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Speaker Information

The testimony of a guest speaker can provide a personal connection between the audience and the often unimaginable events that are discussed and considered when commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day.

The most common speakers at previous Holocaust Memorial Day local events have been Holocaust survivors, survivors from the Kindertransport and survivors of more recent genocides.

A speech by a Holocaust or genocide Survivor will be a moving experience for the speaker and the audience are there a few points to keep in mind.

• If your event has a theme make sure that you make this clear when requesting a speaker. A Holocaust survivor, for example, could offer powerful testimony on the dangers of exclusionary policies and the individual impact of such policies on those that they are aimed at.
• Ensure that any speakers are well briefed and consulted on all aspects of your event including how long you would like them to speak for, whether they are willing to take questions, who the audience is likely to be, what other speakers will be attending, what the format of the day will be, what images will be used.
• Your speaker(s) will be discussing their own personal experiences, not giving a full historical and political overview of the Holocaust. Think about what introductory background you can offer about your speaker and make sure that you are well briefed on this.
• Will you be having more than one speaker at your event? Ensure that all of the elements complement each other and don’t clash. Consider how many people you actually want to speak. Different perspectives can add great value to an event particularly if you are considering different aspects of exclusion, but take care not to overwhelm your audience with speeches and risk diluting your message.
• Check that any speakers can reach your venue easily. Offer to arrange transport for your speakers, or pay their travel expenses. Remember that speakers who are Holocaust survivors are likely to be in their 70s or 80s and all efforts should be made to ensure that it is as easy as possible for them to attend your event.
• Consider all practicalities well in advance – do you need microphones? Will your speakers want to make a presentation? Who will greet the speakers on arrival? Who will be available to sit with speakers after their testimony if needed?
• Be aware that English may not be the first language of your speaker, particularly if your speaker has experience of more recent genocide. Discuss this with your speaker beforehand.
• Most importantly – book your speakers well in advance of your event. There are relatively few people who can provide personal testimony and many event organisers who would like to invite speakers.

There are several organisations in the useful contacts section who can help find suitable speakers, primarily 45 Aid Holocaust Survivors , Holocaust Educational Trust , SURF and Aegis Trust . If you are contacting a speaker through an organisation they will be experienced in assisting with events and will know their speakers’ characteristics and requirements. A clear discussion when organising your speaker will help with your arrangements and will help to avoid any awkward situations on the day.