• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

Audience Engagement

It’s time to recharge for 2021
It’s time to recharge for 2021 1709 2560 I Need A Speaker

Holiday busy time typically means a slower time for speakers and event planners. In between celebrations, take advantage of the easier pace to make 2021 a success.

Here are some things speakers can do to prepare for the upcoming year:

  • Speakers can take an online course to update your material. You can find dozens of free courses on coursera.org and EdX.org.
  • Update your speaker profile on I Need A Speaker.
  • Reconnect with clients to wish them happy holidays and nudge them toward another speaking engagement.
  • Evaluate your online presence. Consider updating your website, posting video clips of recent events, and add new testimonials.

Planners, here are some ways you can prepare for the upcoming year:

  • Outline their event needs for the year, then search the I Need A Speaker directory to find speakers for those events.
  • Plan your social media content for the year to promote registration for upcoming events.

We’d like to know how we can help you in 2021. Please share your thoughts by e-mailing us at info@ineedaspeaker.com.

We can help with your fundraising efforts
We can help with your fundraising efforts 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Your organization may have been unable to conduct its traditional fundraising events due to COVID-19 restrictions. The team at I Need A Speaker developed an option that can help you recover those dollars! Groups like yours plan to use the funds for scholarships, grants, training, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and/or community outreach.

Here’s how the program works:

  1. Agree to promote I Need A Speaker within your organization.
  2. Speakers in your organization join for a special promotional rate.
  3. For each person in your organization who completes a paid speaker registration with I Need A Speaker using your unique promo code, we’ll give your organization a promotional fee!
  4. Event organizers search the directory free and contact speakers directly, eliminating costs typically associated with traditional speakers’ bureaus.

There is absolutely no risk! If no one from your group registers, promoting I Need A Speaker won’t cost you a penny. When speakers join using the specific code we provide, everyone benefits!

Want to learn more? Contact us at info@ineedaspeaker.com.

Do your 2021 goals include diversity and inclusion efforts?
Do your 2021 goals include diversity and inclusion efforts? 2560 2416 I Need A Speaker

In response to recent events, many organizations are developing and implementing diversity and inclusion efforts. Leaders are eager to educate employees, and companies are seeking direction regarding equitable policies and practices.

Some speakers listed in the I Need A Speaker directory are subject matter experts on diversity and inclusion. They can help pave the way to mutual understanding and best practices. Book them today to help plan for tomorrow.

Give thanks all year long.
Give thanks all year long. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Even if you’re the only person who worked on your speech, many people contributed to its success.

Thank the event planner who selected and prepared you.

Thank the person who introduced you.

Thank fellow panelists and other speakers, if there are any.

Thank your sources for helping you collect relevant information.

Thank your audience members for their time and attention.

Thank everyone else who contributed.

Your acknowledgment of their efforts will be remembered.

Here’s one way to help stay connected with your audience
Here’s one way to help stay connected with your audience 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

During a virtual presentation, speakers can experience any number of distractions: emergency vehicles screaming past the window, an enthusiastic child with an urge to wave to your audience, and a barking dog are some examples. Some we can control; some we cannot.

One way to maintain focus on your audience is to enlist the help of a chat monitor – someone who can read and respond to the text messages that may pop up in the video call chat box while you’re presenting. A good chat monitor is a trusted resource to read messages, respond appropriately, and introduce the questions/comments at the right time in your presentation.

Too often, a speaker’s words may fade as they pause to read the comments, wondering if the audience remarks must be addressed immediately. At the least, the speaker’s eyes drift away from the audience when the chat becomes active.

Prevent distractions and stay focused by making one important addition to your presentation – the chat monitor.

How declining an opportunity can improve your credibility
How declining an opportunity can improve your credibility 1741 2560 I Need A Speaker

It’s exciting and flattering to be invited to speak, especially when the audience is new to you. But accepting may not always be a good idea.

If the opportunity is well aligned with your area of expertise and would introduce you to new, appreciative audiences, chances are that you should say yes if you’re available to present.

However, if you’re asked to speak on something about which you’re somewhat knowledgeable but not an expert, you could lose credibility in the long run. You may be facing a lot of research and prep time for a lesser-known topic, and it’s possible that you’ll dilute your reputation as the go-to resource for certain topics.

If a speaking opportunity is not a good fit for you, it’s a great idea to recommend another speaker who is an expert. He or she will be thrilled with the referral and may even return the favor someday.

And if you don’t know someone else who might be a good fit … please send them our way. I Need A Speaker will be happy to help the event organizer find the speaker he or she is seeking, and we’ll work hard to help find your next event, too.

