There is one thing that majority of event planner know too well, is that choosing the right speaker is not a joke. Among these types of events, business meetings, conferences, or other company events might be good, but a great event with the right speaker – it could be legendary. Well, how do you identify a speaker who can not only fire the hearts, but also the minds, of your target population? Now we are going to discuss the speaking selection process and recommendations.
Understand Your Event’s Needs
The next step is to define the objective of your upcoming event, before you find speakers for events. What do you want your product or service to do to its users or the society at large? Is it business coaching for young entrepreneurs, an expose on social justice, or an interesting lecture on emerging technologies in commerce? To do so, it is crucial that more is known about your event objectives when deciding on what type of speaker you require.
Explore Different Speaker Categories
When you have a vision on your event, the next thing that you want to look at is choosing under different categories of speakers. As you will see, there are many options available in speaker selection, and all have something positive to offer. For example, inspiring business personalities such as Sharmadean Reid MBE or Sir Richard Branson may give effective business and innovation keynotes, or inspiring activists like Archbishop Desmond Tutu or Akala – on social justice and activism.
To help the companies improve their performance motivational speakers that have backgrounds in business as in case of Lord Sugar can deliver the perfect kind of speeches. If your event is about creativity then musicians and artists for instance, Joss Stone or Dave Stewart might come up with inspiring stories that could encourage people into action. That is why the focus is on the qualification of the speakers, whose experience matches the topic and purpose of the meeting.
Assess Their Expertise and Reputation
There is much difference between looking for a speaker and seeking the right expert to come and add value to the occasions. Search for men and women with standing in their industries, achievements and a reputation for results. Whatever their achievement level is, be it entrepreneurs, social revolutionaries, or leading industries professionals, your event reputation will be determined by them.
View, for instance, their previous talks, how the viewers received them, as well as any of their printed works. The quality public speakers will have recommendations from previous employers and clients and a record of successful performances. The proof is in the pudding, or more accurately if they’ve keynoted prestigious trade shows or leading corporations, then you already have evidence that they can entertain a crowd in a way that will leave them wanting more.
Match the Speaker to Your Audience
The best speakers are those who can convey their message historically. As soon as you decide to book someone, you must get to know your audience demographically, psychologically, and in terms of expectation. For instance, if your audience is best comprised of young professionals, an entrepreneur who has shared his or her experience of the roller coaster ride that can be the startup world might be just what the doctor ordered. If being an activist for change in society means a lot to the audience then a speaker who has campaigned for social justice in some capacity will do well with the audience.
As usual, let me remind you that sometimes, more important is the star behind the speaker. It is more so about the ability of the messengers with your niche audience and getting a message that calls them into action.
Make Use of Speaker Agencies
There’s nothing wrong with using a speaker bureau or agency if you are still having trouble finding the right speakers for the events. As for event speakers, Kruger Cowne is an example of agencies that work to match the event organizer with top-level professionals from the field. Many of these agencies maintain lists of popular global speakers in their organization; these include businesspeople, singers, social reformists, and well-known thinkers to name but a few. In ways, since you are a consulting professionals, you can be sure that your time will be saved and that the right speaker for the event is chosen.
Ensure Compatibility with Your Event’s Format
It does not matter as well what the format of your event is. Are you looking for a keynote speaker, a panelist, or someone who can deliver a workshop? Make sure the speaker’s style matches your event’s format. Some speakers excel at giving long, impactful keynotes, while others might be better suited for intimate panel discussions or hands-on workshops. It’s important to consider how they will interact with the audience and the kind of experience you want to create.
Final Thoughts
Find a speaker for your event can make all the difference between an inspiring, impactful event and one that falls flat. By understanding your event’s goals, exploring different types of speakers, assessing their expertise, and ensuring they connect with your audience, you’ll be well on your way to booking a speaker who will inspire action. And if you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a speaker agency like Kruger Cowne to help guide you through the process. With the right speaker, your event will leave a lasting impact.
