For many people, their number one fear is speaking in public. But to succeed in business, politics, academics and many other areas of professional and personal life, being comfortable with talking in front of an audience and able to deliver a good speech is important.
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If you are interested in hiring a professional speaker for an event or company meeting and have never gone through this process, you might be wondering what is involved.
We are going to provide you a step-by-step process to help you understand everything you need to do to make the speaker booking process seamless and stress-free.
In this article you are going to learn:
Before contacting a potential speaker, proper preparation is crucial to ensure a streamlined booking process and avoid wasting time for both parties.
As soon as you reach out to a speaker or speaker bureau, they will have numerous questions to assess whether you are a suitable fit.
Therefore, it is essential to spend time beforehand gathering specific information that will help expedite the process.
By having key details ready, you can provide speakers with the necessary context to evaluate the opportunity effectively.
We will now address the items you should have in place before you contact a speaker which includes:
The main benefit of booking a speaker is that they are going to help you achieve your goals. So it is important that you take the time to clearly outline what they are.
What are you trying to accomplish by hiring an outside expert?
Do you want to motivate your employees?
Do you want to sell more tickets to an event by bringing in a famous speaker?
Are you looking to improve company performance such as business growth, employee engagement, or customer service?
You need to be able to clearly identify your objective first.
Ask yourself these questions:
Remember that one of the main reasons of hiring a speaker is that they are going to help you achieve your goals.
Once you have clearly defined your goal, now you can identify a speaking topic that suits your needs.
Your goal here to combine the previous step of identifying your goal with this step so the formula looks like this:
I am looking for X speaker to help me accomplish Y goal.
Now when you are contacting a speaker, you can say something like this:
These are just some of the examples of what will make it much easier for the people you are contacting to help them understand what you are looking for.
To ensure the speaker thoroughly understands your needs and goals, create a concise outline describing the type of event you are creating, your attendees, including their needs and experience levels. This context is crucial for the speaker to tailor their content appropriately.
Additionally, have a general idea of the expected audience size.
Will it be an intimate seminar with around 20 attendees, or a large-scale conference exceeding 1,000 participants?
The more comprehensive the background information you can share about the prospective audience, the more efficiently the speaker can evaluate whether they are an ideal match for your event.
Identifying a specific budget or budget range is crucial, as speaker fees can vary widely, from $5,000 to over $100,000. To avoid wasting time for both parties, it is imperative to set a clear and realistic budget upfront.
Just as when shopping for a house, there’s no point in considering options that exceed your financial means. Organizations often make the mistake of pursuing speakers who are ultimately unaffordable, leading to frustration and wasted effort.
Maintain discipline by focusing your search on speakers whose fees align with your predetermined budget. This approach ensures a productive and efficient process, increasing the chances of securing a speaker who meets both your qualitative and financial requirements.
Your budget should be determined by your specific goals and objectives for the event. For instance, if you are looking to book a high-profile speaker with substantial drawing power to drive ticket sales, you’ll likely need to allocate a minimum of $25,000 to $50,000, as this is the typical starting range for well-known, in-demand speakers.
However, if your requirement is for an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to share best practices at an internal meeting, you can likely secure a suitable speaker for around $10,000.
It’s important to note that within the professional speaking industry, established speakers typically command fees starting at $10,000. While you may find speakers in the $5,000 to $9,000 range, they may not possess the same level of experience and reputation as their more established counterparts.
Identifying a date is another critical step in this process because speakers are very busy and need to know when exactly you are looking to have them speak at your event.
However, for some event planners, this can be tricky because they have either not identified the exact date or want to be flexible so they can accommodate the speaker.
If you don’t have an exact date, what you can do is select a month and then tell the speaker you are flexible and willing to work with them on a date that suits them in that month.
But do not attempt contacting a speaker with a TBD or unknown date as this will just frustrate them wasting everyone’s time.
Regardless of whether your event or meeting is taking place at an external venue, your office premises, or virtually via a platform like Zoom, it is imperative to have the location finalized before reaching out to potential speakers.
It is especially crucial for higher-profile speakers, as they will likely decline to consider your event unless you have secured a professional, reputable venue.
Established speakers have specific requirements and expectations when it comes to the event setting, audiovisual capabilities, and overall production values. Failing to provide these details from the outset may immediately disqualify your opportunity in their eyes.
