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"ABOUT OUR STUDY CLUB"

           Having spoken to many groups outside of dentistry, I've seen what would be a great tool for study clubs.  Some associations produce a "Fact Sheet" to let their speakers know about their members, goals, etc.  The desired outcome is a more informed speaker with a presentation appropriately targeted to the group.  It aids in communicating the calibre of your club and subtly establishes some expectations for the speaker.
          You could design a similar form to address key issues you want speakers to understand about your group.  This instrument would then be sent to all your speakers before your meetings.  It's a terrific way to communicate the demographics of your group, and to also gently address "do's and don'ts".  Sending this information to speakers can be a signifcant step in ensuring that the speaker understands your primary goals and the nature of your club. 
         
What follows is a general guideline for designing your own form.  There may be additional issues you want to convey to speakers.  Some tips for design:
  • Keep your completed form to 1 page - if it gets too long it won't be read
  • Duplicate it on colored paper so it will stand out in the speaker's file
  • Make the tone welcoming, friendly, informative
  • Remember that speakers will respond positively to information that helps them do a good job and look good to the audience!          

ABOUT _________________! (replace blank with name of your club)
The following information is provided to help you know more about us in advance of your arrival.  We hope that you find it helpful. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have on the following! 
We very much look forward to your presentation!

NAME OF YOUR STUDY CLUB
CITY OR METRO AREA
NAME OF DIRECTOR
NAME OF COORDINATOR OR PRIMARY CONTACT
Phone number - Fax number - Email address - Website address


Club history: Include how long it has been in existence, number of practice-members, partners or advisors involved in development or administration of the club.

Mission statement: Provide the mission statement so that the reader understands the purpose of your group.

Goals for the current year: Clearly communicate the goals of your group.  If you have a theme for your calendar year, request the speaker to tie in with your theme if possible.  Do you have a specific philosophy in how you approach CE for your members?  If so, let speakers know this. When presenters understand your goals, they can better ensure that their message fits into your overall mission. 

Demographics: What is the breakdown of your membership in relation to gender, ethnicity, languages spoken, age range etc.  Advise the geographical area of your members, or the cities/states included. This is also an appropriate place to describe the patient base represented by members in your club.  If there are significant managed care issues affecting your community this may be addressed here also.

Past speakers or program topics: By letting an upcoming speaker know who else has spoken to the group (and how recently) there is greater understanding of the group.

Primary goal for this meeting:  (This is optional in that it requires you to handwrite or type information specific to the topic and specific to the speaker.)  This can be formatted as a series of blank lines that can be filled in by the coordinator or the director.

What our members likeSpeakers like to know what has worked well with your members in the past ... it helps them know how to do the best job in style of presentation.

What our members dislikeIf you've had a speaker that bombed, or there were specific problems with a presenter, describe the problems, but you obviously don't want to relate it to a particular speaker!   If there are any issues that are taboo, be sure to advise your presenters.

The rest of the story:  (Miscellany) Is there anything else you believe that the speaker would want to be aware of, or should be aware of prior to the meeting? 

Sponsors  (optional): If you have sponsors supporting the meeting, let the speaker know what companies (products or services) are represented.  Be sure the speaker is aware of any break times that are to be alloted for members to visit sponsors.  If you include this section, you might provide blank lines to write in the sponsors for the specific meeting in question.

Is there anything else you would like to know about our group before our meeting?  If so, please jot it here and we can either discuss it on your arrival or let us know by phone or email.  (This last section is for the speaker to make notes ... format a series of blank lines here so that the speaker can jot "top of mind" questions that occurred after reading this fact sheet.)


Provided by:
Suzanne Boswell Presentations
-  12108 Amoretto Way, Raleigh, NC  27613  USA
Phone: 919-845-4189   -    Fax: 919-845-4188 
Email :
Suzanne@BoswellPresentations.com  Website: www.BoswellPresentations.com