Most events and trade shows have a pro keynote speaker. This person is often an expert on a topic which helps many conference attendees consolidate the overall purpose and focus of the event. Below are some things that a company should consider when choosing to host or sponsor a professional keynote speaker:
Remember, people have a limited attention span - If you bill an event as sizty minutes, then remind the speaker that they have sixty minutes to present. Offer to give time signals to keep it on track, or go in to cut it off as necessary. Don't let them go over time. Although more of a good thing seems like it could be allright, if people are told sixty minutes, then they will expect a sixty minute presentation. A rule of consulting is that you can always give time back, but you can't ever expect the client to offer up more. Why should your audience be expected to?
Don't just pick a topic expert, pick someone who can talk - Too often, people attend expert lectures and are forced to suffer through monotone speeches where they've tuned the speaker out ten minutes into the talk. Remember, how they speak is just as important as what they are saying. You may be able to find video archives of a speaker presenting. If possible, make yourself familiar with the styles of the keynote speakers in consideration.
Maintain control of the situation - Many people who are keynote speakers have a star mentality, and believe that you are there to serve them. Remember, you are the one pushing their performance, and therefore you are the one helping to further their careers just as they are helping to sponsor your event. It's a two way street, but the difference in power is that you can always hire someone else. Be firm and up front about what is expected, and don't let them make changes or alterations at the last minute unless necessary. Also, have a negotiated contract finished up front, and always make sure it's one that you are both comfortable with.
Stay on topic - Reinforce that the speaker is there to speak on a certain theme, and that the theme has been advertised ahead of time. If this becomes an issue, refer to their contract or find a new speaker. Having inconsistencies in theme and presentation can show a subtle unprofessional vibe concerning the event that you don't want clients to see.
Do your homework - Never take the speaker's word on how good they are; instead ask around and find out what others in the field are saying. Are clients happy with the speaker's work? Does the speaker keep people entertained, and most importantly, are they able to answer questions about their topic? Many people can rehearse a lecture to the point of sounding perfectly comfortable with the topic, but crumble when put up to questions. Make sure they really are an expert. Ask for credentials, licenses and other supporting information before signing them on.
Regardless of the nature your event, remember to keep on-topic, speak to your audience and most of all, make it engaging and enjoyable.
M. H. "Mac" McIntosh is described by many as one of America's leading B2B marketing and sales consultants and an expert on sales leads. Put Mac to work for you as a marketing speaker or for business-to-business marketing consulting. Sign up for his business marketing newsletter-- FREE!
Orignal From: The Right Way To Find A Professional Keynote Speaker For Your Conference
No comments:
Post a Comment