How to Choose the Best Events Speaker for Your Upcoming Engagement – Full Guide 2024
3rd October 2024
Choosing the right events speaker can make or break your conference or corporate gathering.
A compelling speaker has the power to inspire, educate, and leave a lasting impact on your audience.
Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker, motivational speaker, or industry expert, finding the perfect match for your event is crucial to its success and ROI.
As you search for the ideal speaker, you must consider various factors, such as:
- Defining your event goals
- Understanding your target audience
- Evaluating speaker expertise
- Negotiating fees
These processes require careful planning and research.
This helpful Kruger Cowne guide will walk you through the essential steps to select the best event speaker, ensuring your next conference or seminar delivers maximum value to attendees and organisers.
Step 1: Define Your Event Goals and Audience
To choose the best events speaker for your event, you need to start by clearly defining your event goals and understanding your audience.
This foundational step will guide your decision-making process and help ensure that you select a speaker who aligns with your objectives and resonates with your attendees.
Identify event objectives
Begin by outlining the core objectives of your event. The following questions can help narrow down your objectives:
- What do you want to achieve?
- Are you looking to educate, inspire, or entertain your audience?
- Do you want to launch a new product, celebrate a milestone, or ignite industry-specific discussions?
By pinpointing your goals, you can narrow down your search for speakers who will be a good match for your event.
For example, if you’re aiming to get your audience to network, consider a more social speaker who can stay around after the event to facilitate connections.
On the other hand, if you’re launching a product, you’ll need a speaker with expertise in your industry who can effectively demonstrate and discuss your offerings.
Remember, having the most captivating speaker will mean little if you know what you want to accomplish.
A great speaker will often be interested in understanding the objective of your event, so be prepared to communicate your goals clearly.
Analyse target audience demographics
Understanding who will be attending your event is crucial for selecting the right speaker.
Analyse your audience demographics and consider the following targets:
- Age
- Profession
- Interests
- Expectations
This information will help you tailor the event content and choose a speaker who will effectively connect with your attendees.
For instance, if your audience consists primarily of younger entrepreneurs, an energetic speaker with fresh ideas might be a better fit.
Someone like Jordan Schwarzenberger is ideal as he pushes boundaries and would resonate more with this crowd.
Conversely, a well-known industry leader like Robin Sharma might be more appropriate if your attendees are more established professionals.
To gather this information, you can use surveys or registration forms to collect data on age, gender, location, industry, and job titles.
Analyse this data using spreadsheet software or data analysis tools to identify trends and insights that can inform your speaker selection and overall event planning.
Determine desired outcomes
Finally, consider what you want your audience to take away from the event.
Are you looking to educate them on a specific topic, motivate them to take action, or provide networking opportunities?
Understanding the desired outcomes will help you choose a speaker who can deliver the right message and create the intended impact.
For example, if your goal is to inspire and motivate your audience, you might want to look for a motivational speaker who can deliver a powerful and engaging presentation.
If you aim to provide in-depth industry knowledge, an expert in your field, like Steve Wozniak, might be more suitable.
It’s also important to consider your attendees’ expectations.
They will come with certain hopes for what they’ll gain from the event, and you’ll want to match these expectations with your speakers’ abilities.
During break-out sessions, it’s recommended to have a variety of speakers so there’s something for everyone.
By taking the time to define your event goals, analyse your audience, and determine desired outcomes, you’ll be better equipped to choose an events speaker who can help make your event a success and deliver maximum value to both attendees and organisers.
Step 2: Research Potential Speakers
After defining your event goals and understanding your audience, it’s time to start researching potential speakers.
This step is crucial to find someone who aligns with your objectives and can deliver a powerful message to your attendees.
Here are some effective strategies to help you in your search:
Speaker bureaus like Kruger Cowne can be invaluable resources in your quest for the perfect event speaker.
These organisations specialise in connecting clients with top-notch keynote speakers, motivational speakers, and industry experts.
They have extensive networks and insider knowledge that can save you time and effort in your search.