By having a confirmed venue locked in, you not only show speakers that you are organized and committed to creating a successful event experience, but you also provide them with the necessary context to assess if the location and associated amenities align with their standards and technical needs.
Now that you have all the necessary information that a speaker will need to consider your request, you can contact a speakers bureau.
There are over 100 speakers bureaus that you can work with and they each have their own flavor and preferences when it comes to the speakers they will recommend.
You can either browse their website directory yourself or have an agent send you some suggestions based upon your needs to help you find a speaker.
Because there are thousands of speakers to choose from, one of the main benefits of working with a bureau is that they can help expedite the process since they have a deep understanding of the speakers who are available and can also meet your requirements.
Speaker availability is a fluid and ever-changing landscape, which is where the expertise of a speakers bureau can prove invaluable in guiding you through the process.
An experienced agent has their pulse on the scheduling dynamics of various speakers, allowing them to efficiently navigate availability challenges and present suitable options that align with your event timing.
Here is what this process looks like when working with a bureau:
Step 1 – You get on a call (or email) with the agent and explain to them your needs.
Step 2 – They will ask you a series of questions such as your budget, goals, previous speakers, audience, and all of the information you should have gathered.
Step 3 – They will send you a curated list of speakers.
Step 4 – You send them feedback on what you like or don’t like about the suggested speakers.
Step 5 – They send you more suggestions until you narrow it done to a few potential speakers.
Step 6 – Then you begin the interview and booking process
Once you have culled a list of potential speakers, now it is time to talk to them directly to make sure they are a good fit for your needs.
This will be your interview process and you should have some questions ready for them as this will help you select the right speaker.
You will want to address their qualifications, experience, availability, speaking style, fees, travel, collaboration, customization, and requirements.
Here is a sample list of interview questions to ask a speaker.
Once you have interviewed a handful of speakers, you should try and narrow it down to two or three speakers that you want to book.
The reason you want to have at least a couple is because now you are going to begin the negotiating process.
Everything is generally fine when you are in the exploration phase.
But once you get down to the “nitty gritty”, this is where things can sometimes fall apart because the speaker you want may not be able to meet all of your requests.
So you will need a backup plan.
Start with your number one speaker and try and get everything you want in the negotiation process.
You will need to remain flexible but firm because it is almost impossible to get everything you want.
Remember, negotiation is about win-win and you want the speaker to also be getting what they need to be excited to speak at your event.
Here are some common needs that meeting planners or event organizers want to discuss with a speaker during the negotiation process:
After you have found common ground in the negotiation process, now it is time to sign the contract and make a payment.
Some speakers will require payment in full while others may only require a deposit.
You can work with your agent who will help facilitate all of the paperwork.
Once you have booked your speaker by paying a deposit and signing the contract, now it is time to start preparing for the event or meeting.
This includes travel, equipment, and any information they need from you so that they can start customizing their presentation for you.
You will need to coordinate with them to ensure all their needs are being met in their rider.
Pro Tip: A rider in a speaker contract refers to additional requirements or stipulations that the speaker has beyond the standard terms of the agreement. The rider essentially outlines the optimal working environment and logistical needs for the speaker.
Anywhere from two to four weeks out before the event, its time to have a call with the speaker and the bureau to go over everything. This call serves as a final opportunity to meticulously review all details and requirements, aligning expectations between all parties involved.
During this call, refer to a comprehensive checklist and make sure you are addressing every detail to avoid any oversight or miscommunication.
Neglecting even a minor detail could potentially derail the entire event experience, as all it takes is one small mishap and the entire event is shot.
This pre-event call is an invaluable chance to get everyone on the same page, addressing every need to provide the speaker with the optimal conditions for a successful presentation.
On the day of the event, if you have followed the previous eight steps exactly as outlined, at this point you should really just be focusing on executing the plan.
Yes, the bureau will make themselves available but it should all be sorted out by this point unless there are last minute changes being made.
After the event is done, it’s good to have another call and let the bureau know how things went.
Don’t be shy in telling them what you think needs to be improved upon.
They want your business again so make sure you are clear about what you liked and what could use some improvement.
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Are you planning an event?
Do you need to hire a trusted expert for a virtual meeting, conference, corporate event, seminar, trade-show, convention, or company workshop?
Here is a list of professional guest speakers to consider for your event that can deliver a memorable speech and presentation that will inspire, educate, and entertain your audience.
Are you planning an event?
Do you need to hire a trusted expert for a virtual meeting, conference, corporate event, seminar, trade-show, convention, or company workshop?
