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Six Speaker Selection Tips
- Learn what your audience is looking for.
Are they seeking entertainment and something light? Or motivation to make positive changes in their lives? Do they want to be inspired to achieve more? As you can see, it is important to first learn what benefit your audience is seeking.
- Identify and interview your choice(s).
See if the speaker's approach and topic selection meets your expectations. Sometimes speakers will ask you about your audience, and how they might tailor their presentation to best fit your needs.
- Choose your speaker.
Remember that your speaker's fee is not only for his or her actual time on stage, but also covers research, preparation, and customization. This takes time, experience, and skill, and is a valuable commodity. Also remember that your speaker really wants to do a great job for you. His or her reputation is on the line! Anything you can do to help the speaker prepare will pay dividends for both of you.
- Prepare a written agreement.
You or your company should prepare an agreement that specifies what your organization and the speaker expect from one another. Besides fees, what are your obligations, and the speaker's? Who pays for transportation, room, and meals? (Usually the organization covers these.) What date and time are reserved? What about cancellations? Can the speaker sell products? If so, how will that be handled? What audio/visual equipment requirements does the speaker have? Agreeing to these basics will help your event run more smoothly.
- Help prepare your speaker.
Give your speaker appropriate and helpful information about your company or organization. Your website, newsletter, annual report and/or other information will help your speaker become familiar with your organization. This will, in turn, help the presentation to fit more closely to the expectations of your audience. Make sure your speaker knows of any other speakers for your event so he or she will not duplicate what is being said by someone else.
- Plan for success.
Make sure the presentation room is properly set up, at a comfortable temperature, with lighting that will compliment the speaker and set the stage for a professional looking presentation. Check to see that the audio/visual equipment is properly set up and ready to go. Consider the number and arrangement of chairs so everyone has a good view.
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