Speaking at Lions Clubs

Understand the expectations for guest speakers at Lions Club meetings. Learn about their service-focused mission, guidelines for choosing topics that resonate, and how to deliver an engaging talk that aligns with Lions’ values and community projects.

What to expect at Lions Club meetings

Lions Clubs are service-oriented organizations that meet regularly to discuss community projects and fellowship. Meetings often open with a call to order, pledge, or invocation, followed by a meal or refreshments and organizational announcements. As the guest speaker, you’ll be invited to present during the program segment, which typically lasts 15‑20 minutes with time for questions. Expect a welcoming atmosphere focused on humanitarian service and be prepared to share insights that align with the Lions mission.

Choosing your topic

Select a topic that highlights community service, humanitarian projects, or issues that resonate with the Lions motto of “We Serve.” Topics might include vision or hearing initiatives, youth programs, environmental efforts, or stories of local impact. Avoid overt commercial pitches or partisan advocacy. Emphasize how your talk connects to service and the betterment of the community.

Tips for engaging Lions audiences

Share inspiring stories of volunteers making a difference in your community or around the world.

  • Highlight how your work or message aligns with the Lions’ commitment to service and improving lives.

  • Use visuals to illustrate the impact of your projects, but keep slides simple and focused.

  • Encourage questions and dialogue to involve members and learn about their experiences.

  • Thank the club for their contributions and suggest ways they can partner with or support your cause.

Downloadable Resource

If it helps to have everything in one place, you can download the Lions Club Orientation Guide as a printable PDF. It expands on the information above with clear sections, sample openers and closes, and a quick pocket checklist you can bring with you on the day of your presentation.

You'll also find additional guides and tools for specific speaking situations in Resources & Downloads.

👉 Download the Lions Club Orientation Guide (PDF)

If you're getting ready to speak at a Lions Club, you may also want to explore Speaker Basics, where we cover essential techniques for controlling nerves, mastering your voice, and delivering with confidence.
For help structuring your talk, visit Presentation Building, where we walk through simple, repeatable frameworks for clear, effective presentations.
And if you're looking for something practical you can keep at your side, visit Resources & Downloads for checklists and printable tools you can use right away.
To learn more about Lions Club or find a local chapter, visit lionsclub.org.