Three Tips For Hiring A Speaker For Your Event
Putting on an inspiring event for your company awards banquet requires finding just the right keynote speaker for the event. All too often, speakers are simply hired on cost or reputation without much thought actually going into how they can add to the event and encourage your employees on to new heights. The following are three key things to do when interviewing speakers so you can actually find the one that is the perfect fit for your event.
Determine your purpose
Not all great speakers are a great choice for your event. First, consider what message you want to deliver to your staff. Did you just come off a tough operational year? Then a speaker that focuses on perseverance and rising above difficulties may be an excellent choice. Would you like to get your staff excited about innovations taking place within your company? Then perhaps a speaker that focuses on drive and technological topics is the better choice. The key is to make sure the speaker is someone that relates to both your staff and your company. An unrelatable speaker or topic will be unmemorable at best, which adds little to your event.
View previous speeches
Never hire a speaker on reputation alone. Most speaker banks keep video or audio clips of all their speakers on file so you can review them before narrowing down your options. When possible, video clips are preferable to audio since the way a speaker uses movement and stage presence can lend a lot towards ensuring a successful performance. When possible, view or listen to multiple speeches from the speakers that make your short list of possibilities. Sometimes, a speaker can seem very engaging in one speech, while their others tend to fall flat. Your goal is to hire a speaker that is consistently engaging and on point.
Get everything in writing
Finally, when you have found the speaker you want to hire, make sure the contract is fully in writing. Meet with the speaker personally to go over your event and to discuss the topic they will be talking about. The speaker should be forthcoming with the topic and key points of the speech they plan to give for your event, and you want to have this information in the contract. This ensures you won't be surprised by a speaker getting on stage and delivering a speech that isn't suitable for your event.
For more help, contact a keynote speaking service to begin reviewing your options.