4 tips for choosing your next event speaker — part 1

English translation by Hugo Parker. French original. Originally published on 2018-08-14. This archive retains the observations and references of its time.

You want to organise a major event with engaging, motivating speakers who create a distinctive connection between your brand and your audience. But how do you make that happen? Here are four essential things to consider when looking for the right speaker.  This article comes in two parts. First, we’ll look at what makes an engaging speaker and   the must-haves for a modern speaker.  Then we’ll explore tools and ideas for creating an engaging experience, followed by how to prepare your speaker for the event.

1. What makes an engaging speaker?

Start by changing the way you think about your events. Most events can no longer rely on the traditional format: a speaker standing in front of an audience and talking through a PowerPoint presentation. That’s no longer enough! As event managers, we’re looking for someone charismatic who can hold the audience’s attention. To engage people, you need a speaker who creates a distinctive atmosphere. Find that person and they’ll increase audience participation and help you build a stronger relationship with your guests. Technology is part of everyday life, so it needs a place in presentations and speeches too. Presenting means connecting with your audience and keeping that connection alive throughout the session. The combination of interpersonal skills and technology can be one of the keys to a successful presentation.

2. Speaker must-haves

Tell a story

An inspiring speaker should be a compelling storyteller, with a natural presence that draws people in and holds their attention. They should know how to work with an audience through body language and make transitions between subjects feel natural. They won’t simply read their slides: they’ll take the audience on a journey through storytelling.  The best speakers take time to understand their audience and its dynamics, then adapt quickly to live reactions.

Be comfortable with technology

A modern speaker should feel comfortable with new technologies and be willing to incorporate them into a presentation. They need to keep up with developments so they don’t fall behind — and so do you! When it comes to slides, less is more, while expectations for an event experience supported by new technology are high. Participation is becoming central to events. People no longer want to sit back and watch; they want to help shape the session and join the discussion. That’s why crowdsourcing and live voting matter. These tools connect the audience with the speaker and with the content. They give people a chance to share their views and participate through Q&As, live polls or reactions on social media.

Be flexible

A speaker needs to adapt their talk in response to the audience. Look for someone experienced enough to read both verbal and non-verbal signals. There is one practical point to bear in mind: timing. A speaker who adjusts their presentation in the moment may affect your entire event schedule. If you want someone flexible and experienced, you need to be flexible too.

Share the same interests

This point is essential, even if it seems obvious. Your speaker should share your interest in the event’s subject. The same applies to you. I’d find it very difficult to organise an event on a subject that doesn’t interest or inspire me. And when a speaker is interested in your brand or project, they’re more likely to promote it through their own network.

End of part one

I’ll leave you to think about these first two points. In the second part, we’ll look at preparing your speaker and creating an engaging experience. See you soon!  Continue reading: 4 tips for choosing your next event speaker — part 2