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How should I choose a keynote speaker?

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In order to choose the perfect speaker, you must consider your event and its target audience. Keeping these details in mind will guide you in selecting a keynote speaker.

Event Type�Are you having a short meeting or a weekend-long seminar? Will you need your keynote speaker to give one address, or will he guide breakout sessions or a roundtable discussion? Do you need a motivational or informative speech? Will you give a topic to your speaker or build your program around him/her?

These questions will all guide you in choosing a speaker. If you need a keynote speaker to give one motivational address, it may be wiser to choose a known personality rather than an expert in your field. By contrast, a keynote speaker who is guiding a roundtable discussion or informing the audience should be an expert in the field. You could also consider someone from inside your company or organization rather than bringing in an outside speaker.

Audience�How big is your audience? What are the demographics of your audience? What kinds of speakers have they benefited from in the past? Will your speaker be interacting with the audience outside of the conference? Should he/she integrate questions into the speech to involve the audience?

Most likely, you would not want a man to give a keynote address on women�s issues to an audience of women. Some speakers are better for reaching particular groups; some speakers are great with smaller groups while others are better with auditoriums filled with people.

Consider logistics, such as how much you will be able to pay a speaker and when and where your event will be held. It also never hurts to ask for help. Contact a speakers� bureau for advice or ask colleagues, friends, and organizations for recommendations on good speakers.

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