A speaker smiling and talking to her laptop at her kitchen table, preparing for a community talk

Guide for speakers

Share what you know. Be the person people trust.

Speaking at a community event means a friendly, guided conversation about a topic you know well, followed by questions from people who really want the answer.

What it means to be a speaker

You are the expert in the room. A moderator interviews you about your topic, then brings you the audience's questions. You do not need to give a lecture or be a professional speaker: parents and people with lived experience are as welcome as doctors, lawyers and business owners.

A conversation, not a lecture
A moderator who guides you the whole way
An audience that chose your topic
No fees in either direction

Why speak

Be known as the expert

People remember who explained things clearly and kindly. That trust is worth more than any advert.

Help your community

One clear half hour can save a family weeks of confusion about a form, a benefit or a decision.

Reach people who are listening

Everyone in your session chose your topic. They arrive with real questions and stay for the answers.

Your name, your way

Your speaker card shows your photo, your title and one link, taken from your iCaria profile, so people can find you afterwards.

How a session runs

Most sessions follow the same simple shape. Your event page gives the exact times for yours.

1
About a minute
The welcome
Your moderator welcomes everyone and introduces you in two or three sentences.
2
About 20 minutes
The conversation
Your moderator asks the questions you agreed together. A few slides are welcome but never required.
3
5 to 10 minutes
Audience questions
People type questions in the chat during your talk. Your moderator picks the most helpful ones and reads them to you.
4
The last minute
One thing to do this week
You close with one practical step people can take this week. It is what they remember most.

Prepare in three steps

Before the day

Choose one audience and one takeaway: who is this for, and what should they do afterwards?
Update your iCaria profile: a clear photo, your title and one link. That is your speaker card.
Have a 15-minute call with your moderator to agree the questions and the order.
If you use slides, keep them few, with big text and real examples. No prices or sign-up forms.
Prepare one useful resource to mention, such as a checklist or a trusted public website.

On the day

Join 15 minutes early from the link in My events, on a laptop if you can.
Sit facing a window or a lamp, in a quiet room, with your phone on silent.
Keep water nearby and your one takeaway written on a card in front of you.
Speak slowly. Many people are listening in their second language.

After

Introductions happen only when an attendee asks for one, through iCaria.
If your session was recorded, you may share it with your own community.
Read the feedback and tell us what would make the next one better.

A speaker listening closely to an audience question during an online talk

Answering questions well

The questions are often the most valuable part of the session. A few habits make them shine.

1Listen to the whole question before you answer, and repeat it in a few words.
2Answer in a minute or two, then stop. Short answers leave room for more people.
3"It depends" is honest. Say what it depends on, and what to do in each case.
4Never diagnose or give personal legal or financial advice. Give general guidance and suggest seeing their own professional.
5"I don't know, but here is where to find out" builds more trust than a guess.

Good practice

Do

Teach the topic with stories and real examples
Let your knowledge show you are the expert
Point to free, trusted resources
Use plain words and explain any jargon
Invite your own community with your event link

Avoid

Prices, discounts, promo codes or sign-up forms
"Call my office" or showing your business card on screen
Comparing yourself to competitors
Political, religious or divisive topics
Collecting attendees' contact details

Be the expert, not the advert

People can tell the difference between someone teaching and someone selling. Teach generously and let your name, title and link on your speaker card do the rest. The families who need you will find you, and they will already trust you.

Questions from speakers

Do I need to be a professional speaker?

No. The moderator guides the conversation, so it feels like a chat with a friendly host. What matters is that you know the topic and care about the people listening.

Can I mention my business?

Your speaker card already shows your title and one link, and your moderator introduces you. During the talk, teach the topic rather than your services: no prices, offers or sign-up forms.

Do I need slides?

No. A few simple slides can help with steps or examples, but many of the best sessions are just a good conversation.

What language do I speak in?

You choose the language of your talk when you apply. Speak slowly and explain any technical words, whichever language you choose.

What if nobody asks a question?

Your moderator always has a few backup questions ready, agreed with you on your prep call.

What if someone asks about their own medical or legal situation?

Give general information that helps everyone, and suggest they speak with their own doctor, lawyer or advisor. Your moderator can help steer the conversation back.

Am I paid, or do I pay?

Neither. Speaking is voluntary and free, and no fees are paid in either direction.

Is my session recorded?

It depends on the event. Your event page and your confirmation email will say. If it is recorded, you may share the recording with your own community.