PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

Embassy Speaker Bureau

Why Do We Offer Free Speakers?

Consul General Woody Steaben during a media interview.
(Embassy photo)

Traveling to the United States is the best way to get to know America. But short of that, you can get the flavor of America right here in Britain. One of our top priorities at the Embassy is to arrange for our diplomatic representatives to visit and speak to groups of people across the United Kingdom. In the past, we have arranged for officers to discuss American foreign policy, the work of the United States Government, and other aspects of American society, politics, and culture at a number of different British schools, universities, and organizations.

As a result, the U.S. Embassy has established a Speakers Bureau, offering your group or school the chance to hear from Americans first-hand on the topics of interest to you. Our goal is to get American diplomats talking face-to-face with people who want to hear from them. Diplomacy is not only shaping policy … it's sharing experience. Our staff come to London with varied and extensive academic, cultural and professional backgrounds, all of which we are eager to share.

Who Might We Talk To ?

Whether you're interested in life in America or U.S. foreign policy, the Embassy has someone who can speak on the issue. We're looking for a wide range of British audiences:

• secondary and university student groups
• conferences
• media
• local governments
• NGOs
• cultural events

What We Can Talk About

Among others, topics can include American perspectives on:

• politics/elections
• history
• culture (art, food, dance, music, etc.)
• business
• media
• education
• sports
• law

Charge Richard LeBaron at a speaking engagement. (Embassy photo)

How We can Talk To You

Speakers are available at no charge and can travel to meet you and your audience. Furthermore, we can communicate with you in a variety of ways!

We have digital-video conference (DVC) equipment installed which can enable video conferencing via ISDN lines or the Internet (DVC-over-IP). If you wish we can also setup a conference using a webcam and Skype^TM.

If you would be interested in a speaker from our Embassy, we would be pleased to arrange such a visit by an Embassy officer. Please do not hesitate to contact the Cultural Office by email at londonspeakers@state.gov , to follow up on this offer.

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