Here is a list of professional inspirational speakers to consider for your event that can deliver a memorable speech and presentation that will inspire, educate, and entertain your audience.
These are the best inspirational event speakers who can cover such topics as hope, courage, believing in yourself, following your dreams, never giving up, faith, finding your purpose, and more.
On this page you can browse a list of speakers and topics.
Or, fill out this form and one of our agents will help you find the perfect speaker that fits your budget.
Are you planning an event?
Do you need to hire a trusted expert for a virtual meeting, conference, corporate event, seminar, trade-show, convention, or company workshop?
Here is a list of professional innovation public speakers to consider for your event that can deliver a memorable speech and presentation that will inspire, educate, and entertain your audience.
These are the top innovation keynote speakers who can cover such topics as Artificial Intelligence, big data and quantum computing, augmented reality, blockchain, robotics, biometrics, 3D printing, drones, IoT (Internet of Things), business trends, disruptive technology, singularity, tranhumanism, marketing, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, media, and more.
On this page you can browse a list of speakers and topics.
Or, fill out this form and one of our agents will help you find the perfect speaker that fits your budget.
Are you planning an event?
Do you need to hire a trusted expert for a virtual meeting, conference, corporate event, seminar, trade-show, convention, or company workshop?
Here is a list of professional marketing pubic speakers to consider for your event that can deliver a memorable speech and presentation that will inspire, educate, and entertain your audience.
These marketing keynote speakers can cover a wide range of topics including growth hacking, paid media, SEO, email marketing, content marketing, social media, sales funnels, Ecommerce, conversion rate optimization, copywriting, video marketing, analytics, and more.
On this page you can browse a list of speakers and topics.
Or, fill out this form and one of our agents will help you find the perfect speaker that fits your budget.
Are you planning an event?
Do you need to hire a trusted expert for a virtual meeting, conference, seminar, trade-show, convention, or company workshop?
Here is a list of business speakers to consider for your event that can deliver a memorable speech and presentation that will inspire, educate, and entertain your audience.
These business event speakers can cover such topics as strategy, leadership, industry trends, teamwork, sales, marketing, disruption, growth, innovation, finance, and more.
On this page you can browse a list of speakers and topics.
Or, fill out this form and one of our agents will help you find the perfect speaker that fits your budget.
Hiring the perfect speaker for your event or meeting can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of experts, each with their own unique skills and experiences.
As you begin the speaker vetting process, reviewing countless bios and videos can quickly become overwhelming, making it difficult to distinguish one expert from another.
Whether you are working with a speakers bureau or contacting them directly, the sheer volume of information may leave you feeling lost and unsure of how to proceed.
Selecting the right speaker for your event or meeting is going to be a critical decision you make that will play a pivotal role in the success of your event or company meeting. The speaker you choose will not only need to engage and inspire your audience but also align with your event’s objectives and values.
In this article, we are going to outline the most important qualities you should look for when making a decision on the speaker you select. By focusing on these key attributes, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the sea of potential candidates and find a speaker who will make your event truly memorable.
If you are working with a speakers bureau, be sure to leverage the expertise of your agent throughout this process. With their extensive experience working on hundreds or even thousands of events, they can provide invaluable guidance in selecting the ideal speaker for your specific needs.
We have also compiled the most comprehensive list of speaker interview questions that you can use to help you along this selection process. Once you have created a shortlist of speakers, you can then begin interviewing them.
When embarking on the speaker selection process, one of the critical factors to consider is the speaker’s availability on your event date. While it may seem straightforward, the reality is that a speaker’s schedule is often a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. To ensure you choose the perfect speaker for your event, it’s essential to dive deeper into their availability and potential conflicts.
As you begin evaluating a speaker, the first step is to inquire about their availability on your specific event date. However, don’t stop there. It’s crucial to ask if they have any tentative engagements or pending commitments that could potentially clash with your event. Speakers are often juggling multiple opportunities, and what may appear as an open date could quickly transform into a booked engagement.
To navigate this scheduling maze, consider keeping your event date within a to-be-determined (TBD) window. This flexibility allows you to accommodate the availability of your ideal speaker. By having a range of potential dates, you increase the likelihood of securing the speaker who perfectly aligns with your event’s objectives and theme.
When evaluating potential speakers for your event, it’s crucial to consider whether they align with your allocated budget. One of the most significant challenges event planners face during the speaker selection process is striking a balance between their desired speaker and the financial constraints of the event.
