Hiring a Public Speaker

Hiring a speaker

There are many elements to hiring your speaker. Here are 20 questions to help in that process.

1. Is the speaker's topic right for my audience?
2. Does the speaker have verifiable references?
3. Does the speaker have audio and/or video demonstration materials?
4. Does the speaker customize? To What Level?
5. Is the speaker entertaining as well as informative?
6. Does the speaker do thorough pre-program research.
7. Does the speaker provide handout masters and/or finished handouts?
8. Does the speaker involve the audience?
9. Does the speaker use only clean and appropriate humor?
10. Does the speaker accommodate hearing and sight impaired audience members? (Handouts in Braille, Audio tapes etc.)
11. Is the speaker accessible to attendees before and after the event?
12. Does the speaker "hardsell" products from the platform?
13. Is the speaker's office responsive to requests for information?
14. Is the speaker easy to get along with? (Determined from references and personal conversations)
15. What is the speaker's fee?
16. Is the speaker's fee negotiable? Yes_____ No_____ If yes, what do I have of value to give in return for a fee reduction? i.e. Can I give the speaker any of the following if necessary: video tape master, list of attendees, testimonial letter, referrals, extra nights accommodations, choice of time slot, choice of date, multiple performance contract, extra publicity, spouse airfare and meals, products, services, etc.
17. Does the speaker offer any discounts? (For certain geographical areas, resorts, time of year, non- profit organization etc.)
18. Can the speaker fill more than one slot which will save money on hiring another speaker plus additional travel expenses?
19. What are the payment terms of the speaker's contract?
20. After getting answers to the above questions, am I confident my attendees will be happy with this speaker?

After reviewing this, and talking with Gary, you will probably think Gary is the man for your next engagement.

Gary's Latest

July 24 2008: Gary is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. He will be discussing “Trends in Networking at Chamber Events” and “How to Change the Culture in a Chamber of Commerce through Selfish Atruism.”

First Citizens Bank has invited Gary to speak on Growing YourCoreNetwork on Thursday September the 18th at their Triangle Sales Conference. Their focus for this meeting is getting the word out about their "We can do it" brand.

Strike for Survival was pleased to have Gary Davis as emcee for its two Raleigh eevents on September 12th and 13th. His Elvis theme was extrememly entertaining for all.

Gary Davis spoke at the most recent AM networks for the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce on September 4th. His topic, "The Four Keys to Personal Brand" was a big hit.

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