Event Organisers
It is conceivable that you will visit my web site and then decide that you would like to choose a different speaker for your event – this time! With this in mind, I have endeavoured to cover every conceivable thing that you will need to think about when you are hiring my services, or those of another professional speaker.
But first, here are some of the things you will need if you are going to hire me.
Do you have a photo we can use for our marketing?
Here's a photo you can use.
Can you give us a bio so that we can do some advance marketing?
Here are two alternative bios you can use, depending on your needs.
Short Bio 1
Wendy Betteridge owns Lasting Impact Limited, a successful training and development company, that develops solutions to meet the specific needs and expectations of her clients. She left the corporate arena in 1993 to train and coach full time because she is passionate about helping people to reach their full potential. Wendy believes there is a genius in us all. She strives to encourage all those with whom she works to find the genius in themselves.
Wendy is an accomplished international speaker. She has just completed her first book and is gaining recognition as an author. Her book is called 'It's your thoughts that count'.
Short Bio 2
Wendy Betteridge played hockey for an unbeaten England, basketball in the South of England squad and tennis in the qualifying tournament for Junior Wimbledon. She has coached several sports teams of varying standards to winning positions in their leagues. She is living proof of the power of the 'mental edge'. Better still, she knows how to instill that edge in others....
Wendy is an accomplished international speaker. She has just completed her first book and is gaining recognition as an author. Her book is called 'It's your thoughts that count'.
And now some things that you will need to think about, whether you decide to hire me, or another professional speaker, to make sure that your event is memorable and very successful.
How do you find the right speaker?
Your choice of speaker will almost certainly be the most critical factor in making your conference or meeting a success. Members of the National Speakers Association are ‘experts who speak’. The Association also has a rigorous accreditation criteria, details of which can be found on its web site.
How much notice does a speaker need?
Many speakers plan well ahead. As soon as you know the date of your event, make your speaker choice a priority.
How can you make sure that the speaker is well informed?
Give your chosen speakers as much information as they need so that they can weave your organisation’s information into their presentation. This would include such things as organisational structure, the look and feel of the organisation, important taboos, jargon and inside stories. Be very clear about what you expect from your speaker. Tell your speaker how many people you are expecting in the audience and their age range and experience. It is also a good idea to tell them who else is on the programme so that they have a chance to get in touch with other speakers beforehand and make sure there is minimum duplication.
What time should you allocate to each speaker?
Professional speakers will be able to talk this through with you. They will also be able to give you their comments about how you build your programme and put your speakers or topics into the best order.
How much would you expect to pay?
This will often depend on your budget and the amount an individual speaker normally charges. Have this discussion early on. You need to be very clear both about your expectations, and those of the speaker.
What about other costs?
In addition to the costs of speaking, there are other costs to consider. Make sure you discuss:
Travel, and transport to the venue
Accommodation and meals
Handouts or workbooks
What else do you need to think about?
In addition to the costs, there are other things to think about. Make sure you discuss:
Who will own a video or audio of the presentation?
What is the cancellation policy?
Do you want the speaker to arrive before or stay after the presentation and, if so, for how long?
Do you want the speaker to run a workshop in addition to the presentation and is this included in the speaking fee?
Can the speaker sell their ‘products’ and if so, how, where and when?
How you are going to ensure that everything runs to a predictable timetable?
How you are going to market the speaker? Professional speakers will be able to give you interesting information about themselves and their topic to ensure that the expectations of the audience are set at the right level
What are the preferences of the speaker for temperature and lighting?
What tools participants will need?
What are the av requirements of your speaker?
For a Conference, most speakers will require at the very least, a lapel microphone. Many speakers will also require a data show projector and screen and perhaps a lap-top. These have to be of a high quality and very reliable. There may be other requirements. It’s best to check from the outset.
If your speakers are facilitating a workshop, they may need an overhead projector and screen, a whiteboard, a flip chart easel and plenty of paper and bright, colourful pens. Once again, check.
How do speakers like their room set up?
This will be different for every speaker. Personally, I like my room set up to be long rather than wide for a keynote speech so that the people on the edges don’t get left out. For a training workshop, on the other hand, I like my room to be square and set up café style with small tables that can seat 3-4 people. Some speakers prefer a U-shaped layout. Everyone is different. Check this out!
If you have any other questions that aren't covered here, just let me know and I'll be happy to answer them.