When working with a speaker bureau, they’ll ask about your event goals, format, and audience demographics.
Using this information, they’ll provide a shortlist of suitable candidates who match your requirements.
This process ensures that you’re presented with speakers who are not only available but also have the right expertise and speaking style for your event.
Many speaker bureaus, such as Kruger Cowne, offer their services at no extra cost to you, as their fees are often charged directly to the talent.
This means you can benefit from their expertise without increasing your budget.
Book Your Next Events Speaker with Us
Leverage industry connections
Don’t underestimate the power of your own network when searching for an events speaker.
Reach out to colleagues, friends, and industry contacts for recommendations.
These personal connections can often lead you to hidden gems – speakers who may not be widely known but have the perfect expertise for your event.
If you’ve attended events in the past and were impressed by a particular speaker, consider contacting them directly.
Having a pre-established connection can be advantageous when negotiating terms and ensuring the speaker understands your event’s context.
Additionally, explore professional organisations related to your industry.
These groups often have extensive membership bases and can connect you with potential speakers who have deep knowledge of your field.
They may even recommend up-and-coming speakers who are eager to share their insights.
Review Online Profiles and Videos
In today’s digital age, a speaker’s online presence can tell you a lot about their expertise and speaking style.
Take the time to thoroughly review potential speakers’ websites, social media profiles, and video content.
Many speakers have YouTube channels or Vimeo accounts where they showcase clips from previous speaking engagements.
These videos can give you a sense of their stage presence, delivery style, and how well they engage with audiences.
Look for speakers who are active on platforms like:
- YouTube
Their posts and interactions can provide insights into their thought leadership and how they communicate their ideas.
This online research can help you gage whether a speaker’s personality and expertise align with your event’s goals and audience expectations.
Remember, choosing the right events speaker is critical in ensuring your event’s success and maximising its ROI.
By utilising speaker bureaus, leveraging your network, and conducting thorough online research, you’ll be well-equipped to find a speaker who can deliver a memorable and impactful presentation for your audience.
Step 3: Evaluate Speaker Fit and Expertise
Once you’ve researched potential events speakers, it’s time to evaluate their fit and expertise for your event.
This step is crucial to ensure that the speaker you choose aligns with your event goals and can deliver a powerful message to your audience.
Assess Topic Relevance
When evaluating a speaker’s fit, start by assessing the relevance of their expertise to your event theme.
Look for speakers who deeply understand your industry and can provide fresh insights on event-related topics.
A qualified guest speaker will ensure the content they deliver is relevant and interesting to the audience.
Consider the speaker’s background, including their academic achievements, industry experience, and recognised accolades.
These factors can give you a good idea of their expertise and credibility in the field.
Remember, a speaker with a compelling life story of overcoming challenges can inspire your audience to take action.
Consider Speaking Style and Delivery
The speaker’s presentation style is just as important as their expertise.
A great events speaker should be able to capture the audience’s attention, add value, and become the highlight of the evening.
To assess their speaking style, watch videos of their previous presentations.
This will help you evaluate their ability to engage an audience, charisma, and overall stage presence.
Look for speakers who can employ effective storytelling techniques, maintain impeccable pacing, and back up their points with case studies and data.
A dynamic speaker who can adapt to different situations and handle unexpected challenges gracefully is often a sign of experience and professionalism.
Review their past performance and testimonials to get a comprehensive understanding of a speaker’s capabilities.
Ask for references from previous clients or event organisers and contact them to gather feedback on the speaker’s reliability, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.
Testimonials can provide valuable insights into how well the speaker connects with audiences and delivers on expectations.
According to the National Speakers Association, 92% of event planners rely on references or testimonials when vetting potential speakers for their events.
When reviewing testimonials, look for comments about the speaker’s ability to:
- Engage and inspire the audience
- Deliver actionable insights
- Encourage collaboration among attendees
- Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills
- Offer tangible takeaways applicable to everyday life
By carefully evaluating speaker fit and expertise, you’ll be better equipped to choose an events speaker who can deliver a memorable and impactful presentation that aligns with your event goals and resonates with your audience.
