There are over 400,000 professional motivational speakers in the U.S, which shows there are plenty of options to choose from.
Hiring a guest speaker is a great way to generate a buzz, offer a creative form of entertainment, and educate your audience. But with so many available, it can be difficult to find the perfect match for your next event. Perhaps you’re currently in this situation and you have no idea where to start.
Sounds like you? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Here are seven tips to help you find a great motivational speaker.
1. Outline Your Goals
Before browsing speakers for the business industry, outline your goals. You may want one to educate your employees about a specific topic or help raise funds for your organization’s charity. Once you cover your objectives, it’ll be easier to narrow down a list of potential motivational speakers and bring your event to life.
2. Know Your Audience
When hiring a speaker, knowing your audience is a must. Consider the demographic of your audience so you can find a candidate who will connect with them. If you’re struggling with ideas, ask your team for suggestions so you get an idea of the speaking style that works.
3. Find a Keynote Speaker
There are hundreds of places to find keynote speakers, especially online. Start by finding leaders in your industry and checking out their social media. You can also see which type of content is trending so you can find speakers that align with your target audience.
4. Read Reviews
When you’re set on a keynote speaker, read reviews of past clients. Although several negative comments are inevitable, you want a candidate who has left a lasting impression on their audience. You should also ask the speaker directly for references for peace of mind.
5. Watch Candidates In Person
To have a successful speaker event, watch candidates speak in person. If there aren’t any upcoming conferences, watch YouTube videos to see whether they are engaging and professional. You should also consider the audience’s reaction to seeing if the speaker is worth your time and money.
6. Choose a Date
Speakers are often booked in advance so plan ahead. This will give you and the speaker enough time to prepare a great speech. You should also choose a date where most people are available such as a weekday evening or weekend.
7. Ask Questions
When you meet each candidate, come prepared with questions. For instance, ask about the speaker’s fees and payment requirements. You should also ask whether the speaker has any staging requirements and how they will involve the audience throughout the event.
Hire a Motivational Speaker Today
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’re ready to hire a motivational speaker for your next event.
There are multiple factors to consider when hiring a speaker such as outlining your goals and understanding what your audience wants. You should also book in advance and watch them in person to see whether they’re suitable for your event. Good luck!
Found this article helpful? Great! Then check out the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks.
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