It’s natural to feel excited about a particular speaker who seems like the perfect fit for your event. However, it’s essential to remember that, much like shopping for a house, it’s easy to get carried away with what you like versus what you can afford. To avoid any disappointment or financial strain, it’s vital to establish a clear budget and stick to it throughout the speaker vetting process.
When initiating conversations with potential speakers, keep in mind that they typically provide a price range rather than an exact quote. The specific fee of a speaker can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the event’s duration, location, customization, and the speaker’s level of involvement. These details are usually fleshed out during the negotiation process, where the speaker’s requirements and your event’s specific needs are discussed in depth.
To navigate this financial aspect effectively, it’s wise to create a shortlist of speakers whose price ranges fall within your budget. This approach ensures that you are considering options that are realistically attainable and prevents you from investing time and energy into pursuing speakers who may ultimately be beyond your financial means.
When selecting a speaker for your event, it’s imperative to ensure that they align with your event’s goals and theme. This alignment is critical to the success of your event and the achievement of your desired outcomes.
Before diving into the speaker selection process, take the time to establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) that define the specific results you want to attain from your event or meeting.
Having well-defined KPIs serves as a roadmap for your speaker selection process. It allows you to evaluate potential speakers based on their ability to contribute to the realization of your event’s objectives. When you have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, you can seek out speakers who possess the expertise, experience, and skills necessary to help you reach those goals.
Here are some examples:
As you begin contacting speakers, keep your KPIs at the forefront of your communication. Share your event’s objectives with the speakers and gauge their ability to align with and support those goals.
A speaker who understands and resonates with your event’s purpose will be better equipped to deliver content and engage with your audience in a way that drives the desired results.
Keynote speakers are typically the main attraction of an event, setting the tone and theme for the entire gathering. They are often the first speaker to take the stage, and their presentation is expected to be the most impactful and memorable.
Given their crucial role, it’s essential to find a keynote speaker who aligns with your brand, possesses a charismatic presence, and can captivate the audience from the very beginning.
The first five minutes of an event are critical in determining whether the audience will remain engaged and committed to giving you their full attention. A highly charismatic and compelling keynote speaker can make all the difference in capturing the audience’s interest and setting a positive and energetic tone for the rest of the event.
On the other hand, a guest speaker, while still important, may not carry the same level of responsibility in terms of setting the overall tone and impact of the event. While guest speakers should still be engaging and informative, they may not require the same level of charisma and stage presence as a keynote speaker.
When selecting a speaker for your event, it’s crucial to consider whether their brand aligns with your organization’s brand. Keep in mind that by hiring a speaker, you are not only bringing their expertise and insights to your event but also associating their brand with your own. The speaker becomes an extension of your organization, and their words, actions, and reputation can significantly impact how your audience perceives your brand.
It’s essential to choose a speaker who effectively represents your brand and upholds the values and image you want to convey. Take the time to research the speaker’s background, previous speaking engagements, and public persona to ensure they align with your organization’s mission, values, and target audience.
A speaker who shares your brand’s vision and can communicate it effectively will reinforce your messaging and contribute to a positive brand image. On the other hand, a misaligned speaker can potentially damage your brand’s reputation and create confusion or discord among your audience.
When evaluating potential speakers for your event, consider whether they have experience working with organizations in your specific industry. While it’s not an absolute necessity, a speaker with industry experience can bring valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the unique challenges, trends, and best practices that shape your field.
Each industry has its own nuances, approaches, philosophies, and ways of doing things. A speaker who has worked within your industry will be able to tailor their message and expertise to these subtle nuances, making their content more relevant and impactful for your audience.
Moreover, a speaker with industry experience can apply their expertise to the specific context of your field, offering practical solutions and strategies that align with the way your industry operates. They can draw upon real-life examples and case studies that resonate with your audience, demonstrating a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face.
This level of relevance and applicability can enhance the overall value and effectiveness of the speaker’s presentation, leaving your audience with actionable insights they can implement in their own work.
When choosing a speaker for your event, it’s important to consider whether they are willing to collaborate with you and customize their presentation to fit your specific needs and objectives.
While many speakers have pre-existing presentations that they have crafted and delivered successfully, it’s crucial to ensure that their content aligns with your event’s goals and resonates with your audience. A speaker who is open to customization demonstrates a commitment to delivering a targeted and impactful message that meets your unique requirements.
