Professional conference speakers

Clear Speaking

Professional speakers are much more than talking heads when it comes to a successful conference program.

Just as the best presentation can be ruined by a faulty microphone or the noise of a nearby construction site, the choice of speaker is essential to the final perception your delegates have of the event. There is a reasonable expectation by participants that there will be at least one polished performance from which they can draw information, motivation, wisdom or entertainment.

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Professional or semi-professional speakers are mostly listed with the main Australian speaker bureaus, though some work exclusively with a particular bureau.
When dealing with a speaker bureau, it is important that you understand their role. In particular, they should provide you with objective advice as to the speaker most suitable to you. There are many other services, however ñ they should provide you with support material, including an up-to-date profile, introduction, photograph, and promotional copy for your brochures. Further, they should book flights, provide an after hours service, and they should ñ if applicable ñ have relationships with international bureaus.

BRIEFING A BUREAU

Give as much detail as possible. Where appropriate, include an audience breakdown; speakers you have had in the past (and how you felt about them); the issues you'd like the speaker to address; issues that should not be addressed; the timing, location and length of the presentation; and who else will be speaking. When discussing the budget, be frank and ask for advice if you are not sure ñ remember that there are high quality, relatively inexpensive speakers available.

SHOULD I GO FOR A 'BIG NAME'?

Your decision depends on what you wish to achieve. A big-name speaker can be used to attract people to your event or reward them for a successful year, as well as delivering an excellent speech. If you are solely interested in the delivery of a critical message, then it may be that a big name is not important. Your bureau will guide you through this and give you examples of varying profiles, styles and fees.

ìIt may be that the most appropriate person has achieved in some other way ñ it is important always that your speaker has their own credibility. Some of the best speakers may not fall into the big-name category says Winston Broadbent, CEO of Saxton Speaker Bureau, the largest speaker bureau in the world outside the United States.

SHOULD I ENGAGE A PROFESSIONAL FACILITATOR?

It depends on your event, but there is much an external professional has to offer. The facilitator provides an objective view and creates a context for the speakers. Remember, all sorts of people can facilitate or MC when things go well ñ it is when things go wrong or don't run to plan that the quality facilitator or MC comes into their own.

SHOULD MY SPEAKER BE A SURPRISE?

This is an important consideration. Sometimes it's quite appropriate that a speaker attend the event just like a normal delegate, while in different circumstances it is good to build an air of excitement and a buzz about the keynote presenter.

In the latter case, it is probably best to keep the speaker under wraps until after the presentation. It's always good if the speaker can be persuaded to stay until at least the first tea break to allow delegates to approach him or her informally.

If a speaker is donating his or her services, a gift is appropriate and some effort should be expended to find our what would most appreciated. The ìhired gunî should have no such expectation, but a courtesy token is probably well received.