The Best Way To Handle 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?

The setting and theme of every meeting are unique. Expectations from participants depend on the purpose of the conference and its composition. It is these expectations that should guide you on the guest to invite. The most preferred candidate is one who is held in high esteem by participants and can command authority. In essence, such a person should be a role model for his speech to make an impact.

Guests should merge with participants other than appearing like appendixes. To facilitate this assimilation, brief your speaker adequately before he or she makes a presentation. With such briefing, it is easier for him to prepare relevant content in terms of audience and theme. Crucial motivation briefing involves understanding the situation of your audience. The morale of the audience is easier to lift if the situation is well known.

Popular speakers have a unique delivery style after attending numerous conferences. They also have signature content and have produced such materials are pamphlets, books, videos, etc. If not checked, such materials and messages are likely to overshadow your main theme and derail your conference. Insist that the gathering be guided by the general theme and check so that the guest does not promote his agenda through your conference.

Close engagement is important for motivation purposes. Speakers should be ready to mingle with participants in order to understand their needs. Since each participant has a personal struggle that needs attention, close interactions will assist speakers to easily identify with the challenges of individual members of a group. Close encounters shape the speech by guests such that it reflects personal encounters. The engagements will be more meaningful and 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.

The mood of a conference will largely be determined by the enthusiasm and preparation of the invited guest. Regardless of the stature and style of presentation, control must remain with the organizers. The style and uniqueness of your chosen guest should enhance your agenda other than overshadow it. Presentation, attention and deliberations should center on participants.




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