However, it’s important to note that not all speakers are equally willing or able to accommodate customization requests. Highly sought-after or famous speakers may have limited availability or a more rigid presentation style due to their busy schedules and established expertise.
In such cases, it may be worthwhile to consider lesser-known speakers who are more flexible and eager to tailor their content to your specific needs. These speakers often bring a fresh perspective and a willingness to go the extra mile to ensure their presentation delivers maximum value to your audience.
While it can be tempting to gravitate towards big-name speakers, prioritizing customization and collaboration can ultimately lead to a more successful and impactful event.
When selecting a speaker for your event, whether it’s an industry conference or a company meeting, it’s crucial to consider whether they have a solid understanding of your audience’s needs and expectations. The success of your event hinges on the speaker’s ability to engage, connect with, and deliver value to your attendees. It’s not enough for a speaker to have expertise in their field; they must also be able to relate to and resonate with your specific audience.
To ensure that your chosen speaker is a good fit for your audience, take the time to assess their level of understanding and familiarity with your attendees. Consider the demographics of your audience, such as their age range, professional backgrounds, and industry experience.
A speaker who has worked with similar audiences in the past will be better equipped to tailor their message and delivery style to meet your attendees’ needs and preferences. They will be able to address the specific challenges, trends, and opportunities that your audience faces, making their content more relevant and actionable.
It’s also important to evaluate the speaker’s communication style and personality to ensure they align with your event’s atmosphere and audience expectations. A speaker who can establish a strong rapport with your attendees, using a tone and approach that resonates with them, will be more effective in capturing and maintaining their attention.
Consider whether the speaker’s energy level, humor, and storytelling ability match the preferences of your audience. A speaker who can adapt their delivery to the unique dynamics of your event and audience will create a more engaging and memorable experience for everyone involved.
It’s important to consider whether your audience is familiar with the speaker and their work. Choosing a speaker who has a level of recognition or reputation within your industry or niche can create a sense of excitement and anticipation among your attendees. When your audience knows and looks forward to hearing from the speaker, it can boost event registrations, engagement, and overall satisfaction.
However, it’s important to note that bringing in big-name speakers can be expensive and may not always be feasible for every organization’s budget. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t be discouraged. You can still find speakers who have a strong presence and following within your specific industry or community. Look for individuals who have made significant contributions, published notable works, or have a track record of delivering impactful presentations.
While they may not be household names, these speakers can still generate enthusiasm and interest among your target audience. By selecting a speaker who resonates with your audience and aligns with your event’s goals, you can create a meaningful and memorable experience for your attendees.
Actionable insights are the cornerstone of a truly impactful and successful presentation. When evaluating potential speakers, it’s essential to look for individuals who not only possess expertise in their field but also have the ability to distill complex information into easily digestible and actionable takeaways.
The ideal speaker should be able to engage your audience, inspire them, and provide practical strategies or tools that attendees can immediately implement in their own lives or work.
During the speaker selection process, take the time to review their previous presentations, testimonials, or case studies to gauge the level of actionable content they provide. Look for speakers who have a proven track record of delivering valuable insights and leaving their audiences with a clear roadmap for success.
A speaker who can effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering concrete examples and step-by-step guidance, will empower your attendees to take meaningful action after the event.
During the speaker evaluation process, it’s highly recommended to invest time in watching videos of the potential speaker’s past presentations. This will give you a firsthand experience of their speaking style, content delivery, and audience engagement. By reviewing their previous performances, you can assess whether their approach aligns with your event’s objectives and resonates with your target audience.
If possible, attending industry conferences where the speaker is presenting can provide an even more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities. Seeing them in action allows you to gauge their stage presence, ability to connect with the audience, and effectiveness in delivering their message. This direct observation can be invaluable in making an informed decision when selecting the ideal speaker for your event.
When assessing a speaker’s expertise and authority, it’s crucial to consider the level of thought leadership that aligns with your event’s goals and audience expectations. Not all thought leaders are created equal, and it’s essential to determine what level of credibility and influence is most important for your specific needs. During the speaker selection process, take the time to examine their experience and credentials to gauge their standing as a thought leader in their field.
Consider various factors that demonstrate a speaker’s expertise and authority:
By assessing these various aspects of a speaker’s background, you can make an informed decision on whether they possess the level of expertise and authority that aligns with your event’s objectives and will resonate with your audience.
