PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING – TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR NEXT SPEAKER

Author: Joan Kulmala

Totally-U Image Communications

For many organizations both in the private and professional sector, choosing the right speaker, keynote or trainer is a task that should not be taken lightly. Consideration, research and preparation are the keys to finding just the right person to fill your need. Their performance ultimately reflects back on the person or organization that initially contracted them.

The following are some tips to assist you in this process.

Determine your organization’s need

Is the presentation to be educational, technical, motivational, inspirational and or entertaining?

Who will be the audience?

What topic best suits your requirements?

Know what benefits will be gained by hiring a well-know name – remember high profile does not always guarantee high quality.

Be selective and shop around

If your business has limited funds for in-service education or is a non-profit organization do not take for granted you will get a speaker for free. For many speakers/trainers this is their chosen career and they have financial responsibilities to meet. Therefore, factor in a realistic budget - include amount of deposit to hold a specific date, speaker’s fee, transportation, accommodations, meals etc. (form partnerships within your community to help defer some of these expenses). Fees will vary for each speaker depending on their level of expertise of a particular subject, experience, and demand.

Connect and work with a professional speaker personally – your credibility and reputation as an organization or planner is at stake – you want the best presenter possible.

Interview the speaker by phone, ask for referrals and inquire who some of their clients have been. A professional speaker is prepared to collaborate with you to make your event a success. If possible take time to attend one of the speakers presentations to get a first hand experience of his or her qualifications. Will their skills meet your need and expectations?

Ask individuals within your community if they know of a speaker who would meet your requirements. Good resource for leads include: Speakers directories/bureaus, Chamber of Commerce and many commercial organizations as well as previous speakers…who do they know and recommend?

A good place to find professional speakers is the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. They represent a high standard of ethics, professionalism and dedication – www.CanadianSpeakers.org

Cruise the Internet

Once you have chosen an individual there are some very basic step to follow.

Reserve a date (and have an alternative date available – just in case). Set time, place and length of presentation

Work with the speaker by sharing information – your needs, their audience, number of listeners, purpose, and a little history of your organization and community. The speaker is prepared to provide you with their own short profile, a picture (if required for promotional purposes). Any other requirements from the speaker such as the space available for them to sell their tapes/books or other products, specific tools for presentation (podium, table, audio/visual, room set up, cancellation policy, etc.) should be predetermined and understood by both parties. Set timelines.

After negotiating an agreement with a particular speaker, write all the terms into a contract – to be signed by both parties.

With these few tips you should be able to start planning for your next event with a little more confidence and ease. It’s a two-way gain when you hire the right speaker. For each of you can take a final bow knowing you got the best and the best was given. Doesn’t it feel great being totally-you at the end of the day?