(By Ashley Leeds – The 15-Minute Guy)
You’ve got the venue booked, the coffee ordered, and the badges printed. And all the other things that you need for your next event.
But what about the right speaker who’s going to lift the room?
This may seem straightforward, but selecting the right speaker can make or break your event.
Here’s how to get it right and find someone who’ll make your day truly FUNforgettable.
Don’t Just Look for a Speaker
Why not look for a Teammate? Some speakers appear, talk, and disappear before the first coffee break. That might tick a box, but if you want your event to be buzzing all day, then you need to find someone who “joins” the team.
The best speakers hang around. They chat with delegates, meet sponsors, and keep the energy going. We’ve all been there, wanting to ask the speaker a question that we were too afraid to ask with everybody watching.
When your speaker sticks around, the conversations continue long after the cheers and the applause. And most people want a selfie today, too eh?
Decide What You Want People to Feel
Before you start searching, ask yourself: “What do I want people to feel when they walk out of that room?”
Do you want them fired up? reflective? Ready to take action?
Different speakers create different energy.
Some tell deep stories, others go practical, and some get people laughing, thinking, and doing all at once.
Once you know the feeling you’re aiming for, choosing becomes easier.
Look Beyond the Website
A shiny website only tells part of the story. Is it telling the whole thing?
Check how they show up on LinkedIn. Do they post, comment, and genuinely connect with people?
Are they consistent and congruent? Do they sound like the person you’d want greeting your audience?
If they’re generous and positive online, they’ll bring that same energy to your stage.
Look for Proof, Not Just Polish
Testimonials really matter when it comes to booking your next speaker so please ensure that you go deeper than the hand-picked quotes on a homepage.
Why not read their LinkedIn recommendations at the bottom of their LinkedIn profile because these will be in chronological order.
Do people talk about energy, humour, professionalism, and kindness? This is the real stuff that makes an organiser’s day easier.
Find the Ones Who Care About the Whole Day
A great speaker doesn’t just deliver a session. They help make the whole day run smoothly. They arrive early, chat with the team, check the setup, and mingle afterwards. These seemingly small things and extra effort create a relaxed, lively, memorable atmosphere.
So, How Do You Spot “That” Speaker?
Look for the one who’s genuinely interested in your event. Do they ask about your audience, your goals, and explain how they can help? Are they easy to brief and fun to work with?
That’s when you know you’ve found the right person. The speaker who’ll make your event truly FUNforgettable.