Hiring a speaker for your event can be a daunting task. Finding someone who can speak knowledgeably within your niche and also set with the vibe of your event can, on occasion, feel like attempting to set up a friend on a blind date. You work hard to find the perfect match, but in the end, the ultimate success or failure is somewhat out of your control.
So how can you tell when things get off track? How do you really know if the speaker you hired needs replacing?
- Overbearing Self-Promotion
One sure way to know that your speaker has taken a wrong turn is based on how much time they spend tooting their own horn. Most speakers will obviously have some expertise or at least they should, and this is a great asset to your audience and event. Your presenter may perhaps be an author or have an educational program, but they shouldn’t use all of their presentation time focused on selling their products.
You really want to find a speaker who can provide actual, immediate value to your audience. If this is done correctly your guests will leave with a desire to buy the speakers book or participate in one of their future programs.
Great speakers don’t have to waste time promoting their products on stage, because their presentation skills and industry knowledge do the talking for them. - Arriving Unprepared
Most of us have experienced an unprepared guest speaker. They are often the ones who read directly from their slides or seem easily flustered. Perhaps they can’t answer the questions asked of them at the end of the presentation, and overall seem a bit sloppy.
This is an unfortunate situation, not only for the speaker, but also for your guests and for you as the planner. As the manager of the event you should do your best to properly prep your speaker.
You could mention some of the topics you would like them to cover, the background or interests of the audience and the venue set up. This information will allow them to come in prepared and confident to speak to your audience! A confident speaker can work the room, provide the appropriate bit of humor and keep the group energized. - The Mobile Distraction
In today’s world, one of the easiest ways to zone out is by tinkering with our cell phones. We may be checking the weather, reading our email or even playing Candy Crush. But if we are looking at our phone, we most certainly aren’t listening to the presenter in the room.
Try taking the pulse of the room by evaluating how many of your guests are staring down at their phones and not up at your speaker. Chances are if this is a large percentage of your group, you need to find a new presenter. If your audience seems attentive and engaged your speaker is doing a great job and providing an intriguing program!
I will warn that some attendees may be taking notes on their phones or tablets, but you can normally tell the difference between an eager note taker and a distracted guest.
- Multiple Attendee Exits
One step further than a mobile distraction comes when your guests just simply stand up and exit the room. This is very common at conferences with multiple breakout sessions. Some sessions are packed, due to high quality topics and speakers. Other sessions may unfortunately start out too slow and thus lose the guests interest.
I will say that not every session is for everyone. However, if multiple guests are heading towards the door early, your speaker may be rather boring or unprepared. You might rethink hiring that speaker for a future event, or perhaps change up the topic they are presenting. - Post-Event Evaluations
Surveying your guests is a very simple and straightforward way to know if your attendees enjoyed your guest speaker. If a presenter is dull or unprepared your attendees will normally let you know in your post-event survey.
Try asking specific questions about the speaker, the presentation style and the topic chosen. All of this information and feedback will help make your future events better and assist you in preparing for the next presentation.
Ideas for Future Speakers
Utilize the feedback that your receive at each event to improve the experience of future attendees. Be sure to change up your topics, presenters and venues, especially if you run an annual event.
Visit other events and take note of what their speakers do well. Use this knowledge when hiring a speaker, or if you find someone great, ask if they will present at your event!
Asking other planners in your industry who they would recommend. This can be another great way to connect and build relationships with fellow planners, while also solving the problem of running up against a bad speaker.
In Conclusion
Finding a fabulous speaker can leave your attendees in awe of your event! The speaker you choose to hire can go a long way in making your event more valuable and enjoyable. Attendees who find value in your events will be easier to retain and they will help you to recruit new guests for future events.
Take your time, do your research and look out for the five warning signs above. You will be on your way to speaker success in no time!
(Social Coup LLC)