In today’s campaign landscape, workplace giving events hold significant importance. Delivering a compelling presentation is key to rallying support for your organization’s charitable causes. Effective preparation not only enhances your credibility but also maximizes engagement and inspires action among potential donors. Let’s explore the essential steps to ensure your organization is ready for event success this upcoming workplace giving campaign season!
Understanding the Audience
First and foremost, take time to understand your audience. Are you addressing donors from public sector state, local, or federal campaigns, or potential private sector donors from corporate environments? Each group may have different interests, levels of familiarity with your topic, and expectations, so tailor your message accordingly. Consider what motivates them — whether it’s the impact on the community, alignment with corporate values, or personal fulfillment through giving back. This will help guide your content and delivery style, ensuring relevance and engagement.
Public sector campaigns like the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) typically use a code to identify charities, while private campaigns typically don’t. When attending or participating in public sector events, we strongly encourage you to mention and include your charity code on slides and promotion materials.
It is crucial that you use the correct code for the correct event. Please do not make the mistake of listing your CFC code at a state or local event! Connect with your Relationship Manager if you need guidance on preparing for a specific campaign presentation.
Recommended resource: Not sure which sector an event invitation came from? Check our Campaign Ecosystem list (or ask [email protected] for assistance!)
Craft and Rehearse Your Message
Craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. Start with a strong opening to grab attention, present your main points clearly, and conclude with a memorable call to action. Use stories, data, and visuals effectively to reinforce your message and evoke emotions.
Practice makes perfect. Rehearse the presentation multiple times to refine your delivery and timing. Pay attention to tone, pacing, and body language. Anticipate potential questions and prepare thoughtful responses to maintain credibility and confidence.
Once the message is ready, consider identifying and recruiting several other members of your organization to practice and learn the message thereby increasing your organization’s availability to participate in events.
Recommended resource: Review our Donor Messaging Guide, which breaks down language each sector audience is accustomed to hearing from event speakers!
Utilize Visual Aids
Visual aids such as slides, infographics, interesting props, or videos can enhance understanding and retention of your message. Keep your visuals simple, focused, relevant, and visually appealing to complement your spoken words. Use graphs, charts, or images strategically to highlight key data points, illustrate trends, or showcase success stories. Visual aids should reinforce your narrative without overwhelming or distracting your audience. Ensure all technology and equipment are tested and ready before your presentation to avoid any technical glitches.
We invite you to share your slides with your Relationship Manager for feedback and helpful tips before the start of the campaign season or participation in upcoming events.
Recommended resources: We love exploring online tools to get visual support for events. The design platform Canva offers free Pro accounts for nonprofits, Kapwing has affordable video and photo editing tools, and Mentimeter offers fun ways to gamify your presentations. Need more suggestions? Ask your Relationship Manager!
Handle Logistics
Pay attention to logistical details such as venue setup, equipment availability, and timing. Arrive early to in-person events to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and address any last-minute issues. A smooth logistical flow allows you to focus entirely on delivering your message or setting up a display table.
If participating in a virtual event, be sure you have the login details ahead of time and coordinate with the host to log on prior to the start of the event to ensure proper access and to test your audio and visual capabilities.
Recommended resources: Our Speaker Training and Technical Tips for virtual presentations give more details on this topic.
Reflect and Improve
Take time to reflect on your presentation after the event. Evaluate what worked well and areas for improvement. Solicit feedback from colleagues, mentors, or your Global Impact Relationship Manager to gain insights and refine your skills for future presentations. Use this feedback to refine your presentation skills, adapt your messaging for future events, and continuously improve your ability to effectively communicate and inspire action.
Plan and Prepare
Preparing for workplace giving events requires thoughtful planning, effective communication, and genuine passion for your cause. By understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and mastering your delivery, you can inspire others to support and contribute to meaningful initiatives. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your dedication and leadership by actively participating in events this campaign season, leaving a lasting impression that motivates donor interest in supporting your causes, and potentially giving to your organization.
Be on the lookout for:
- Event participation forms and registration instructions from [email protected] or your Relationship Manager to arrive late July or early August.
- Event invitations to start arriving as early as August from [email protected] or your Relationship Manager.
We encourage you to:
- Respond to event invitations quickly.
- They are filled on a first come basis.
- They will typically arrive from [email protected].
- If unable to participate, please send a message declining the invitation so we can offer it to another partner.
- Quickly accept all virtual speaking opportunities.
- Identify key campaigns you want to focus on participating in and inform your Relationship Manager so we can be on the lookout for those opportunities.
