So, you’re planning a business event, and you want to hire a professional keynote speaker.  The good news? You’re about to make your event unforgettable. The bad news? You now have to figure out how to make sure everything goes smoothly with your speaker.  Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered.

A professional keynote speaker is a highly skilled individual who’s hired to give a speech that sets the tone for an event.  They would actually deliver a message that aligns with the purpose of the event and resonates with your audience.  Keynote speakers are like the headliner of a concert—they’re there to grab attention, spark excitement, and leave a lasting impact.  They’re experts, they’re engaging, and yes, they can make a room full of people excited about… well, business!

Now that we know what a keynote speaker does, let’s talk about how to work with them to make business events truly unique.  The key to a successful collaboration is communication. Here are some steps to help you get it right:

Start with Your Event Goals

Before you even reach out to a speaker, take a moment to sit down and think about what you want your event to achieve.  Are you looking to inspire your team?  Teach them something new?  Or maybe get them energised for the year ahead?  Once you know the goal, it’ll be easier to find the right speaker.

Pick a Speaker Who Fits Your Needs

Now, how do you find the right fit?  PrefTrain professional keynote speakers have a range of expertise, from motivation and leadership to industry-specific knowledge.  Don’t be shy to ask for a demo video or a sample of their past presentations.  It’ll give you a sense of their style and whether it’ll jive with your event vibe.  Are you hosting a fun, energetic business event, or something more serious and thought-provoking?  The speaker’s style should match the tone you want to set.

Communicate Your Vision

Once you’ve selected your dream speaker, it’s time to get on the same page.  This is where customisation comes in.  Share your vision for the event.  What’s your audience like? What’s the key message you want to be delivered?  If there are any inside jokes or company-specific references, don’t be afraid to share them—your audience will love it when a speaker drops a well-timed company reference that feels like they’ve been part of the team for years.

Work Out the Logistics

Details matter!  Are they doing a single keynote, or are there additional breakout sessions?  Do they need anything special, like a projector or microphone?  Make sure the speaker knows what’s expected of them, and get their feedback on how the flow of the event will go.  A solid collaboration at this stage will ensure the event runs like clockwork.

Stay Flexible

Things happen, and the best speakers are adaptable.  If something changes—like the schedule shifts or the audience vibe isn’t what you expected—make sure to keep the lines of communication open.  A professional keynote speaker will know how to pivot, keeping the event fresh and engaging no matter what.