Handling A Motivational Keynote Speaker

By Christine Price


The pinnacle of every conference is the address by the invited guest. This speech makes a conference memorable by either setting the tone or crystallizing the theme. A motivational keynote speaker provides the signature address that defines the success or failure of a conference. How best do you handle the guest so that the address becomes successful?

Every conference has a unique theme and set up. The audience has particular expectations based on composition and purpose of congregating. As such, you should identify a guest who can deliver to these expectations. Such a person must command authority and be regarded in high esteem by the participants. This is the only way his or her speech will have an impact on participants.

A guest who withdraws or feels like an appendix of a conference will not deliver to your expectations. You need to brief the speaker in advance to enable him prepare the right content for the theme and participants. Guests should understand the journeys of participants and have personal encounters with them. It is from understanding their challenges that you can lift them through motivation.

Speakers have addressed other conferences and gatherings in the past. Each speaker also has a unique style and specialization. Most have written books and produced videos, among other materials. The guest must be made aware of the need to tailor the materials being used to suit the audience. You will avoid a scenario where guests use your conference to advance personal courses.

To motivate people you must engage with them as close as possible. Find a speaker who is ready to come down to this level of engagement. It is through engagement that one identifies the needs of his audience. Organizations and employees are always on a journey. The speech should perfectly suit the situation that participants face in their daily life. Such understanding makes the engagement relevant.

There are instances where guests take over meetings and overshadow the main theme or intentions of the organization. It should be understood that regardless of the stature of a guest, concern and attention remains focused on participants. Guests should devote adequate time to listen to discussions in order to understand the needs of their audience. You need guests who are genuinely interested in the conference other than popping in and out.

Before engaging any speaker, you must agree on the fees, deposit payment and any other revenue arising from the meeting. The price tag for some speakers is very high. Others charge a reasonable amount on condition that they will sell their merchandise at the conference. These are some of the details to be discussed before entering into any contract.

Speakers ignite the mood of conferences but must never be allowed to overshadow the main theme or purpose of the conference. The engagements must be negotiated without forcing your guest to get out of character or allowing him to take over the meeting and run his own agenda. All activities and engagements must be geared towards lifting the spirits of participants.




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