4 tips for choosing your next event speaker — part 2

English translation by Hugo Parker. French original. Originally published on 2018-08-30. This archive retains the observations and references of its time.

Hello again! Here’s the second part of my article on four tips for choosing your next speaker. I’m sharing four essential points to help you find the right speaker.  In the first part (link), we defined an engaging speaker and listed the must-haves for a modern presenter.  Now we’ll look at tools and ideas for creating an engaging experience, followed by how to prepare your speaker for the event.

3. Tools and ideas for creating an engaging experience

Regular event attendees are often the people most eager to learn and take part in a keynote. They’re active on   social media and use technology to expand their knowledge. They won’t hesitate to share an opinion or ask questions. As mentioned in part one, today’s attendees don’t simply want to sit and listen to a speaker. Technology can help keep them attentive and create direct interaction. An engaging speaker will use suitable apps to connect people with the subject and with your event. Instead of using their phones to disconnect from the session, they can use them to participate in an immersive, distinctive experience. Here are some of my favourite tools for creating that experience: 

A better microphone experience

There’s little more tedious than a basic Q&A where a microphone is passed from one side of the room to the other. To avoid losing time and attention, you could ask attendees to download Crowdmics. The app turns their smartphones into microphones. Another option is a Catchbox: a soft cube containing a microphone, which people can throw around the room for a more playful experience.

Live polling and crowdsourcing

Another way to involve people is an app for live voting, live chat and similar features. I’ve tested several and recommend Slido. In my experience, it’s the most complete option. If you use event management software, ask whether it has a dedicated polling app or an integration with another provider. Being able to bring the results together makes post-event analysis easier.

A different, more dynamic room layout

Break away from standard meeting and conference room layouts! Theatre and cabaret aren’t your only options. Try high tables, beanbags, outdoor sessions, walking meetings or a layout of your own. If you’ve tried something creative, share your experience in the comments.  

Give your audience a choice

If you suspect the audience won’t be very lively during a traditional Q&A, let them shape part of the agenda. At registration, explain that you’d like to replace the usual questions with a session on a subject they choose. Ask them to vote — a first step towards participation — and leave space for an open suggestion. Your audience is one of your most valuable sources of information and may suggest a topic you hadn’t considered.

4. Preparing your speaker properly

Collaboration

If you want the speaker to match your event’s theme and tone, you need to work together beforehand. Hiring a good speaker isn’t enough to guarantee everything will run smoothly. Preparing the talk is key. The speaker is one element of a much larger event and appears for a relatively short time. You’re the one who knows the audience, the objectives and the tone you want to set. 

AV equipment

Address technical requirements from the start. Will the speaker bring a laptop? What connections will it need? What type of microphone do they prefer — lapel, handheld, standing, headset or none? Will they use video? Which presentation software do they use? Do they need internet access? Getting answers early avoids unnecessary stress and extra costs on the day.

Conclusion

An engaging speaker is someone who makes an impact on both your audience and your event. The distinctive experience you create for your guests will build a stronger connection. What have been your best experiences with conference speakers? Share them below.