A speaker agent acts as an intermediary between event organizers and professional speakers. They have extensive networks and industry expertise to help you identify the most suitable after-dinner speakers for your specific requirements from just one point of contact. Speaker agents are well-versed in matching the right speaker to the occasion, ensuring a seamless experience for both parties involved.
a. Extensive Speaker Database: Speaker agents have access to a vast database of professional speakers. They meticulously curate their roster, representing speakers with diverse backgrounds, expertise, and speaking styles. This enables you to choose from a wide range of high-quality options tailored to your event’s theme and audience.
b. Industry Knowledge and Expertise: Speaker agents possess in-depth knowledge of the speaking industry. They stay updated on emerging trends, new talents, and the reputations of established speakers. This expertise allows them to provide valuable insights and recommendations, ensuring you find a speaker who aligns with your event’s goals.
c. Streamlined Negotiations and Contracts: Speaker agents handle all the logistical aspects of hiring a speaker, including contract negotiations, fees, and terms. They leverage their experience to ensure a fair and transparent agreement for both parties involved, saving you time and effort in the process.
d. We always organise a briefing call before any event our speakers perform ensuring all bases are covered, there’s nothing worse than an out-of-place off-the-cuff attempt as a witticism which falls flat or even worse, offends.
Define Your Event Objectives: Clearly outline the purpose, goals, and desired outcomes of your event. Understanding your event’s specific needs will help the speaker agent identify speakers who can effectively deliver the desired message and engage your audience.
b. Consider the Audience Demographics: Take into account the characteristics, interests, and preferences of your audience. A great after-dinner speaker can tailor their content and delivery to resonate with your attendees, making the event memorable and impactful.
c. Review Speaker Profiles and Expertise: Request speaker profiles and references from the agent. Look for speakers with relevant experience, subject matter expertise, and a track record of delivering engaging speeches. Consider their unique style, storytelling abilities, and the topics they specialize in.
Sports speakers are in particular demand such as Amy Williams, Andrew Castle, Eddie The Eagle, Harry Redknapp, and John Barnes.
d. Watch Speaker Showreels or Attend Events: Speaker agents can provide you with showreels or recordings of a speaker’s previous engagements. Reviewing these materials will give you a glimpse into their speaking style, stage presence, and ability to connect with an audience. If possible, attend live events where the speakers are performing to get a first-hand experience of their skills.
For example, take a look at the Great British Speakers After Dinner speaking team here
e. Seek Recommendations and Testimonials: Ask the speaker agent for recommendations or testimonials from previous clients. Hearing about others’ experiences can provide valuable insights into the speaker’s professionalism, reliability, and ability to meet expectations.
When searching for the best after-dinner speaker, Great British Speakers, a speaker agency, can be your invaluable partner. As a speaker agent, Great British Speakers offers access to an extensive roster of high-quality speakers and possesses industry expertise to guide you in finding the best fit for your event. They streamline the process by handling negotiations and contracts, saving you time and effort. To ensure success, define your event objectives, consider audience demographics, review speaker profiles and expertise, watch showreels or attend events, and seek recommendations and testimonials. By working with Great British Speakers, you can secure a captivating after-dinner speaker who will leave a lasting impact on your audience.
About the author:
Jane Farnham is perfectly placed to offer guidance on booking the best after-dinner speaker. After working as a presenter for the BBC, numerous independent production companies and Blue Chip commercial corporate organisations globally she founded Great British Presenters, Great British Voices followed by Great British Speakers, the latest incarnation of the Great British Talent brand.