How to find the right speaker
You are planning an educational event, a seminar, a congress for your employees, your customers, or business partners and are looking for a suitable speaker? Trainers, consultants, speakers, and coaches are a dime a dozen, and it is not always easy to navigate through the sea of experts and those who would like to be. However, by following a few important rules, one can usually avoid the pitfalls of catastrophic miscasting and look forward to a successful event.
Be clear about your goals!
Being clear about where the planned event should lead is usually half the battle. Whether it's about image or innovation, customer loyalty or team building, maybe even resolving an internal conflict, be clear about your goals and clearly define where the event should steer you and your company.
What do you want, what can you do, what do you need?
The type and duration of the event, and thus the requirements for the speaker, depend significantly on the goals you have set and how they should be achieved. It's great if your vision also aligns with the budget. If not, depending on the type of event, speakers and trainers are available in all fee levels and presentation formats. From the unknown coaching expert for the seminar conference to the glamorous celebrity speaker for the evening gala, every format and price range is covered with a variety of alternatives. Booking through an agency may entitle you to discounts due to high booking volumes.
"Speak, so I can see you!" - Socrates
It is difficult to get a sense of something on paper that thrives on living elements like language and communication. Fortunately, most speakers are present on YouTube and similar channels. The first impression, which is known to be important, is quickly made and is a reliable decision-making aid. However, for a sharper image, one can attend numerous educational events such as knowledge forums. In live settings, speakers often excel at showcasing their strengths, but can also struggle to hide their weaknesses.
The Human Factor
From communication expert Michael Rossié, we know that giving a speech is essentially like flirting with many people. Therefore, the chemistry must be right; a speaker should match the aura of your company and the people who make it up. Does your audience connect with the speaker and vice versa? How many listeners or participants can be expected? Is the majority male or female, colorful or in pinstripes, creative or fact-oriented? It is best to ask for references about your desired speaker, whether and how they have spoken to and impressed similar audiences before. Once you have found and booked the perfect speaker, thoroughly brief them. Speakers are usually happy to cater to your wishes and adapt to your event. If you have booked through an agency, the organization of pre-meetings is almost always taken care of for you. Looking for the right speaker?
