Five Ways to Ensure a Memorable Speaker Experience

By Jeff Jacobson

1) Do your homework.

There are literally thousands of speakers out there to choose from. Many are not worthy of your stage. Be sure to watch a video of the speaker in advance so you know what to expect; read their biographies thoroughly, and ask for references, particularly from similarly-themed conferences. The last thing you want is to be surprised on the day of the event.

2) Budget appropriately.

Many conferences try to find speakers who will not charge them anything beyond their expenses. I think in many cases, you get what you pay for. Find the budget to bring in a speaker that is going to wow your audience, whether it’s 3, 5, 10 thousand or more. Cut a round of coffee or a pastry order if you have to, the audience is going to remember a great speech that they saw rather than chicken or fish. And remember that travel and expenses are charged on top of most speaking fees.

3) Utilize the speaker in more ways than just talking on stage.

Don’t get me wrong, the keynote or presentation is the most important part of what a speaker does for you – keeping your audience entertained for 45 minutes or an hour. However, be aware that most speakers are usually up for participating in extras. Consider a private reception with VIPs so audiences get a chance to meet and interact personally with the talent; perhaps a book signing or ask them to stay for a meal after the talk. There are many ways to utilize the speaker.

4) Prepare the audience

Great conferences or events have ebbs and flows; where you position the speaker in the agenda is very important. Don’t send a speaker out there after a round of golf or another physical activity; the crowd will be zonked, regardless of who’s on stage. If the speaker is going on first thing in the morning, make sure the audience is warmed up beforehand. Beyond that, prepare the crowd in advance for the speaker by including their bio in conference packets and ensuring they are given a warm and explanatory introduction before they get on stage.

5) Use an agent.

Yes, many speakers are out there can be contacted directly by meeting planners. However, what are you going to do if your speaker cancels on you? Agents have access to other great talent that can step in at a minute’s notice. Think of us as the “break in case of emergency” glass that you don’t want to have to use. We will show our true value in a crisis situation.