What Should I Ask a School Assembly Presenter Before Booking?

Booking a school assembly presenter can feel a little like hiring someone sight unseen, you're trusting a stranger with your entire student body for 45 minutes, and it's not always obvious what you're even supposed to ask before you commit. I get it, that's a nerve-wracking spot to be in. So here's a real list of questions worth asking, before you sign anything.

By the way, I'm Kristen, The Confidence Cowgirl, and I help kids (and the kids at heart) boost their self-esteem and rope resilience using, well, a lot of ropes and any other train robber skills I've still got. (And if you have no idea what that means, don't worry, I've got the story here.)

Here's what this guide covers:

• Questions about content and fit
• Questions about logistics
• Questions about cost
• Questions about track record

Questions About Content and Fit

• Can this program flex for multiple grade levels? Some presenters have one show that works K-6. Others need separate programs for younger and older students.
• What's the core message students walk away with? A good presenter should be able to answer this in one sentence, not a paragraph.
• Do you offer anything for teachers to reinforce the message afterward? A great assembly moment fades fast without follow-up. Ask what exists beyond the day itself.

Questions About Logistics

• Do you bring your own sound system and equipment, or do we need to provide it?
• What do you need from us the day of? Setup time, space requirements, and anything specific about the room.
• How far in advance do you need to book? Popular dates (especially fall and spring) can fill up 6-12 months out.

Questions About Cost

• Is this an all-in price, or are there additional fees for travel and other costs? This is the single most important question to ask, and the one most schools forget to. A quote that looks great on paper can grow once travel, lodging, or "additional fees" get added later.
• Do you offer a discount for booking multiple shows, or for Title I schools? Many presenters do, but don't always advertise it. It never hurts to ask.

Questions About Track Record

• Can we see unedited footage, not just a highlight reel? Highlight reels show the best 90 seconds. Ask to see something closer to a full, real assembly if you can.
• Do you have references from other schools? And just as importantly, will they actually give them to you? A presenter who's proud of their work should have no problem connecting you with a school they've worked with.

Honestly, I love it when a school comes to a call with a list like this. It tells me they're taking their students' experience seriously, and it gives me a chance to be straightforward with them right from the start. I built my own pricing and booking process around exactly these kinds of questions, one all-in fee, no surprise add-ons, so that by the time we're on a call, most of this list is already answered before you even have to ask.

So there you have it! I'm sure there's a question or two I didn't think to include, but I hope this list helps you feel more confident going into that first call. And if you want to bring your list straight to me, just give me a holler. I love the tough questions.