1. What are her credentials? What is her education level and field of study? What is her work experience? Has she published extensively in her area of expertise? Does her expertise relate to your group or organization’s field of endeavor, mission, or area of interest?
2. A great speaker does his homework! Will he prepare himself by learning as much as possible about your organization, its purpose, structure and activities? Can he effectively tailor his message and presentation style
3. What equipment and supplies will your speaker be using? What equipment and supplies will your organization need to provide for the speaker and/or meeting participants?
4. Will she offer practical solutions to enhance your company’s visibility, effectiveness, and profitability? Are they practical in today’s economic and cultural environment?
5. Is his presentation going to be thought provoking? Will his message stimulate new ideas, creative measures, and alternative avenues to achieve your group’s goals?
6. Will she weave great stories into her presentation that will inspire and motivate your people to accept new challenges, strive for excellence, and ultimately succeed?
7. How effective is he in using humor? Is it appropriate? Does it relate to what your organization is all about? Will it leave your participants rolling in the aisles, or at the very least, with beautiful smiles on their faces?
8. And most importantly, will your speaker’s presentation be designed and delivered in such a dynamic manner that it will culminate in a rousing and powerful call to action?
9. What about after the event? Will she provide any kind of follow-up support such as a Q&A session, additional resources, or a survey to measure the effectiveness of the presentation or training session?
10. And finally, how much will the speaker’s services cost? If you are the person in your organization that has been tasked to find a speaker, then you need to know how much money has been budgeted for this purpose. Professional speakers cost money. This is how they earn a living. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find an excellent one whose fee will fall within your group’s budget. Be prepared for the conversation.
Use these questions as guidelines when searching for a speaker. They will prove to be an invaluable tool in selecting an outstanding speaker who will meet your organization’s needs and have a positive influence on the success of your next meeting or event.
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