Speakers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What do I present about? 

• Your service, experiences, and perspectives! Talk about what you learned during your time in the military, leadership, bravery, etc. Talk about why Remembrance is important to you. Share some personal anecdotes that make things concrete or that bring history to life for students. Some organizers may also have more specific requests for your presentation. You can use our Speaker Preparation Kit to help shape your presentation. 

Do I need to have a PowerPoint presentation? Do you have a presentation template for me? 

• You do not need to have a PowerPoint, although many groups appreciate seeing photos. We have a template that you can use if you would like: Powerpoint Template.

What should I wear to a Memory Project presentation? 

• We don’t have a uniform for our speakers, but business casual is suitable for most settings. If you are still serving, you can wear service dress. For veterans, if you have one, a blazer with medals and beret works. If you have a Memory Project pin, please wear it!  

I spend the winter in the south. Can I still be a speaker? 

• Of course! Since we operate from coast to coast to coast, we often have schools in more remote or isolated areas where there are no speakers nearby. Around 10% of our visits each year are done via video call. And we get requests year-round, so you can always do in-person visits at other times of year, too.  

I am a family member of a veteran or an active Canadian Armed Forces member, why can’t I become a speaker? If I served in the RCMP, or as a member of the armed forces of another country, am I eligible?  

• While we value family connections and service around the world, due to our program mandate from Veterans Affairs, we can only accept speakers who have served with the Canadian Armed Forces. 

I’m not comfortable speaking in front of big groups; can I still be a speaker? 

• Yes, of course! Everyone has different comfort levels, and that’s why we ask for your audience size and age preferences. Some of our speakers are more comfortable speaking to small classrooms, and we do our best to find you a visit within your preferences. You are never obligated to accept a visit you are not comfortable taking.  

Does the Memory Project pay mileage? 

• The Memory Project offers a flat $50.00 CAD honorarium for visits over 25km from your home. Please reach out to our team to learn more. 

Can I bring someone with me? 

• Some speakers bring a partner or spouse for support. We ask that you speak with the visit organizer to confirm that you can bring another person. If that person is also an active member or veteran of the CAF, we ask that they register as a Memory Project speaker as well. 

Further questions? Please send us an email at memory@historicacanada.ca and we will do our best to answer your question!