While it’s essential to choose a speaker who possesses the necessary expertise and authority in their field, it’s equally important to consider their speaking skills and stage presence. Not all experts are naturally gifted speakers, and even those with extensive knowledge may struggle to effectively communicate their ideas when on stage.
Although they may be highly experienced in their craft, they may not have invested sufficient time in honing their public speaking abilities. Depending on the nature of your event and the impact you want to make on your audience, the speaker’s ability to engage and captivate the crowd can be a crucial factor in the success of your event.
When evaluating potential speakers, pay close attention to their ability to inspire and motivate the audience. A speaker with a strong stage presence can create an unforgettable experience, leaving attendees feeling energized and eager to take action. They have the power to rally the audience behind a cause, ignite passion, and encourage meaningful change.
On the other hand, a speaker who lacks charisma and fails to connect with the audience may leave attendees feeling uninspired and disengaged, diminishing the overall impact of your event.
When qualifying an event speaker, it’s crucial to request references or testimonials from their previous speaking engagements. These references serve as valuable insights into the speaker’s ability to deliver impactful presentations and achieve desired outcomes.
As you review these references, pay close attention to the specific results the speaker generated from each engagement. Look for testimonials that highlight measurable successes, such as increased audience engagement, positive feedback from attendees, or tangible actions taken as a result of the speaker’s presentation.
By examining these references, you can gain a clearer understanding of the speaker’s effectiveness and their ability to deliver on your event’s objectives.
When entering into a partnership with a speaker for your event, it’s essential to consider whether their personality aligns with yours. As the event organizer, you’ll be working closely with the speaker to orchestrate a specific goal or outcome, which requires effective communication and a shared understanding of the event’s objectives.
Throughout the planning process, you’ll need to ensure that both you and the speaker are on the same page, collaborating harmoniously to create a successful event.
During the speaker vetting process, take the time to interact with potential speakers and get a sense of their personality. Look for someone who is easy to communicate with, responsive to your needs, and open to feedback and suggestions.
A speaker whose personality complements yours can make the entire planning process more enjoyable and efficient, as you’ll be able to establish a positive working relationship built on trust and mutual respect.
When considering a speaker for your event, it’s important to take into account their location and the associated travel costs. If you’re working with a tight budget, travel and accommodation expenses can significantly impact your overall costs, often being the second largest expense after the speaker’s fee.
During the speaker selection process, make sure to inquire about the speaker’s travel origin to assess the length of the flight and estimate the transportation and lodging expenses. Keep in mind that longer flights and more expensive destinations can quickly add up, eating into your budget.
By understanding these logistics beforehand, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and select a speaker who aligns with your financial constraints.
Visual aids play a crucial role in enhancing the impact of a speaker’s presentation, helping to illustrate key points and engage the audience. Unfortunately, not all speakers excel at creating compelling visual aids that effectively support their message. When evaluating potential speakers for your event, it’s essential to assess the quality and effectiveness of their visual aids.
During the speaker selection process, take the time to review previous slides and visual materials the speaker has used in other speaking engagements. Look for presentations that incorporate clear, visually appealing, and relevant imagery that reinforces the speaker’s message. Well-designed visual aids can help break down complex concepts, make data more accessible, and create a lasting impression on your audience.
Keep in mind that strong visual aids go beyond just aesthetics; they should also be purposeful and aligned with the speaker’s content. A speaker who effectively integrates visual aids into their presentation demonstrates their ability to communicate their ideas in a multi-faceted way, catering to different learning styles and keeping the audience engaged throughout the presentation.
In today’s rapidly evolving event landscape, it’s crucial to consider a speaker’s ability to deliver virtual presentations. Unforeseen circumstances may arise, requiring a swift pivot from a live, in-person event to a virtual format. During the speaker selection process, make sure to inquire about the speaker’s experience and comfort level with virtual engagements.
Look for speakers who have successfully delivered virtual presentations in the past and have the necessary technology and setup to ensure a smooth and professional delivery. A speaker who is well-versed in virtual platforms and can engage an online audience effectively will be a valuable asset to your event, providing flexibility and peace of mind in the face of potential challenges.
If you need help identifying the perfect speaker for your event, let one of our agents guide you in this process.
They can save you a lot of time and headaches!
Are you working on an upcoming event or conference?
Do you need a professional who can keep your audience engaged?
Here are 8 unique ways on how to find a good professional keynote speaker for your next event who will inspire your audience with a powerful message.
