8 Tips for Selecting a Winning Speaker

For corporate and meeting planners, I came upon this article and thought I would share it.

Jonathan Edison is the President and CEO of Detroit based Edison Speaks International.  The following are his suggested tips for selecting a Winning Speaker.

1. Review the speaker's website.  A winning speaker should have a strong and vibrant website that is easy to navigate and distinguishes what sets him or her apart from the rest.  It should include photos,  a short bio and/or credibility description, a promise statement, return on investment bullets, powerful questions, testimonials, client lists, delivery style/uniqueness and a convincing demo video.
2. Review the client list.  If a speaker you're interested in has an outstanding client list with recognizable organizations, that is a good indication that he or she is a reputable speaker.
3. Make sure the speaker is a good fit for your group.  Review the purpose and goal of your function and the message you want to convey, and select a speaker  whose background and topics align with those goals.
4. Review the speaker's marketing materials.  A winning speaker has a detailed and very concise one sheet that provides you with a menu of topics and showcases the speaker's expertise in their perspective field.  Beware of speakers who speak on everything.
5. Stay away from the prima donna.  A winning speaker puts the client first and doesn't make you his or her personal assistant.
6. Look for the "secret" in the testimonial letters.  If a testimonial letter answers the question< "What changed after this speaker spoke?" you've got a winner.
7. Ask around.  Asking your colleagues for speaker recommendations and referrals can yield good results.
8. Make sure the speaker fits your budget.  Check your speaker's fee range before you begin the final selection process.

To find out more about Jonathan Edison and his company, visit his website by clicking here.