How To Prepare A Classification Talk

Since we have several new members, this information is timely.
At the time you became a member of the Rotary Club of Temple-South, you were assigned a classification. Your classification describes your principal and recognized activity of the firm, company or organization with which you are connected. Your classification might also describe your principal and recognized business or professional activity.

A "classification talk" is simply a brief, informative statement, made by a Rotarian to his or her club, which describes the Rotarian's classification. There is no prescribed format for a classification talk and no required length. Because the agenda at our club meetings is usually rather full, we suggest you limit your classification talk to five (5) minutes or less. Here are some guidelines (not rules) we hope you find useful in preparing your classification talk:

• Start by briefly introducing yourself to the club.
  
• State your business or profession.  How long have you been employed in your business or served in your profession?
  
• Summarize your principal duties and responsibilities.
  
• Describe any special training, education, or licensing requirements that are needed in your business or profession.
  
• How long have you lived in the Temple area?
  
• Describe your hobbies or interests.
  
• Why did you choose to become a Rotarian?
  

When you are asked to give a classification talk you will be informed in sufficient time to prepare your remarks. On the day of your classification talk, our club president will call on you at the appropriate time during the meeting.   Come to the front of the room (stand behind the lecturn if you prefer), and deliver your classification talk. You should limit your time to a couple of minutes. We hope you will find these guidelines useful and that they will help put you at ease in preparing for and delivering your classification talk.