What is a Speaker Meeting?
Outside Speakers Meeting - This event occasionally features a talk from an A.A. member or includes a family team consisting of a husband, wife, and child (representing Al-Anon, Alateen, and A.A.) which often provides insights into the nature of alcoholism. Professionals such as members of the clergy, doctors, social workers, or others in the alcoholism field are also considered. It is important to choose speakers who are well-versed in the Al-Anon and Alateen programs to prevent shifting the focus from our own recovery to that of the alcoholic, or from the Al-Anon principles to a treatment philosophy. For further details, refer to the "Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policies" section regarding "Outside Speakers" in the Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P24/27).
Outside Speakers Meeting - This event occasionally features a talk from an A.A. member or includes a family team consisting of a husband, wife, and child (representing Al-Anon, Alateen, and A.A.) which often provides insights into the nature of alcoholism. Professionals such as members of the clergy, doctors, social workers, or others in the alcoholism field are also considered. It is important to choose speakers who are well-versed in the Al-Anon and Alateen programs to prevent shifting the focus from our own recovery to that of the alcoholic, or from the Al-Anon principles to a treatment philosophy. For further details, refer to the "Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policies" section regarding "Outside Speakers" in the Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P24/27).
Sharing is Caring.....
Recently at a meeting I attended, the topic was hope. The Chairperson
shared her thoughts on what hope meant to her by breaking down the
meaning of the word letter by letter. Here’s what she shared:
H = I hear others share their courage, strength and hope, which can benefit me on my road to recovery.
O = I open my heart and mind to different ideas and become willing to consider that what has helped others may help me, too.
P = I practice what I learn using the Steps, Serenity Prayer, slogans and other program tools to gain peace of mind.
E = I educate myself about the disease of alcoholism, so I can better understand what my loved one is going through. And I use Al‑Anon Conference Approved Literature to work toward recovery.
By Linda C., New Brunswick
The Forum, January 2018
shared her thoughts on what hope meant to her by breaking down the
meaning of the word letter by letter. Here’s what she shared:
H = I hear others share their courage, strength and hope, which can benefit me on my road to recovery.
O = I open my heart and mind to different ideas and become willing to consider that what has helped others may help me, too.
P = I practice what I learn using the Steps, Serenity Prayer, slogans and other program tools to gain peace of mind.
E = I educate myself about the disease of alcoholism, so I can better understand what my loved one is going through. And I use Al‑Anon Conference Approved Literature to work toward recovery.
By Linda C., New Brunswick
The Forum, January 2018
CLICK Here to print this worksheet
Sharing Your Experience, Strength, and Hope
Welcome!
If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story at an Al-Anon meeting but weren’t sure where to start, this worksheet is for you.
Speaking can feel intimidating, but remember: Your story matters, and it can help others just as others’ stories have helped you.
Step 1: Why Share?
Think about why you first came to Al-Anon. Hearing others share likely helped you feel less alone.
Now, you have a chance to do the same for someone else.
Take a moment to jot down why sharing might be important to you:
Why do I want to share my story?
Step 2: Common Fears & How to Overcome Them
You might be thinking:
• “I’m not a good speaker.” → You don’t have to be! Just be yourself.
• “My story isn’t interesting.” → If it helped you, it will help someone else.
• “I don’t know what to say.” → That’s where this worksheet helps!
What’s one fear you have about speaking? How can you work through it?
My biggest fear: _________________________________________
How I can overcome it: __________________________________
Step 3: Simple Outline for Your Story
Breaking your story into three parts makes it easier to organize your thoughts.
Use the prompts below to guide you.
1. What was it like? (Before Al-Anon, what struggles were you facing?)
2. What happened? (What made you decide to try Al-Anon?)
•
•
Sharing Your Experience, Strength, and Hope
3. What is it like now? (How has Al-Anon helped you?)
•
•
Step 4: Tips for Speaking Comfortably
• Keep it simple—speak from the heart.
• Stick to your own experience (no advice, just your story).
• Take deep breaths and pause when needed.
• It’s okay to be nervous—everyone is at first! What’s one thing you can remind yourself to stay calm while speaking?
Step 5:
Practice! Try writing a few sentences summarizing your story, using the outline above. Even if you’re not ready to speak yet, this is a great first step!
You’re on your way to sharing your experience in a way that can help others. When you’re ready, just take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!
Welcome!
If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story at an Al-Anon meeting but weren’t sure where to start, this worksheet is for you.
Speaking can feel intimidating, but remember: Your story matters, and it can help others just as others’ stories have helped you.
Step 1: Why Share?
Think about why you first came to Al-Anon. Hearing others share likely helped you feel less alone.
Now, you have a chance to do the same for someone else.
Take a moment to jot down why sharing might be important to you:
Why do I want to share my story?
Step 2: Common Fears & How to Overcome Them
You might be thinking:
• “I’m not a good speaker.” → You don’t have to be! Just be yourself.
• “My story isn’t interesting.” → If it helped you, it will help someone else.
• “I don’t know what to say.” → That’s where this worksheet helps!
What’s one fear you have about speaking? How can you work through it?
My biggest fear: _________________________________________
How I can overcome it: __________________________________
Step 3: Simple Outline for Your Story
Breaking your story into three parts makes it easier to organize your thoughts.
Use the prompts below to guide you.
1. What was it like? (Before Al-Anon, what struggles were you facing?)
2. What happened? (What made you decide to try Al-Anon?)
•
•
Sharing Your Experience, Strength, and Hope
3. What is it like now? (How has Al-Anon helped you?)
•
•
Step 4: Tips for Speaking Comfortably
• Keep it simple—speak from the heart.
• Stick to your own experience (no advice, just your story).
• Take deep breaths and pause when needed.
• It’s okay to be nervous—everyone is at first! What’s one thing you can remind yourself to stay calm while speaking?
Step 5:
Practice! Try writing a few sentences summarizing your story, using the outline above. Even if you’re not ready to speak yet, this is a great first step!
You’re on your way to sharing your experience in a way that can help others. When you’re ready, just take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!
Here are the WSO Speaker Guidelines for Groups - Click here to read
LET IT BEGIN WITH ME!
Consider Sharing Your Experience, Hope, and Strength!
Your story has value. It can help others realize they are not alone. Sharing your story is a tremendous act of service. Please consider sharing your story. |
Consider the enriching experience of becoming a speaker. Unveiling your personal narrative
offers a chance to explore previously unrecognized facets of your identity. Al-Anon members often find that public speaking imbues their journey with an additional layer of personal development. Through sharing our experiences, we provide newcomers with strength and hope. We encourage you to share the positive impact Al-Anon has had on your life. If you're open to speaking at other group meetings or events, please contact us. We're eager to talk with you and offer our support in any way possible. Click here to email us to get started. |
DO YOU NEED A SPEAKER?
Should you require a speaker for a meeting or event,
kindly utilize the following link to email us with the
pertinent details:
- Your Full Name
- The Name and Description of Your Group
- Specifics of the Event/Meeting
- Preferred Date
- Any Supplementary Information that Would help Us in Asisting You.
kindly utilize the following link to email us with the
pertinent details:
- Your Full Name
- The Name and Description of Your Group
- Specifics of the Event/Meeting
- Preferred Date
- Any Supplementary Information that Would help Us in Asisting You.
Here are some Links from Speakers at Past Conventions and Other Inspirational Speakers
Speaker Meetings are members of AA, Al-Anon or professionals who are willing to share their experience, hope, and strength of the program. Here are some recorded speaker meetings. There are many available to listen to on YouTube.