Saturday, September 3, 2016

The Best Way Of Handling A Motivational Keynote Speaker

By Christine Price


Presentation by the invited guest forms the climax of any symposium. The presentation by the motivational keynote speaker should therefore be memorable as it summarizes discussions or introduces the theme to the audience. The impact of a conference on the participants will largely depend on the choice of guest. How do you ensure that your guest adds a spark to your conference and the expectations of the gathering are realized?

Meetings adopt unique themes and organization. Expectations are also determined by the participants and the aim of gathering. These expectations should provide a hint of what is expected from a conference and thus guide you on the guest to engage. Find a person who resonates with the audience and is considered an authority in a particular field. The impact is greater when you choose an achiever.

The guest is part and parcel of the proceedings other than an appendix. He needs to be briefed on the events to facilitate appropriate preparation. Briefing ensures that he prepares content that is relevant to the audience and the theme. It is also necessary to make the guest understand the situation in which the participants are. The content to be prepared will be based on their situation and thus be relevant to the occasion.

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.

Motivation is about engaging with the audience and understanding their needs. It is therefore important for guests to interrogate the daily lives of participants to decide on the entry points. It is impossible for someone to motivate a person whose life he or she does not understand. It may therefore help to spend some time with the participants in order to understand their needs and life.

Conferences are not about guests. They are about the lives and needs of participants. A speaker should therefore avoid popping in and out of a conference. Engage the participants before delivering the speech. Listen to their deliberations and concerns. Share personal stories as well to leave a lasting impression in the lives of participants. Your guest must display passion in the life of participants and the organization in general.

Several factors will determine the amount you pay as fees to your keynote speaker. There is need to agree on a formula to share the revenue generated from your symposium. Some speakers insist on selling their books and merchandise during conferences to supplement their fees. This may lower the amount you need to pay but it must be checked to avoid overriding your theme. Comb through the details in advance.

Guests have a huge role to play in cementing conference themes and raising the profile of any gathering. The risk of a speaker taking control of proceedings through delivery or merchandise sale should be avoided. It is the organizers who retain ultimate control of the agenda of any conference. Participants must feel as though the conference is purely about addressing their issues.




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