Selecting a keynote speaker

Whether you are planning an event, or a conference you may look at hiring a keynote speaker. At events and conferences, often there will be a number of different speakers. A keynote speaker is the highlight speaker. Just like a main band at a concert!

How do I select a keynote speaker?

Whatever you are trying to find a professional speaker weighs on a lot of decisions. Who will be attending your event? What sort of people are they Do your clients do business? Are you expecting members of the public? Are they part of a particular niche? For example you might have an event for 100 sales people. A sports speaker might not be the best choice. However what about a sales or business speaker? Or perhaps even a motivational speaker would be brilliant for a sales audience.

Keynote speakers- where to find them

Locating the correct keynote speaker can be hard. Two main ways of finding a keynote speaker. You could go direct. Say if you needed a sports speaker, you could find their agent. Most keynote speakers will have their own website with contact details. So simply enter their name into Google, and you should find a contact number or email.

Don’t pick a speaker too quickly

Why go for the first speaker you encounter? After dinner speaker and keynote speaking is a growing business. You wouldn’t believe for example the amount of retired sports stars that take on a career of making keynote speeches. Back to choosing a keynote speaker, research and research again your speaker E.g. a speaker that makes rude jokes wouldn’t be a good idea for an event attending by children!

File down your speakers

Make a shortlist of around half a dozen. Now you at least have some choice. Then you can contact the speakers for pricing and availability one by one.

Why should I go through an agency?

A different approach is going through an agency. Agencies such as Speakers Associates, specialise in sourcing keynote speakers. Not only can they do all the arrangements and negotiations for you, but they can also pick the right speaker for you. This advice is absolutely vital. An agent can ask what sort of event you are putting on, and instead of you having to go away and research, They’ll do the hard work and find the perfect speaker.

Organising the event

The key to a successful event is good organisation. A reliable speaker and strict itinerary are a must. Having the relevant contracts in place is also paramount. Think if your speaker didn’t turn up on the day of the event! Doing this properly and using an agency can help avoid this.

Make sure you enjoy the day, whether it’s an event or conference. And remember – choosing the best keynote speaker is crucial to a successful impression on your clients.

Tags: keynote speaker, keynote speakers, motivational speakers, public speakers, speakers