Hiring Event Speakers: What to Consider Before Deciding

Choosing the right event speakers is vital to any successful occasion. Event speakers can make or break an event, either by entertaining the audience and captivating their attention or by boring them to tears and making them check their watches every few minutes. Therefore, it is essential to pick the right speaker to ensure your event’s success.

Here are a few factors to consider before selecting an event speaker:

Relevance

It would be best to find an event speaker whose field or experience relates to the theme or goal of the event. For instance, if the event is about agriculture, the ideal speaker would be someone with a background in farming, agribusiness research, or a related field. Relevance increases the speaker’s credibility and his/her ability to connect with the audience, making the speech more impactful.

Budget

Hiring event speakers can be expensive, especially if they come with an already established reputation. However, a big name does not always mean the best fit for your specific event. Ensure the speaker’s fee is reasonable and that you have a budget allocation for an event speaker before inviting them to speak. Some speakers may have different payment rates based on the size, date, and location of an event. Remember that sometimes lesser-known but equally effective speakers can be a more budget-friendly choice.

Expertise

Determine the amount of expertise the speaker has in delivering speeches. How long have they been speaking? What is their style of group engagement? Can they create a story out of difficult-to-relate topics? Look for evidence of the speaker’s expertise – testimonials from reputable individuals, a strong online presence, or well-known publications – to choose someone who can deliver high-quality content.

Availability

It is crucial to confirm a speaker’s availability before sending a formal invitation because a busy schedule could cause scheduling conflicts with your event. Ensure that the speaker’s availability aligns with your event’s dates and time. You should also confirm that the speaker can attend your event in person, or if a virtual presentation can be an option.

Audience demographics

The audience’s demographic groups can affect the style of the speaker, and this is something you need to consider. For example, young adults require more modern, engaging, and interactive presentations compared to older adults who may value traditional, informative presentations. This aspect will determine the type of event speakers you should select.

Energy and Personality

The right speaker should not only have expert knowledge of the topic but also be energetic enough to keep the audience interested and engaged throughout the speech. The speaker’s personality will also play a significant role in how well they connect with the audience, so you should gauge this by watching a video of them speaking or by arranging a brief meeting or phone call.

Event speakers should be chosen with care and consideration based upon their expertise, budget, availability, style, and ability to engage the audience effectively. The right speaker can positively impact the event and enhance the overall attendee’s experience. However, a wrong choice can have the opposite effect and negatively impact the event. Therefore, take a thoughtful and proactive approach when hiring the speaker for your next big event.