Did you know the average keynote speaker in the US earns approximately $143,762 per year? This figure shows the demand for these professionals who can give important speeches to your staff and clients.
But, what should you look for when hiring a keynote speaker? If you make the wrong decision, you could spend a considerable amount of money only to find your team are bored and not really listening to the speech. Luckily, there are some factors that that separate the best keynote speakers from their rivals.
Let’s dive in and learn more about finding your ideal keynote speaker.
1. Set a Budget
There can be huge variations in the costs of hiring keynote speakers. Therefore, it’s vital to set a budget before your begin searching the market. You can then approach agencies representing speakers and ask who they have available that is within your price range.
2. Ask for Recommendations
It’s not always easy to know where to hire a keynote speaker, but you can ask colleagues and clients if they know of high-quality orators. Many people will have attended similar types of events to the one you are hosting, and could point you in the direction of recommended keynote speakers that are ideal for your requirements.
3. Check Their Expertise and Experience
A keynote speaker could exaggerate their experience, so it’s important to confirm their resume and references. However, this can be difficult and time-consuming. To reduce hassle, you may prefer to work with a professional company that can carry out these tasks on your behalf. If you’d like to learn about hiring a keynote speaker from a top-class agency, you read more at mollieplotkingroup.com.
4. Align Your Expectations
You need to confirm the expectations of each party before contracts are signed. For example, an entertaining keynote speaker may be used to telling interesting stories for no more than half an hour, but you may require them to talk for sixty minutes.
You should also ask about the content of the speech to ensure it meets your needs. These could relate to motivational content, a factual recounting of inspiring events, or tales that have deep meaning. Discussing these requirements at an early stage can eliminate the potential for any disputes after the speaking event.
5. Confirm Their Requirements
When you find the best keynote speaker, you need to ensure you have everything in place for them to perform at their best. For example, if they are coming from another city they may require assistance booking transport and accommodation. When your guest speaker arrives at the venue, they may also need a projector, or their microphone set to a certain height.
You can make your speaker feel more comfortable by paying attention to these types of details.
Take Your Time When Hiring a Keynote Speaker
When you’re hiring a keynote speaker, it’s vital to have a budget to avoid spending time chasing options that will turn out to be overly expensive. You should also check if anyone you know has had a fantastic experience listening to a particular speaker, and confirm that your preferred choice has experience providing the services you require.
When you’ve found your ideal speaker, you’ll be delighted you took the time to ask the right questions before they took the stage at your event.
If this article has helped you choose a keynote speaker, be sure to browse more great posts in our Business and Entertainment sections before you go.