Ok, yesterdays thread was about why you should consider public speaking as part of your marketing strategy and I am pleased the conversation continued on 4Networking and here on ecademy. Thanks to all who contributed.
Next I want to talk about how you can make yourself attractive to event organisers and make it easy for them to work with you! First what qualifies me to talk about this? Well I have experienced both sides being a speaker myself as well as running over 100 events per year with speakers at every one, I know the speakers I like to work with and the reasons why!
So you have shown interest in speaking and the event organiser has said yes… what next?
Here are 10 tips to make yourself attractive to event organisers so they re-book!
1) Speaker biography – Every event will have a booking page, marketing emails etc and will require a punchy outline of who you are, your topic & some information on why you are qualified you to speak on that subject. The event organiser wants to achieve a good turnout first and then a satisfied audience. The better your supporting material, the more credibility you have the more likely you are going to attract bums on seats. Make sure your title is provocative!
2) Include testimonials – Nothing is more powerful than other people singing your praises. If you can invest in some good video testimonials but failing that some good written ones. This again helps with the marketing.
3) Provide a great picture – If you have taken the time to write good content then don’t let yourself down with rubbish imagery. Invest in some professional shots and try if you can to get some action shots of you in a dynamic pose whilst speaking! A picture paints a thousand words and again looks great on the marketing materials!
Many speakers will have a whole gallery of images so the organiser can choose!
4) Be flexible – I have experienced some speakers who were so demanding (Prima donnas) that they were more trouble than they were worth. Sometimes things don’t go to plan so you might be on 10 mins late. Sometimes there are technical difficulties and we have to improvise! Be the consummate professional and adapt. They will love you for it.
Things often go wrong at events and an organisers job is to deal with it and make sure these issues don’t effect the delegates enjoyment. Try not to add to the organisers issues!
5) Turn up early! - Don’t be a cause for concern when you haven’t arrived at the venue with 10 mins to spare. ensure you are there with plenty of time to setup projectors, test internet & perform sound checks (if required).
6) Write your own introduction – Your intro is an important part of your credibility building. You want to have gravitas before you even open your mouth. So make it easy for the host to introduce you. What make you an expert? What achievements are relevant?
7) Be as relevant as you can to the audience – Take time to ask questions and understand your audience before you speak. I try to network with several members of the audience before I speak so I can draw on those conversations when I actually present making it more intimate and personal. If you really connect with your audience they are going to rave about the event and come back to the next one. This will please the organiser immensely!
Don’t over run! – If you have been given a set time to speak, stick to it! You maybe impacting so many other things and it won’t make life easier for the planner. Use a stop watch or ask for a signal when you have five mins to go so you can start your wrap up and summary.
9) Don’t sell! – A good speaker will educate, inspire and enlighten. They won’t sell from the stage! At my events it is the hosts job to endorse, highlight a product/service or special offer for the speaker. Make this easy by having it clearly explained and printed out. Include a call to action i.e. hand forward business cards for newsletter or come and visit my stand at the back of the room to receive your free xxx!
There are occassions where you are encouraged to have a little pitch, but make sure you get the balance right!
10) Make your material available to the delegates after the event! – If you use slides share them. If you have a blog, newsletter sign up, free report or any other supporting material ensure you provide it in advance to the organiser. There is nothing more frustrating to a host than not being able to send his thank you follow up because you haven’t provided your text and links.
Organisers usually have several follow up emails etc with delegates requesting materials, help them to help you!
What other tips can you think of? Feel free to add them to the comments field.
My next speaker blog will be about what an event organiser can do to make it easier for the speaker!
Thanks for reading and re-tweet if you found it useful?
Best regards
About Warren
Some great tips for speakers there Warren. Really enjoyed reading that post.
Thanks!
It is important to choose a good event planner and organizer to help you have a successful event and they also help you choose perfect place and venue that suit on your event.