1 MINUTE READ | TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS ON BOOKING AND WORKING WITH A SPEAKER FOR YOUR NEXT GREAT EVENT
BY TALENT BUREAU
Talent Bureau co-founders Jeff & Jeff have over 25 years of experience in the speaking industry. They understand there are lots of questions when it comes to booking talent, and are always there to lend a helping hand.
With the shift between traditional in-person to virtual events new concerns have arisen. Whether it’s anxiety about a speaker’s internet connection to worries about Q & As, virtual events are reinventing the wheel in real-time.
Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to allay any concerns. We hope you’ll find the answers you are looking for, and if not, we encourage you to give us a shout! Our team is always here to help.
(Interested in taking a glance at the original article? View your in-person FAQ post HERE)
I’m not sure where to start. What should I do to prepare a virtual speaker search?
Before reaching out to any speakers/agents, make sure to know your goals & your audience. Different speakers speak to different topics. If you have an idea about what content you’re seeking, it will be easier to narrow your search. If you’re open to exploring different topics, that’s fine as well!
Bonus: Make sure to establish your event date, location and budget early. Figuring out the details of the event will allow you to determine the pool of speakers that is actually available to you. How far in advance should I book a speaker?
With traditional in-person events, our team recommends booking speakers an average 6 months in advance of your event. Online events are more flexible, but popular personalities have busy schedules. We recommend a minimum of two months in advance.
Bonus: Our team is still always up for a last-minute challenge and can help you with any late requests. That being said, prepare to compromise. Your dream speaker might not be available. Will my speaker be prepared to put on a great presentation?
We work with all speakers to ensure they have the best equipment available to make certain that your virtual presentation is top quality. That means lighting, sound, internet connection, etc. And also to deliver their content in a way that connects deeply in an online environment.
Beyond that, most speakers are glad to participate in a “tech check” or rehearsal to take place the day-of or sometimes before a presentation.
Bonus: Want to spruce up your own equipment? HERE are some of our favourite at-home virtual broadcast essentials.How much does it cost to hire a virtual speaker?
Virtual Speaker fees vary based on a number of factors. There are significant savings on travel costs and some speakers are discounting fees as well making this a great time to get your fave speaker.
Bonus: For other tips on getting the most out of your speaker, see what we’d suggest HERE.How long should a virtual presentation be?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Naturally, virtual talk lengths vary. We have found that a favourable length is 40 minutes or under. A slightly shorter, high impact talk is sure to keep more attention than a long talk in virtual events.
One of our great speakers, Josh Dueck, has a saying that we have grown attached to – in-person speeches are monologues, virtual engagements are dialogues. Keep that in mind when planning the content.
Bonus: Depending on the schedule of the speaker, some speakers have been known to drop some extended content! #awesomeDo virtual events allow for Q&As?
Of course! In many cases, Q &A makes sense as the entire format itself. Q&A should be moderated to foster an engaging dialogue to include both the speaker and the audience. Be sure to confirm Q&As when booking your speaker! Every speaker has different preferences.
Bonus: You and your team can prepare some questions in advance. Alternately, assign a team member to gather questions from Zoom chats. Why should I work with a speaking agent?
Our time to shine! Get ready for some subtle Talent Bureau bragging.
We work with events & speakers all day, every day, which gives us a deep sense of what works for audiences and what doesn’t. We strive to work closely with you, the event planner, as well as the speaker to make the hiring and planning process as straightforward as possible. If you choose to reach out to us, prepare yourself for an open conversation where you can be transparent about your needs.
Bonus: We’re ready to drop some solid dad jokes that have been piling up due to social distancing.
Need to work out some other virtual event plans? Visit our Virtual Meeting Resource page.