6 Tips to Ensure Success from Speakers

You’ve locked in the date. You’ve confirmed the venue. You’ve solidified an awe-inspiring theme. You’ve even confirmed some key sponsors. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves to ensure that the speakers deliver what your theme promises in a big way!

Nothing sets the tone of an event beyond its pre-promotion fanfare than the quality of the speakers, primarily the FIRST one on the stage. He or she will confirm at the kick-off that your event is everything attendees expected and more. You hit a home run, and participants cannot wait to see what happens next.

An effective speaker, in general, knows how to inspire, educate, and entertain. They are as much fun to watch as they are to hear in bringing insights and ideas to your audience.

“The opening speaker’s job is to weave your conference theme into a memorable message that sets the tone for the entire conference.”

If YOU are the speakers vying for the job of the opening speaker (or even a breakout session or workshop speaker later in the conference) note that the following is what the Event Host/Promoter is looking for.

Here are six tips to ensure your speakers exceed your expectations.

SEEING IS BELIEVING: Make certain you have watched and listened to a current video or heard them speak in front of a live audience on the topic you want them to present. Their tone, pace, and energy will become evident. A great speaker will hold your attention and make it impossible to check messages on your smart phone!

CANNED DOESN’T CUT IT: Your keynote speaker should be able to capture the essence of your meeting and connect with your audience in a short period of time. They should spend time researching your organization, industry, and audience to provide a customized presentation. Be wary of a speaker who doesn’t want to know more details about your event, attendees, etc.

NOT JUST IMPRESSIVE ON PAPER: Don’t assume that a great author, company executive, innovator, or someone who has a unique story or background to share will be the one you want to hire. Many professed speakers have a very impressive bio and resume, but are not suited for an opening keynote. Place them into your conference accordingly. Also keep in mind that someone who is an excellent trainer will not necessarily be an excellent keynote.

ALIGNMENT OF EXPECTATIONS: Communicate your exact expectations and desired outcomes. Their message should align with your conference theme. What message do you want them to convey? Will this speaker help you accomplish this purpose? Can they adapt their topic to align with your theme in an exciting way? What ideal “take away” would you like the speaker’s presentation to deliver?

SPEAKER’S FREE FRENZY: Don’t confuse the speaker’s fee with the value of their message. Just because one speaker charges $15K doesn’t necessarily mean that particular speaker is better than a speaker who charges $5K. Some of the best speakers I’ve heard were just getting started and blessed with a natural stage presence and the ability to connect with their audience.

A WOW EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING: Hire a speaker not only for their content and delivery on the platform, but also for the extraordinary experience they will create for your attendees. When they leave the platform they should make themselves available for an appropriate amount of time after the talk instead of rushing off to their room or the airport.

A speaker who truly motivates and inspires understands that the job involves ensuring that attendees feel the speech is about them and for them, and not focused on how self-important the speaker appears to be.

Hire an ace for the opening keynote and your attendees will look forward to the rest of the conference. Hire a dud and your conference could suffer the same fate.

Using these tips will ensure you have considered everything when selecting that perfect opening keynote, and all the speakers and trainers you need for your conference. Take your time selecting – YES, it is that important!