Rotary International is a global service organization with the motto “Service Above Self.” With more than 46,000 clubs worldwide, Rotarians focus on community service, professional development and cross‑cultural understanding. Club meetings include fellowship, announcements and a guest speaker to inform and inspire.

Rotary meetings follow a structured agenda. After opening remarks and club business, guest speakers typically have about 20 minutes to present, followed by 5‑10 minutes of questions. You’ll be introduced by a member and may be asked to share a short personal bio. Stay within the allotted time and be ready to answer questions politely and concisely.

Select subjects that align with Rotary’s values and areas of focus: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting mothers and children, enhancing education and literacy, growing local economies and protecting the environment. Your talk should educate, motivate or inspire rather than promote a business or political agenda. Use stories and examples to illustrate impact.

Learn about the local club’s recent projects and interests before you speak.

• Open with a compelling story or statistic related to service or community impact.

• Provide practical takeaways that Rotarians can apply in their work or volunteer efforts.

• Invite questions and interaction — Rotarians enjoy dialogue and collaboration.

• Respect the schedule by finishing on time and thanking the club for the invitation.

Downloadable Resource

If it helps to have everything in one place, you can download the Rotary 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 Rotary Orientation Guide (PDF)