If youβre at all familiar with event planning, you probably know the challenge of selecting the perfect keynote speaker or celebrity speaker. Finding the balance of someone that has that βcelebrityβ factor, as well as great stage presence is tough.Β Combine that with the need for a motivational or fascinating message to connect with your delegates. You now have yourself a real challenge. Speakers are charismatic and convincing by nature, so separating the good from the bad isnβt easy.Β They will also likely be one of the eventβs larger expenses, you you need to draw maximum value for money.
Here are four points to ensure your delegates remember your speaker (for the right reasons).
Be clear on the purpose of the event
Who exactly is your audience? Are they presenting in-person or webcasting?Β What is the messaging of the event?Β What are your ideal βtake homeβ objectives? Do you want your audience to be informed by the speakerβs specific expertise, or do you want a celebrity to simply motivate your audience? When youβre clear on these points, youβll have a better chance of finding someone who offers you real value.
Budget early, budget well
Letβs face it, when looking for a celebrity speaker, weβd love to flip through the pages of a magazine or pick someone from television.Β The issue with that strategy is that celebrities with such a profile do come at a cost. Because of this, itβs imperative youβre clear on your speaker budget and youβve communicated this with your agent.Β This will ensure you avoid being overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) with recommendations. Yes, celebrities can command greater authority, but you donβt always need an A-lister to best get your point across to your audience.
Strive for a love connection
Choosing the right speaker means matching their persona with your audience. For example, if the room is going to be full of female business professionals, will they connect most effectively to a male athlete talking about their success in motor sport? The more niche your speakerβs specialty, the greater the risk that your speaker will be mismatched. If your audience is varied or unpredictable, consider engaging a professional facilitator. These speakersβ specialty is to adapt quickly and effectively to whomever their audience may be, and strike that elusive balance between engaging, informative and humorous.
Stage presence is EVERYTHING
Many celebrity speakers tell a good story, or are skilled at working to camera, but itβs important to know that your speaker actually has stage presence and messaging value for money. Ask a serial conference delegate about any βtrain wrecksβ by a celebrity speaker and theyβll likely have one or two to talk about. The best way to mitigate the risk of a sub-par performance is to rely on previous jobs. A great booking agent will be honest and open about who does the job well, and who doesnβt.
Now go forth and inspire!
A great celebrity or keynote speaker really does have the power to make or break a conference or event. Use your Booker and be clear on your needs as outlined above. In doing so, you wonβt just avoid a flop, youβll be your clientβs hero.