Public Speaking : 20 Questions to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Speaker

You’re planning a public speaking event for Mr. Jennings, the CEO of your company and basically master of your world. The last thing you want or need to do is screw up…especially since you’ve been planning a vacation in Hawaii for your entire family. No pressure! So, how do you make sure the public speaking professional you hire will earn you a pat on the back and not a kick in the …..? With my list of questions to ask a public speaking stud. Make sure to keep this in your back pocket during the interview!

1. Is the speaker's topic right for my audience?
2. Does the speaker have verifiable public speaking references?
3. Does the speaker have audio and/or video demonstration materials?
4. Does the speaker customize? To what level?
5. Is the speaker entertaining as well as informative?
6. Does the speaker do thorough preprogram research?
7. Does the speaker provide handout masters and/or finished handouts?
8. Does the speaker involve the audience
9. Does the speaker use only clean and appropriate humor?
10. Does the speaker accommodate hearing and sight impaired audience members? (i.e., handouts in Braille, audio tapes, etc.)
11. Is the speaker accessible to public speaking event attendees before and after the event?
12. Does the speaker hardsell products from the platform?
13. Is the speaker's office responsive to requests for information?
14. Is the speaker easy to get along with? (This can be determined from references and personal conversations.)
15. What is the speaker's fee?
16. Is the speaker's fee negotiable? Yes_____ No_____ If yes, what do I have of value to give in return for a fee reduction? (i.e., Can I give the speaker any of the following if necessary: video tape master, list of attendees, testimonial letter, referrals, extra nights accommodations, choice of time slot, choice of date, multiple performance contract, extra publicity, spouse airfare and meals, products, services, etc.)
17. Does the public speaking professional offer any discounts? (e.g., for certain geographical areas, resorts, time of year, nonprofit organizations, etc.)
18. Can the speaker fill more than one slot which will save money on hiring another speaker plus additional travel expenses?
19. What are the payment terms of the speaker's contract?
20. After getting answers to the above questions, am I confident my attendees will be happy with this speaker?