Organising a dinner, party or conference that is informative, interesting and engaging can be quite a challenge. All too often, the event organiser (whether professional or not) can become distracted with the ‘frills’ of the function (such as catering and décor). However, if the event is to do with a certain product or service, the presentations and speeches given are of utmost importance. The most exquisite venue and delicious meal means little if the speaker fails to accomplish the goal of showcasing the product in question. Therefore, the presentations given at any event have to be riveting and relevant, presented with the utmost professionalism.
While some may feel that hiring a professional speaker is costly and difficult to arrange, there are many advantages to doing so.
First, the professional speaker should be experienced in the product or service of which he or she will be speaking. This means that they can add an enormous amount of value just by being able to provide accurate, modern information regarding something about which not many people know. On the other hand, unfamiliarity with the subject matter will be apparent to all in the audience, and will only hold negative connotations for the product or service and for the company.
Secondly, professional speakers have often gained acclaim for having survived extraordinary personal experiences. These experiences are used to add to the presentation, applying them to a subject about which the audience is familiar (e.g. family problems, health issues, a disaster, loss through death) and thereby involving them in his or her incredible life and applying it to the product or service in question. When people can identify with another human being, they are touched in a way that an inanimate product or service could never achieve. The message is sure to stay in their hearts and minds long after the fact.
Professional speakers have an undeniable entertainment value. They have years of presenting experience under their belts, making them ideally comfortable and confident on stage. They are also adept at ‘reading’ their audience, introducing humour and evoking strong emotions (whether of anger, frustration, confusion or joy). All of these abilities combine to create an overall experience, not just a presentation.
Of course, being able to offer a professional speaker also acts as a major draw card to the event, luring attendees who may otherwise not have come. This increases your guest list as well as ideal opportunities to network.
Event organising is stressful at the best of times. However, hiring a professional speaker will give you, the organiser, peace of mind and confidence that your message will be conducted effectively and successfully.
Image Courtesy of Toastmasters International
