• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

event

Check the link. An error can lock out your audience.

Check the link. An error can lock out your audience. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Dafna Gold Melchior – one of our wonderful speakers – recently posted this on LinkedIn. With her permission we’re sharing this message:

“Check the link. Double check the link. Otherwise you could discover that your esteemed guests were sent somewhere else…

I delivered a workshop last night, on behalf of an organization. 150 people signed up via a production company, which sent them an invite with a link. I was in the Zoom room early, checked sound and share screen with the helpful tech person.

At a few minutes to the hour, we started wondering why no one was joining… Turned out the production company had mistakenly sent the wrong link…

By the time I too was sent the (wrong) link my audience had received, there were 8 people left (5 with cameras off). So three lucky people received my workshop, and I assure you I gave them my all, as I would have with 150 participants.

I’m sharing this to spare you the same frustrating experience. I beg you, have those who handle logistics on your behalf check and re-check the link.”

Follow her advice.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Add this to your social media posts to increase booking requests.

Add this to your social media posts to increase booking requests. 2560 1857 I Need A Speaker

Self-promotion helps speakers increase booking requests. It’s helpful to publicly remind your followers when you’ve presented a keynote, published a paper, appeared on the news, authored a book, or completed another achievement.

The next step is helping event planners find you. Include a line on your social media profiles and posts that says, “Find me on I Need A Speaker!” On our directory, event planners can learn more about your qualifications, find links to several of your social media accounts, and obtain details about your speaking requirements.

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.

Sources need down time, too. Plan interviews well in advance.

Sources need down time, too. Plan interviews well in advance. 1978 2560 I Need A Speaker

Plan early if you need to work with a source to plan your presentation. Like you, sources need their down time, too.

Schedule well in advance to ensure that the subject matter experts will have time to respond. They’ll appreciate your respect for their time, and you’ll have the information you need to plan your remarks early. Win, win.

Soon, it will be 2021. Does your speech reflect that?

Soon, it will be 2021. Does your speech reflect that? 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

In just a few weeks, we will be (gratefully) welcoming a new year. As we say goodbye to 2020 and greet 2021, take some time to review your speech material. Do a refresh if your research and sources are too dated to be relevant.

Use credible online sources, primary research, and research librarians (unsung heroes in society) to update a tired presentation with current information. Don’t wait another minute.

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.

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!

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