CUGA Handbook

Tour Techniques

• Be relaxed and enjoy yourself. If you keep the tour upbeat, both you and your group will enjoy it more.
• Get to know your tour group. Ask them to introduce themselves after you have introduced yourself. If your tour group is comfortable with you, they will be more willing to ask questions and talk with you.
• When stopping to speak: gather the group in close, make sure the group is not facing the sun, speak loud enough so all members of your group can easily understand you, and speak slowly.
• When pointing to a building, make sure you are making eye contact with the group rather than looking at the building.
• Try to avoid touring while walking backwards.
• Try not to make stops on busy walks or in crowded areas. Not only will this prevent you from losing a member of the tour, but is also easier for the group to understand you.
• Walk with the group, not in front of the group. You can use this time to answer individual questions.
• Modify the tour to your group. If someone has mobility impairments, cross streets at crosswalks with ramps to avoid stairs.
• Answer questions courteously. There is no such thing as a dumb question.
• Be honest. If you do not have an answer to a question, do not make one up. Find out the correct answer or direct the tour member to someone who would know. It is much better to say that they can check with Admissions Office, etc when the tour is over than to create answers.
• Please do not chew gum, wear sunglasses, or carry a water bottle while talking to your group. You do not want them to be distracted by something you are doing
• Wear your tour guide apparel and nametag for all tours.  If the tour is quiet, ask them questions: “What are you involved with in high school?” or “How did you learn about Clemson University?” Ask your tour group to hold questions about certain subjects until you reach that area such as: class size, meal plans, housing, etc.