If you need a keynote or guest speaker for a special event, you are first going to need to find the speaker. Once you find the speaker, you need to know how and what you need to communicate with the speaker to pull off a great event.
Trick #1: Schedule Pre-Event Calls
Once you hire a guest speaker, you are going to want to have a couple of pre-event calls with the speaker. During the pre-event calls, you are going to want to share the primary objective of your event with the speaker. You are going to want to share with the speaker what you want people at your event to get from the message.
A pre-event phone call allows the speaker to share their ideas about the address with you. It will enable them to ask clarifying questions about your organization or business and the people who will be attending the event.
These phone calls will help both of you get to know each other, which should help the speaker deliver a more personal message. A more personal message will help ensure the audience connects with and responds to the message, which is what you want from a guest speaker.
Trick #2: Communicate about the Event Expectations
Second, you need to make sure that you communicate the expectations for the event. For example, how much time are you giving the guest speaker to deliver the speech? What types of supporting equipment will you offer the guest speaker? Will they have access to put up images, video, and audio, or will you have more of a barebones set-up? The speaker needs to know what the set-up looks like so they can make sure their presentation will work.
Do you expect the speaker to mingle and talk with event attendees? Will you be holding a dinner or other events you want the speaker to attend? Don't just assume the speaker will mingle or go to a special dinner; you need to explicitly ask them to do so and let them know what you expect and want from them. This will help everyone be on the same page.
Trick #3: Meet Personally with the Speaker
Finally, it is important to meet personally with the speaker. Generally, when you hire a guest speaker, they are flying in from out of town to attend your event. Consider sending someone to personally pick up the speaker when they arrive in town. Consider offering to host the speaker for lunch or dinner when they arrive in a small group setting. You want to help personalize the relationship and the connection and make sure the speaker feels welcome.
When working with a guest speaker for a keynote or other type of address, it is important to take the time to establish a relationship with the speaker so you both can get the most out of the experience.
For more information, reach out to a guest speaker service.
