1. A professional speaker can have a major impact on the success of the conference:
Professional speakers can literally make or break a conference program. The selection of the right speaker for your event is always very important and due consideration should be given to this process.
2. Professional speakers should be easy and enjoyable to work with:
There are so many good professional speakers available these days that it is important you select one who will not only fulfil the brief but is also easy to work with. When dealing with a speaker directly, early in the selection process see how quickly they respond to your queries and generally how they interact with you. This will give you a good indication of how they will work with you in the future.
3. There are a lot more speakers available to add value to your event other than just inspirational and motivational speakers:
From my experience, most P.A.s when they think of a professional speaker, tend to think of the traditional motivational or inspirational types e.g. sports, adventure, overcoming the odds etc. This is unnecessarily limiting as there isan incredible range of speakers available for hire covering virtually almost every subject imaginable.
4. Good professional speakers share their own very unique personal experiences (not text book examples) to inform, educate and entertain audiences:
The speakers that receive consistently outstanding feedback are the ones who share their own personal experiences with their audience. Speakers like Li Cunxin (author Mao’s Last Dancer) or John Anderson (Founder of Contiki Tours) have a huge impact on the audiences as their stories are both unique and powerful.
5. Most professional speakers will be happy to talk with you prior to making a final decision to engage them:
If you are using a Speakers’ Bureau and you or your manager are keen on a speaker but just not 100% sure, ask the Bureau if you can talk directly with them, prior to making a decision to engage them. I actually encourage this with my clients and believe it is an important part of the selection process.
6. Early preparation is important:
Over the last 10 years, I have noticed an ever decreasing lead time in the selection of a speaker. It goes without saying that the earlier you start the selection process for a speaker(s) for your conference or event the more likely you are to end up with the best option. Two important reasons for this are:
1. The better speakers tend to be booked further in advance (therefore the longer you leave it, the less likely you will be able to secure the speaker you want).
2. A good conference program will ensure that the professional speakers tie into the conference objectives. Good conference programs are planned well in advance.
7. Many professional speakers will “add value” to their speaking fee:
There are a number of ways that many professional Speakers can add value to their fee if you ask:
1. Product – Can they include any product i.e. books, DVDs, etc. as part of their fee?
2. Extra presentations - Many professional business speakers are capable of delivering more than one talk. Instead of hiring a second speaker, see if you can hire a speaker that not only meets your objectives but could deliver an extra talk or workshop at a reduced fee.
3. Follow-up – Can the speaker include some type of follow up after their talk to communicate with delegates (e.g. slides from the talk, newsletters, e-books, recommendations for further reading, etc.)
8. Unknown speakers are quite often better than celebrity speakers:
From my experience, the best speakers to engage are generally non-celebrity speakers. Of course there are some great celebrity speakers available (and where appropriate should be considered) however some of the very best speakers you will ever hear .... you will have never heard of!
9. Many business speakers can also run half and full day training programs:
As I mentioned earlier, many business speakers are capable of delivering a lot more content than just their keynote. Lots of business speakers will deliver a keynote talk followed by a workshop. From my experience, you receive better value for your dollar as delegates tend to learn more in the workshop environment.
10. Feedback is important:
Speakers love honest and constructive feedback. Once the event is over, take the time to consider the presentation and provide the speaker with some feedback. Ideally they like this in writing, but verbal communication is also appreciated. Professional speakers are passionate about ensuring they delivered on the outcomes.
Carson White is a Managing Consultant at ICMI Speakers & Entertainers. carson@icmi.com.au or www.icmi.com.au