Step 4: Finalise Logistics and Contracts
After evaluating speaker fit and expertise, it’s time to finalise the logistics and contracts for your events speaker.
This crucial step ensures a smooth experience for the speaker and your event.
When negotiating speaker fees, it’s essential to understand the proposed fee structure and be prepared to make a counteroffer if necessary.
Start by asking for full payment upfront to secure the date on your calendar.
While you may only sometimes get this, it positions you firmly for negotiation.
If the speaker doesn’t agree to full payment upfront, move down the payment term ladder one rung at a time.
For example, you might propose partial payment now with the balance due 30, 60, or 90 days before the event.
Ask for a concession to maintain fee integrity with each step down the ladder.
Remember, negotiation is not personal.
Both parties try to establish the strongest position while ensuring a fair deal.
Be prepared to offer concessions such as additional presentations, access to the event mailing list, or guaranteed referrals in exchange for more favorable payment terms.
Discuss technical requirements
To ensure a successful presentation, it’s crucial to discuss and confirm all technical requirements with your events speaker.
This includes audio systems, visual equipment, and connectivity needs.
Ensure that all necessary equipment is functional and meets the speaker’s needs. This may include:
- Audio systems: Microphones, speakers, and mixers
- Visual systems: Projectors, screens, or monitors
- Connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi or wired internet connections
It’s also important to have a dedicated technical support team on standby during the event to address any issues that may arise.
Confirm the date and what the schedule looks like
Once you’ve agreed on fees and technical requirements, it’s time to confirm the date and schedule for your events speaker.
Send a confirmation that includes event details, expectations, the agreed fee, logistics, and contact information for a direct liaison.
To finalise the speaker’s commitment, send a signed agreement outlining all the terms discussed and obtain their signature as well.
This ensures that both parties understand their obligations and helps prevent misunderstandings.
By carefully negotiating fees, discussing technical requirements, and confirming the date and schedule, you’ll be well-prepared to host a successful event with your chosen events speaker.
Remember to keep communication clear and professional throughout the process to build a strong relationship with your speaker and set the stage for an impactful presentation.
Your Guide to Hiring the Best Events Speaker – Summed Up
Selecting the right events speaker is a crucial step in creating a successful and impactful event.
By carefully defining your goals, understanding your audience, and thoroughly evaluating potential speakers, you can find someone who aligns perfectly with your event’s objectives.
Remember that the best speaker will not only deliver valuable content but also engage and inspire your attendees, leaving a lasting impression.
To ensure a smooth experience, paying attention to the logistical details and contractual agreements is essential.
Addressing these aspects early on sets the stage for a successful collaboration with your chosen speaker.
Book the best event speakers for your event at Kruger Cowne to elevate your next conference or corporate gathering and provide your audience with an unforgettable experience.
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FAQs
How do you choose the appropriate speaker for your event?
To select the right speaker, understand your audience and define your event goals.
Set a budget, consider the speaker’s expertise, and thoroughly research potential speakers.
Assess their experience, check availability, and ensure they are flexible to meet your event needs.
What should I look for when selecting a speaker for an event?
When selecting a speaker, focus on topic relevance, speaking style, and past performance. Choose someone whose expertise aligns with your event theme, has an engaging presentation style, and has positive testimonials from past events.
For example, Kruger Cowne offers speakers who provide valuable insights, captivate audiences, and deliver memorable presentations tailored to your event goals.
What are the key considerations when choosing a motivational speaker?
To choose a motivational speaker, watch recordings of their past speeches, verify their relevant live experience, and meet them in person to discuss your event and their approach.
How do I select a guest speaker for a conference?
Selecting a guest speaker involves considering several factors, such as their professional reputation, expertise on the topic, ability to attract attendees, relevance to the conference objectives, recognition within the field, recommendations from colleagues, and published research, if applicable.
