How to Choose the Perfect Speaker for your Event

If you are organising an industry, corporate or public event, you may be wondering how to choose between the array of talented speakers on the circuit today. Finding the perfect speaker can be time-consuming and require network connections that the average person may not have – therefore, many organisers choose to go through a speaker’s bureau.

Here is our comprehensive, step-by-step guide to finding the right speaker for your event.

STEP ONE: KNOW YOUR EVENT INSIDE OUT

Before you can start searching for a speaker, you will first need to consider what type of event you are organising. Think about such logistical values, like your budget and date, as well as the purpose and theme of the occasion. Then, you can decide which style of speaker would best suit your needs.

Types of Events:

Check out our comprehensive list of events below - which category does yours fall in?

Awards Ceremonies – These events are highly anticipated celebrations of excellence, whether in sport, business or more. As such, both the host and awards presenters you choose must leave audiences star struck and be confident enough to guide the event from start to finish.

Charity Fundraisers – For many charities, fundraisers are key to their survival. Such events are commonly organised by businesses or organisers who are committed to their local charities, and require an engaging, entertaining presenter to balance the event’s serious purpose.

Corporate Workshops – If a business is lacking the communication and interpersonal connections that it needs to thrive, corporate workshops cut through the awkward atmosphere to produce a high-performance team. These events therefore require an expert in workplace culture, leadership, or teamwork.

Webinars & Virtual Events – Having recently exploded in popularity following the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, webinars combine accessibility with results. Virtual speakers must be able to engage with viewers from around the world, and supply a visually engaging, technologically advanced demonstration.

Conferences – Conferences, especially industry conferences, attract professionals from around the world to attend. They are the perfect platform for keynote speakers, as the entire purpose of a conference is to explore a specific topic, for example, the potential for financial technology.

Office Parties – Whether arranged to celebrate a company milestone or simply end the year with a bang, office parties are a staple of corporate life. Many speakers infuse relatable comedy into their speeches, to create both an informative and unforgettably entertaining experience.

Product Launches – Launches draw attention to the release of a new product or service and are a great way to build excitement prior to its release. Speakers who represent the product’s industry are a great way to add credibility to both the business, and their merchandise.

Once you have understood your event’s purpose and target audience, you will be one step closer to deciding which topics you want your chosen speaker to discuss. If you are toying between several topics, an experienced speaker’s bureau will be able to suggest subjects of conversation suited to your unique occasion, and the ideal speakers to fulfil such a purpose.

STEP TWO: FIND YOUR STYLE OF SPEAKER

So, you have settled on a type of event, and have an idea of its brief, what is next? It is now important for you to choose the right type of speaker for your theme or purpose, resulting in the most impact made on attendees.

With such a wealth of options available, let us explore just some of the most popular speakers on the circuit.

BUSINESS SPEAKERS

Thanks to their invaluable corporate knowledge, business speakers have enjoyed widespread popularity on the speaking circuit. Relying on their industry know-how, these speakers are often able to impart transformative advice on achieving business success in a wide array of sectors. Self-made billionaires such as Lord Alan Sugar are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on audiences, serving as an inspiration to professionals from all walks of life.

SPORTS SPEAKERS

Discussing their personal journeys to success, sports speakers often appeal to both sports enthusiasts and casual listeners. From football stars to cricket icons and Olympic legends, the range of personalities available is enough to catch the attention of even the most demanding of audiences. Sports speakers such as Harry Redknapp can add a real star quality to any occasion, ensuring that audiences never forget an evening with their favourite athletes.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS

Though motivational speakers approach their subject from many different backgrounds, the purpose of these speakers is always the same – to leave audiences inspired, invigorated, and eager to put what they have learnt into practice. Influential figures like transgender icon Kellie Maloney can leave a lasting impression on guests, as her story of resilience in the face of adversity inspires people to overcome hurdles in their own lives.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Commonly booked for industry exhibitions and conferences, keynote speakers are experts on a specific topic. They have dedicated their professional lives to a specific industry, making them authorities on finance, technology, business and more. Whatever these speakers specialise in, choosing a knowledgeable professional, like Apple’s former Creative Director Ken Segall, adds credibility and authenticity to events.

Check out the Benefits of Booking a Keynote Speaker, to discover why you should hire an industry expert for your event.

AFTER DINNER SPEAKERS

After dinner speakers strike the balance between entertaining and enlightening guests. Their anecdotes stem from the dizzying heights of mainstream or corporate fame, to ensure that audiences are thoroughly star struck! These speakers are booked to complement the catering and entertainment, creating a well-rounded event for guests to enjoy – therefore, celebrities like former Olympian Kriss Akabusi are the obvious choice for many organisers.

Interested in after dinner speakers? Read our dedicated guide – What is an After Dinner Speaker & Why Do People Book Them? – today!

AND MORE!

The above are just a small selection of the speakers we have on offer, here at Champions Speakers. From niche topics, like Big Data speakers, to such emerging forms of entertainment as webinar speakers, there truly is a personality for every event. Whether you already have a speaker in mind or are open to suggestions, our team are on-hand to research, source and book the perfect figure for your unique occasion.

STEP THREE: CONTACT A SPEAKER’S AGENCY

The final step to finding the perfect speaker, is to contact a speaker’s agency. As industry professionals, we are committed to the needs of our clients and the impact of our speakers, ensuring that a partnership with Champions results in an unforgettable event. With connections from across the globe, we have direct access to thousands of speakers – why spend precious time searching through options when our team of booking agents can do it for you?

Interested? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Booking A Speaker for Your Event, to discover our industry-leading process of consulting, sourcing, and booking the perfect speaker for you.

To find out more, simply contact the Champions Speakers agency by filling in our online contact form or by calling a booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553. From there, a representative will discuss your event’s requirements and source a selection of speakers for you to choose from – it could not be easier!