If you are organizing an event and looking to find a keynote speaker, then you might be wondering what traits you should look for before hiring them.
Each professional brings a different level of expertise and personality to their repertoire, but if you are looking to choose someone who can deliver at a high level, then you want to choose someone with specific abilities.
Here are 11 qualities and characteristics that every successful keynote speaker should have so that they can deliver a good speech at any event:
Every good speaker has a mission or purpose as to why they do what they do.
To lead an audience and keep them engaged means that the speaker must be passionate about what he or she is saying.
When working with a professional, its good to find someone who has dedicated their life to this mission because then you know you are dealing with someone who is committed and authentic to their message.
If you want to captivate your audience and keep them on the edge of their seat, then you need to find a speaker who is a great storyteller and is inspirational in some way.
This person should have a plethora of life experience that they can draw from and have the ability to synthesize the information that keeps the crowd on its toes.
Having a good story teller on your stage will ensure that your event is memorable.
Your audience is going to be giving you not only their time, but an open ear. This means that whomever you put in front of them on stage should be someone that is trusted, believable, and convincing.
Credibility is something that is established with accomplishments, achievements, and integrity. Make sure that which ever professional you work with, they are someone whom your attendees can trust because they will associate your brand with this person.
A good event speaker is not only driven by their mission and trustworthy, but they should also be authentic.
Ask yourself this question:
If it’s just for the paycheck, you might want to keep looking.
The goal here is to find someone who is genuine about why they are a speaker as well as being sincerely interested in partnering with you.
A great speaker is someone who has the ability to take complex information and summarize it in a way where people can take action on the information in some way.
Depending on the type of event, if you plan on partnering with someone who is going to be tied into your business objective, then you will want someone who can take those key points and deliver them flawlessly.
Humor is another great quality a keynote speaker should have. By humor we don’t mean being a circus clown, but a person who is light-hearted and who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
While the professional you work with can definitely be deep, intense, and serious about their subject matter, they should also have some sense of humor.
Depending on the material, presentations can sometimes be dry or long-winded and you want to make sure that the person who is engaging your audience has the ability to get them to crack a smile and laugh every so often so that it breaks up the monotony.
Self-deprecating humor is a good way to amuse the audience. All great speakers can get an audience to at least chuckle once or twice.
Most people fear public speaking as it takes a great deal of courage to stand up in front of thousands of people and speak to them with poise.
More importantly, for a person to be considered a keynote speaker means that they must have a great deal of confidence to have gotten to a place where they would be considered for such a role.
Because your attendees will be focusing on them and since they are representing your organization, you want to make sure that they are someone who can command a stage with a great deal of confidence.
A good quality of any speaker is their ability to take the information you want covered and to it in a way that will create intrigue with your audience.
They should have a unique perspective on the subject matter.
Unless your events topic is about something new and groundbreaking that has never been heard before, chances are you will be discussing something that has already been said.
The trick here is to do it in a way that makes it feel like its new information. A keynote speaker should be able to make the attendees look at a topic from a completely different angle, making them think about things they wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Make sure you hire somebody who brings a novel approach to your main theme.
If your keynote speaker is not able to connect with your audience on an individual level, your event won’t be as successful as it can be.
People like to feel that they are not alone – that somebody else has been through where they currently are and has overcome similar challenges. If your audience doesn’t connect with your speaker, the message won’t be effective.
Good orators relate to their audience through personal stories. They allow themselves to be vulnerable and share their feelings, doubts and obstacles with their audience in a very honest manner.
By doing so, they make their listeners feel like they are understood. Human beings are social creatures, and we like the idea that other people have gone through the same things we did.
For example, at his famous Stanford commencement speech, Steve Jobs shares his story of when he dropped out of college and how he felt back then – uncertain about the future. This is a feeling that resonated with his audience, made up mainly by young graduates who were not sure about how their future would turn out.
A great speaker should also have a powerful message to get across.
He or she should be able to inspire your audience to strive for greatness; to be the best version of themselves they can possibly be, or to look at something in a new way.
Ideally, your attendees should leave the conference with that main message deeply etched upon their memory and with a whole new perspective.
Your audience is going to be listening to this individual for an hour or two which means that they must be likeable.
Not only because they should enjoy hearing them talk and feel instant rapport once they see them on stage, but because they are representing your company.
Remember that whomever you put on stage will be representing you and your brand.
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