Entrepreneur Offers Guidance On Hiring Event Speakers

Choosing the right speaker for an event is critical to its success, and there are several key questions that can help determine what to look for and how to find the right person. Approach the speaker decision process like a hiring decision, talking with several prospects and asking for results from their last event. This helps ensure the right speaker is selected for the audience.

Last year, an executive at a tech company asked a speaker to keynote their employee resource group event, but the speaker passed on the opportunity, recognizing they were not the best fit for the audience. The speaker instead referred other potential speakers who were better aligned with the event's goals. This example highlights the importance of finding a speaker who can speak from lived experience and provide valuable insights to the audience.

The speaker decision process should start with the question of what needs to be different when people leave the event. This helps organizers focus on the desired outcome and find a speaker who can deliver that outcome. Organizers should consider what they want attendees to do differently after the session, whether they want to inspire the room or teach something new, and whether the session is meant to draw registrations or serve the people already attending.

A speaker's fee can range from a modest honorarium to six figures, and it's essential to understand what that fee covers. The fee typically includes calls before the event, design work, the day of the event, and a debrief afterward. Organizers should also consider the speaker's reputation and how it can impact the event's marketing and attendance.

Organizers should ask potential speakers about their customization process to ensure the content is tailored to the audience's needs. This can involve understanding the audience's goals, challenges, and expectations. A speaker who can adapt their content to the audience's needs is more likely to deliver a successful session.

When evaluating potential speakers, organizers should consider their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and engage the audience. This can involve checking references, watching videos of past presentations, and asking about their experience with similar audiences. A speaker who can think on their feet and adjust their content accordingly is more likely to deliver a successful session.

Strong speakers often fill their calendars a year in advance, so organizers should start looking for speakers as far ahead of time as possible. This allows for better prices on travel and more time for planning calls to tailor the content to the audience's needs. If time is limited, organizers can consider hosting a virtual session, which can open up more options for speakers. This article is based on reporting by Entrepreneur.