Skip to main content
US Flag An official website of the United States government

Connect with the Peace Corps

If you're ready for something bigger, we have a place where you belong.

Follow us

Apply to the Peace Corps

The application process begins by selecting a service model and finding an open position.

Peace Corps Volunteer
2 years, 3 months
Log in/check status
Peace Corps Response
Up to 12 months
Log in/check status
Virtual Service Pilot
3-6 months
Log in/check status

Let us help you find the right position.

If you are flexible in where you serve for the two-year Peace Corps Volunteer program, our experts can match you with a position and country based on your experience and preferences.

Serve where you’re needed most

Public Speaking Tips

Some helpful tips when presenting about your Peace Corps service.

Program Speaker

Voice: Use your authentic voice.

  • Try not to over-perform, act, or have a “storyteller affect”. You are telling a true story from your life. Be comfortable in your own skin.
  • Be aware of the quality and volume of your voice.
  • Be conscientious of your word choice. Avoid overuse of default words such as anyway, at any rate, like, um, you know, eh, etc.
  • Speak with energy, varying your vocal tone and quality throughout. Enunciate and project.

Body: Ground yourself.

  • Try to stay rooted and minimize superfluous movements. It is best to stay close to the microphone (if there is one).
  • Keep your hands out of your pockets.
  • Keep your head up either to maintain eye contact with the audience or to maintain that illusion.

Delivery: Pace yourself.

  • Make no assumption about how and when the audience will react. Roll with it.
  • Be in the moment.
  • Pause when you get the laugh, and move on when you don’t.
  • Start strong and end strong, crisp, clear, and definitive.

Practice makes perfect!

  • Practice with a friend, family member or peer to work on timing, flow, and delivery.
  • Giving your presentation in a shorter timeframe will help you realize the most important elements of the story and focus on them.

Final tips

  • A good exercise when preparing to speak in public is a flowchart of lines or words that move you through what you want to say. Remember, stories shouldn’t sound too polished or memorized. Your presentation should feel natural and not highly edited, as a written story might be.
  • Don’t assume the audience knows anything about your country of service or Peace Corps. Remember to avoid acronyms and any language reference without explanation.
  • Have fun! Telling about your service is engaging and the audience will enjoy it. Hopefully you can enjoy the journey along with them!