these speakers can show your students the diverse avenues within the business world.
The How-to 🪄
Incorporating guest speakers is simpler than you think! Reach out to local businesses, alumni, or industry associations. Many professionals are thrilled to share their insights with the next generation.
Zoom calls, in-person visits, or even recorded sessions—are all options on the table. Make sure you clear these visits with your administration in case there’s a form to fill out, or approval is needed.
Guests Don’t Have to Take a Traditional Speaker Role💡
Think outside of the box. A guest speaker doesn’t have to mean a formal presentation. For example, in Business Communications I did mock-interviews where I had guests come interview my students. Other ideas could include a panel, career fair, cover letter editing session, or Q&A on a topic.
My all-time favorite was having guest investors for my Food Truck Business Pitches. I felt like they made the scenario feel more real-world. It also helped me out, because the guests did a great job asking questions.
Tips for Success🏫
- When you invite the guest speaker, clearly state the topics you’d like them to address in their presentation.
- Share any important information with the speaker ahead of time, such as technology availability, class time, room number, expectations, check-in procedures, or potential disturbances.
- Set clear expectations for your students. Have a conversation beforehand about proper behavior and what they should do during the presentation.
- Include some sort of assignment for students, whether this is a project based on the topic, an assignment to be completed during the presentation, or a reflection to be completed after the presentation. You can grab a FREE Guest Speak Reflection Worksheet HERE.
- Allow time for a Q&A session. You may want to have students write a question for the guest speaker before the presentation so that they have something to ask. This is also a good time for you to ask your questions!
- Encourage networking. Ask the professional if they are willing to share information with students, such as an email address, or if they would like to be contacted through other channels, such as LinkedIn.
- Thank your guest speaker. This could be a simple email, something made by your class, or something from your school store.
Lasting Impact🎓
Inviting guest speakers can enrich your lesson and help inspire your students. The insights gained, the connections formed, and the passion ignited will stay with your students long after they leave your classroom.
You’re not just teaching business and marketing; you’re crafting future leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers.
Business Girl Education 