Energize yourself and your audience
Energize yourself and your audience 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

If you want to energize your audience, you’ll have to energize yourself first.

Video call fatigue is very real, and it can be difficult for speakers and audiences alike to begin a presentation when they’re mentally, emotionally, or physically tired. We know this, but in times like these, we may not take our own advice.

Energize by walking outside, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and taking brief exercise breaks every hour. Even if you just stretch or take a short walk every 60 minutes, you’ll feel an increase in your energy level. And when you feel it, your audience feels it, too.

Observe. Learn. Evaluate. Observe again.
Observe. Learn. Evaluate. Observe again. 2560 1709 I Need A Speaker

Regardless of your level of speaking expertise, there is always some room to learn and improve.

Watching other people’s presentations is one way to self-evaluate, compare, and learn. Great speakers are literally at your fingertips. Type and search for names you know, or browse TED talks to seek inspiration.

When watching the presentation, consider these questions;

  • How does this speaker interact with his/her audience? How does the audience respond?
  • What resonates with you about the speaker’s appearance, style, and tone?
  • What would you do the same? What might you do differently?
  • How did he or she use visual aids, if at all?
  • If controversial topics or statements were included, how were they handled?
  • How were the speaker’s word choices, pace, and tone?
  • Did pauses add dramatic effect?
  • How, if at all, did the speaker use storytelling to make a point?
  • What are people saying in the online chat for the presentation?
  • Did the speaker have a powerful, memorable ending?
  • If you saw a panel presentation, did he or she interact with respect and diplomacy with others?
  • Did the speaker stay within the prescribed timeframe?
  • If you were an audience member, would you want to see this presenter again?

While constant comparison may not be necessary (and in some cases is advised against, allowing you to develop your own style), the practice of observation and evaluation is especially helpful for novice speakers.

Choosing the wrong speaker is scary. Here are four ways to find the right one.
Choosing the wrong speaker is scary. Here are four ways to find the right one. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Speakers set the tone for your event and are responsible for a significant part of your audience experience. There’s nothing like the thrill of booking someone who really connects with your audience and leaves a positive impression. But when they don’t? Yeah, that’s a scary thought.

Follow these four guidelines when choosing speakers for your next event:

  1. Start early. Consider the expertise and personality of the ideal speaker for your audience and occasion. Know what you want.
  2. When you’ve narrowed your choices, visit speakers’ websites and social media accounts. Watch any of the speakers’ videos you may find. By reviewing their online presence, you’ll get a good feel for their presentation style.
  3. Speak with your top choices to discuss your event goals, audience characteristics, and expectations. Determine if the speakers you’re considering are a good fit with your vision.
  4. Check references before booking anyone. Ask questions about the reference’s experience with the speaker during the planning stage, their thoughts on the effectiveness of the speaker, and feedback from the audience.

See? Not so scary anymore.

Happy Halloween!

What if I become emotional during my presentation?
What if I become emotional during my presentation? 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

A recent speech by Marriott President and CEO Arne Sorenson was lauded for its authenticity and effectiveness. During the speech, which lasted less than six minutes, Sorenson detailed the impact that the pandemic has had on Marriott’s staff and business. This brief presentation earned praise and admiration for Sorenson not only as a leader and presenter. Why? Because he showed his human side. He demonstrated empathy and sincerity.

As a public speaking coach, I have asked people to tell very personal stories, forcing them to dig into their hearts and memories to share intimate pieces of their lives. And when they do, they absolutely shine. They succeed because what they’re saying is deeply important to them, and these speakers have the credibility of a lived experience.

Often, speakers worry that they’ll become emotional while presenting, as Sorenson does. To some, they feel they have failed as a presenter. They believe everything has to be perfect and that becoming too visibly emotional will make them vulnerable. I remind them that it’s okay.

Some topics are just harder to talk about than others. If you’re sharing an emotional story or presenting about a topic that makes you sad, wistful, angry, regretful, or any other emotion we don’t often share with a room full of strangers, remember this: Emotion connects us in powerful ways. Your audience will relate to you on a new, deeper level, and the people who hear your story will remember it.

These tips may help the next time you tackle an emotional topic:

  • Take a moment if you become too emotional while speaking. Breathe. Then keep going. Don’t let emotion cut your speech short.
  • Realize we all feel these emotions; it’s not just you. Your audience relates to what you’re saying.
  • Practice several times to prepare for the more emotional moments in your presentation, and work on delivering those messages powerfully and at a reasonable pace.
  • Bring tissues. You may not need them, but it’s good to be prepared.

You got this.

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