Checklist - looking for a speaker

What to look for and what to ask a prospective speaker

1. Know what you want of your speaker

Inspiration/motivation
Entertainment
Information
Of course all of these should be present in a good talk; only the emphasis will be different for different types of event.

2. Know what your speaker needs to possess

Industry-specific experience
Reference clients
Ability to promote your event
MC experience
Training experience

3. Will you be asking for

A talk tailored specifically for your industry/organisation/event?
Pre-event meeting to discuss details
Advice

4. The speaker's requirements

Payment terms
Logistics (travel, accommodation, screens, projectors, audio)
Translation
Room set-up

5. You may wish

To negotiate the fee (everything is negotiable!)
To see the speaker in action (recommended) either live or on video
To discuss selling (or not) the speaker product from the platform

To speak with former clients
Did speaker start/finish on time?
Was speaker relevant to the audience?
Was his/her material acceptable (blue/gender/ethnic material can offend)
Would you hire again/recommend?
What was most memorable about the talk?

6. You should know

Type of event (AGM, Christmas dinner, awards ceremony, conference, training day)
Date / time / budget
Audience needs / expectations
Ideal speaker type / topic

The idea of a masterclass has been mooted. Obviously for graduates of the workshop!
If you have any other questions or would like assistance or advice with your arrangements, pleas email info@ifps.org.uk. We will be delighted to help.