1. Understanding the needs of your audience
What do you want your audience to achieve or receive as a result of having a guest speaker? What issues do they want to address? What problems do they want solved?
2. Establish the date, time and budget of the event
Begin looking for a speaker as soon as the date to employ a speaker has been decided. Many speakers have bookings a year in advance. Take into consideration how much time you have to fill when hiring a speaker. In addition consider what you are willing or able to pay for a speaker.
3. Ascertain the type of speaker who will best match the needs of your audience
Find the right speaker to meet your own personal requirements. Every group has a “personality”. Therefore matching the right person to your own group is just as important as getting the right message across.
4 Finding a speaker
A quick Google search is an easy option when looking for a speaker. Check speaker references and past client comments to ensure you have the right speaker for your event. In addition ask colleagues for their own recommendations.
5. Interview your speaker candidates
Help them understand the requirements of your audience. Get references and any awards or certificates they have received through being a speaker.
6. Select your speaker
Professional speakers realize that your reputation is riding on their performance. Moreover when choosing a speaker; consider that you are not just paying for the time the speaker is on the stage but also for the time spent preparing the presentation.
7. Get it in writing
It is important that you have a letter of agreement or contract that clearly specifies the expectations for you and your speaker.
9. Set the stage
Stay on schedule. A professional speaker is able to adapt, however keeping your program on schedule will allow your audience to get the full impact of the program you have created for them. In addition getting the correct amount of chairs and how they are arranged is very important as is room temperature and lighting.
10. Evaluate the results
Get your audience to evaluate the speaker and the results of the session. This will benefit you when planning for future programs. Send the copies of the evaluations to your speaker.