The Key Elements of Great Speakers
July 2, 2019
How to Pick a Great Keynote Speaker
Looking for a keynote speaking for your upcoming event can be a feat, especially if you have a number of options who all seem to be a great fit. So how exactly do you go about making that important decision?
Your Objectives
First and foremost, you must look for a guest speaker not just because a program is expected to include one, but rather because that slot is important to attaining the goals that you have set for your event. When these goals well-defined from day one, you have a better chance of finding the right speaker indeed.
Your Audience
When choosing a keynote speaker, event organizers often forget the most important stakeholder in the decision: the audience. The requirements and expectations of this group are also the most difficult to identify. Once you nail this aspect of the speaker selection process, making the right choice will be so much simpler.
ROI
Your speaker ROI may not come in the form of cash, but by knowing your objectives and expectations, you will be able to measure it, depending on what you think will make your event successful. In any case, it’s important to make the speaker aware of this, or it will be impossible to achieve that ROI. Getting feedback has become so much easier nowadays with the use of various tools like apps, social media and the rest.
Q & A
In most cases, the audience values the Q&A the most in a keynote speech. After all, it’s when they are able to apply your message to their own situations. The speaker should follow a flexible format when delivering their speech while still being able to impart the intended message and make a lasting impact. This is something that you may have to help achieve, that is, by providing an environment that suits the speaker best.
Fees and Other Costs
Hiring a keynote speaker for an event will clearly entail costs unless you have a prior pro bono arrangement. In any case, you have to be aware of all your costs. Keep in mind that even with waived professional fees, there may be other expenses you need to cover, namely, accommodation, specific AV requirements, etc. The idea is to know how much you have to pay overall to avoid surprises that can keep your event from being a big success.
Don’t Compromise!
Finally, remember that you are the customer and you are booking the speaker. Thus, you don’t have to compromise on whatever you had first planned on achieving. Be clear about what you want from your speaker, and be sure that someone who can deliver your desired results. If they are unable to meet your requirements, hear them out and decide if there’s good reason to level down or if you’d rather continue searching for the right candidate.