How To Pluck The Best Speakers

I have to pick speakers for multiple conferences including my own. 

Many of you have to pick speakers for your events and conferences.  Why is it so important?  Often your career and reputation is on the line for the choices you make.

Here are my secrets to pluck the best speakers:

1. Know What You Want – Take the time to clearly define what it is that you want from your speaker to your valued audience.  The more you know, the more likely to get what you want.  The best speakers becomes experts in a niche so they provide the most value.
2. See Them – I don’t hire any speaker I don’t see speak live.  From there I can assess what audience they might be best for.
3. Goosebumps Don’t Lie – A speaker has to move me emotionally.  When you get goosebumps from a speaker, pay attention!  Something special is there.
4. Watch Who They Are Offstage – The best speakers work harder offstage than onstage.  Are they great and easy to work with?  Do they show up early for AV and tech check?  Do they research their audience.  Do they customize?  Do they stick around after the keynote?  Do they take care of your guests?
5. Check Them Out – Watch their speaker reel.  Look at their social media.  Find out what awards and certifications they have.  Did you know only 400 active speakers have the National Speakers Association’s Certified Speaking Professional?  And even less have their Hall of Fame designation?  Ask and call their referrals.

I hope these tips help you be the star of your next meeting or conference with people thanking you and saying, “Where did you find this person? YOU DID A GREAT JOB!”