JOTA Menu

Preparing for JOTA

You're absolutely right—talking on the radio for the first time, especially during something like JOTA (Jamboree on the Air), can feel a little intimidating. Practising ahead of time will really help. Here's a helpful list of open-ended conversation starters and follow-up questions you can use. These are designed to encourage full-sentence answers and keep the conversation flowing. Remember to say “over” when you finish speaking.

Radio Conversation Starters (with “Over”)

  1. What is your name and where are you from? Over.

    • Follow-up: What’s something interesting about your hometown? Over.

  2. What group or unit are you part of? Over.

    • Follow-up: What kinds of activities do you do with your group? Over.

  3. How did you first get involved in Guides or Scouting? Over.

    • Follow-up: What do you like most about being a Scout? Over.

  4. What’s one of your favourite Guiding or Scouting memories? Over.

    • Follow-up: Why is that moment special to you? Over.

  5. What kinds of badges or awards have you earned? Over.

    • Follow-up: Which one was the most fun or challenging to earn? Over.

  6. What do you like doing in your free time or as a hobby? Over.

    • Follow-up: How did you get started with that hobby? Over.

  7. Have you ever been to a jamboree or camp with Guides or Scouts from other countries? Over.

    • Follow-up: What was that experience like for you? Over.

  8. What is your favourite outdoor activity and why? Over.

    • Follow-up: Do you do that activity with your Scout group? Over.

  9. Can you tell me about a skill you learned in Guides or Scouting that you still use today? Over.

    • Follow-up: When was the last time you used that skill? Over.

  10. What are you looking forward to in Guiding or Scouting this year? Over.

    • Follow-up: Is there a specific event or trip you’re excited about? Over.

Practise Like This

  1. Pair up with another Guide or Scout.

  2. Take turns asking a question and finishing with “Over.”

  3. The other person answers with a full sentence and says “Over.” at the end.

  4. Try asking one or two follow-up questions on the same topic before switching.