Headliner or hero? Star power or start-up success story? Gold medalist or go-getter? Identifying the right and perfect speaker for your next corporate meeting or event can be like sailing rudderless in a sea of options. So, so many options …
Like any seemingly overwhelming task – cleaning a cluttered basement, preparing your taxes, or changing your eating habits – the key is to just get started. [Remember those lessons about eating an elephant or moving your cheese?] But where do you start?
The best way to identify the perfect motivational speaker is to start with your event’s desired outcome and your audience, then match a speaker whose story, style, expertise and messaging directly support your organization’s goals. When you get that alignment right, the keynote becomes a catalyst instead of just a “that was fun” presentation.
Many a client has paid handsomely for a big-splash celebrity who does a superb job of entertaining, taking selfies and signing autographs but probably really doesn’t understand the inner machinations of the business world and your organizations challenges. If you’re looking for strong ROI, this is not where you start.
Here are four key steps to whittle down a broad array of speaker options to the one speaker who’s most likely to inform, inspire and motivate your audience in a way that lasts long after program adjournment and travel home.
Start with Strategy
Before you hit “play” on the first speaker demo link, be crystal clear on what success will look like for your program. This clarity will guide every decision that follows. Ask yourself:
- What key business challenge or opportunity are we seeking to address [i.e., morale, change, growth, culture, sales push, etc.]?
- What are three key takeaways we want our people to remember six months from now?
- Are we seeking behavior change, a mindset shift, skill development, pure inspiration [or a mix of all]?
- How will we know our speaker “hit the mark” [feedback, engagement, post-event actions]?
Know Your Audience
The same speaker can knock it out of the park with one audience … but fall flat with another. Analyze and create an audience profile before you shortlist anyone. Consider things like:
- Audience Makeup: Executives vs. frontline workers, tech folks vs. sales, a mixed audience, etc.
- Demographics/Culture: Age range, gender balance, cultural backgrounds, sensitive topics.
- Energy Level and Format: Is this a morning opener or after-lunch slot, large group or intimate retreat.
- What is our audience tired of hearing and what type of messaging would feel fresh and credible?
Evaluate Speaker Fit
Once you’ve clarified your goals and created an audience profile, look for a speaker whose content, story, and delivery align with those needs. Consider the speaker’s:
- Relevant experience and expertise in leadership, resilience, innovation, sales, change, etc.
- Authentic personal stories that connect to real-world challenges, not dishing out generic clichés.
- Stage presence [Do they exude confidence, credibility and authenticity; will they engage your group?
- Willingness to tailor personal anecdotes, language/tone, and make references to your organization.
- Evidence of success [testimonials from similar groups, videos, repeat bookings, etc.]
Focus on Fit, Not Flash
Too many get this entirely backwards. To avoid falling into that trap …
- Assess Speaker Style: Are they high-octane or reflective? Which is the better fit for your group?
- Is the speaker’s manner, messaging and energy a good fit not just for your audience but also the assigned timeslot?
- Prioritize speakers who ask smart questions about your audience and customize their messaging.
- Land on a balance of long-lasting inspiration, actionable ideas, and practical next steps for attendees.
- Verify Professionalism [i.e.,, responsiveness, clarity on fees/logistics, willingness to collaborate.
- Integrity/Authenticity [in other words, someone who lives their message, and doesn’t just perform it].
- Are they “Keynote only”, or willing to add Q&A, a “fireside chat”, a workshop, or follow-up breakout?
- Will they integrate your organization’s leadership, values, and current priorities into the talk?
- Assess Potential Long-Term Impact: Will the speaker’s message be memorable months from now?
When you approach your search this way — Strategy first, Audience second, Speaker third — you dramatically increase your odds of finding the right speaker to not only energize and inspire, but to advance your business goals objectives. As a bonus, here are three speakers dynami has recently used that were a perfect fit for each audience:
MATTHEW EMERZIAN
Former senior music industry executive who worked with major artists like U2, Coldplay, and Avril Lavigne before a personal crisis led him to found Every Monday Matters and become a leading voice on belonging and purpose, and emphasizing his core message that Everyone Matters. Today, Emerzian is a four-time bestselling author whose keynotes help people and organizations embrace the message You Matter as a mindset that transforms culture, leadership, and everyday life.
https://www.matthewemerzian.com
JOHNNY “CUPCAKES” EARLE
Founder of Johnny Cupcakes, the “world’s first T‑shirt bakery,” a food-themed apparel brand he grew from a joke on a shirt into a multimillion-dollar cult favorite known for limited-edition drops, customers camping out for releases, and even thousands of fans with his logo tattooed on their bodies. [That’s where I draw the line!] As a keynoter, “Cupcakes” shares high-energy, story-driven lessons on brand loyalty, creating unforgettable customer experiences, and using surprise, delight, and relentless experimentation to turn customers into passionate fans.
FRANK RUSSO
Eight-time Inc. 500 entrepreneur, technology innovator, and author who has built, scaled, and exited companies across multiple industries, including founding the AI-driven customer experience platform 360CXM. As a keynote speaker, Russo focuses on unlocking “limitless growth” by helping leaders reconnect with their organization’s Core Purpose, embrace their unique “weird,” and use authenticity, creativity, and selfless leadership to bust out of stagnation and create cultures in which people love what they do.
If you feel like you’re sailing rudderless in a sea of so many options, dynami is here you help you identify and go to contract with the right and perfect speaker for your upcoming corporate meeting or event.
Cheers,
Kenneth Jones
