Hiring a speaker is an important process, but one that can be quite demanding and stressful. When looking for a keynote speaker, it is important to find an experienced speaker who is able to adjust their performance to different subjects, and that are able to meet time requirements and the specific needs of an event.
You also need to think about details like expenses and technical issues, as well as whether there are any back up choices that can be approached if an original speaker cannot make the booking. In all these cases, it is worth using a speaker bureau, who will provide support and expertise for covering different problems and queries. Some of the key things you need to know when looking for an after dinner speaker consequently include:
1 – Range of Knowledge
If holding a specific event for a profession, you want to find an after dinner speaker that has a range of knowledge suited to that event. However, it is important to find someone that has a wide set of subjects that they can speak on with some authority, while also being able to lighten the mood of an event with jokes and anecdotes.
2 – Experience
Ideally, the speakers that you hire will be experienced and able to deal with any problems that might arise during the course of an event. However, this might not always be the case, and you need to weigh up whether you’d rather take a risk on a more inexperienced speaker if they’ve had positive notices from an agency or other clients.
3 – Flexibility of Subject
The best after dinner speakers are those who tailor their speeches to the needs of different events. You may want a speaker who will tell more anecdotes, or you might want someone that can deliver a topical keynote address that shows the extent of their specialist knowledge.
4 – Flexibility over Time
Speakers may have a prepared speech that runs to a particular time, but most will be able to fit around your event schedule. Provide this information well ahead of an event, and make sure that there are enough opportunities to make up time if there are any last minute problems to resolve.
5 – Expenses
Different speakers will have different needs depending on their cost and past arrangements with an agency. You may have to arrange for a hotel, as well as transport to and from a venue, as well as for food and expenses, and the size of a preparation area. Some speaker agencies will have a ‘capped expenses’ policy for extra reassurance to the client that expenses will not spiral out of control.
6 – Technical Issues
It’s always worth specifying technical issues well in advance of a speaker arriving at a venue. By doing so, it is possible to test out slides, projectors and microphones, and to arrange to have a technician handy on the day or night to fix any problems.
7 – Interaction with an Audience
Some speakers will be happy to take questions and interact with an audience after their speech. Make sure, though, that the structure of the night is checked with them first to see what they’re comfortable with.
8 – Back Up Choices
This may seem like something of a nightmare scenario if you’ve already spent a lot of money on promotion, but sometimes an after dinner speaker will have to cancel an event due to an emergency. In this case, it is worth arranging for some back up choices that can step in at relatively short notice. Inspiring Speakers Bureau will be ready to organize a suitable replacement speaker at short notice.
