Picking a Good After Dinner Speaker July 27, 2010
Posted by janey in : business success , comments closedAny type of event can be bettered if an after dinner speaker is invited to present. Event planners love to use the services of a good after dinner speaker because they really help to end events on a positive, high note which results in a more memorable event for everyone concerned.
Events at which an after dinner speaker often features vary in genre from charity fundraisers to sports dinners to corporate gatherings but in all of these cases the aim of the speaker is the same. The after dinner speaker aims to ensure the event is memorable and finishes on a positive note. Some are better than others. There are some obvious things to look out for to identify a good motivational speaker and it is worth bearing them in mind when selecting one.
Even if the tone of the event is informative or educational, the after dinner speaker will not seek to lecture or bore their audience. Rather, a talented speaker will be able to educate an audience using humour and a light-hearted demeanour. The speech might be motivational or thought-provoking, but never boring.
A good after dinner speaker should liaise with events organisers to get the most of the lay-out and acoustics of the room. For example, having a clear view of the speaker is likely to result in a more interested audience. Planners might consider using cabaret-style seating arrangements to this end.
Captivating and keeping the audience’s interest is always the aim of any good after dinner speaker. Using anything from visual aids to real-life anecdotes can help here. it is also important that an audience gets the impression that the presentation is relevant to them. To this end, a good after dinner speaker will always make sure that their presentation is current by relating their topic to contemporary examples from recent news stories, for example.
Probably most important in the skills of an after dinner speaker is their ability always to end on a positive note. Even in the cases where subject matter of the presentation may have been less than happy, it is very important that there is a positive note to end on. Allowing the audience to leave on a positive note is what will help them remember your event in a positive way, making the difference between a success and a flop.
The After Dinner Speaker: Your Secret Weapon July 27, 2010
Posted by janey in : business success , comments closedAre you hosting a conference and hoping to attract a large audience? Are you hoping to make your AGM super? Are you anxious about introducing your latest product or business technique to colleagues and employees? Are you struggling to promote an upcoming charity fundraiser and worried donations won’t be high enough? If you answered yes to any of these questions then the answer to your problems might just be an after dinner speaker.
Many event organisers would agree that in any of the situations mentioned above, an after dinner speaker would be their weapon of choice. And, if the after dinner speaker has a little bit of fame about them, then they might really make an impact. And that doesn’t just mean celebrity in the conventional, showbiz sense, but rather any type of renown or respect in a particular field.
As far as business is concerned, an after dinner speaker might be drafted in to speak at anything from a corporate dinner, to an AGM or a training day. This is an example of when a speaker with renown rather than fame, per se, might come in handy.Employing an after dinner speaker who is highly respected in the relevant business field could encourage more people to attend and add weight and authority to any new practices or techniques introduced at training days.
The after dinner speaker is also highly useful to fundraisers. Depending on the type of charity and the expected audience, using a famous face can be a wonderful boost. Before the event, advertising the presence of a celebrity after dinner speaker will raise interest in the occasion, as well as the charity itself. With interest comes attendance and with attendance come donations. Therefore, an after dinner speaker can really make a difference.
Don’t fall into the trap of assuming it’ll be easy to choose an after dinner speaker. A showbiz, or television celebrity may be the obvious choice, but ensure that the audience’s age, gender and any common interests are taken into consideration before making any concrete decisions.
