The shift towards online events has presented a challenge for speakers and performers, as many of them were forced to reform their content so that it better fits in an online environment.
With this shift being so sudden, it’s understandable that event organizers have legitimate concerns when booking a virtual speaker.
You’ll be glad to hear that the situation turns out to be quite positive. Many creative talents have come out as a result of this shift, and in this article, we will share a few tips on how to get the most out of it.
Has the Speaker Adapted to Online Events?
Before going into discussions with any speaker, make sure to preface what kind of event you intend to organize – perhaps a hybrid event, bridging elements of a live event with aspects of a digital event, or exclusively digital?
The transition to online programs comes with its own set of challenges—for example, a different platform and a new kind of audience. Speakers have adapted differently to these changes, with varying degrees of success.
The best course of action for you is to eye a few listings from a speaker hub and see whether they have tailored their content to fit a virtual event. One speaker that we’re comfortable recommending is Conor Cunneen, known in the industry as Irishmanspeaks.
He has been ahead of the curve when it comes to online events, seamlessly transitioning to them with the same level of enthusiasm and energy as if it were an in-person event.
Manage Your Audiences Expectations
Before booking a virtual speaker, it would be wise to get a few ideas about your guests’ interests. Perhaps some are looking to expand their skill set or knowledge base, while others are looking to debate ideas.
It will be impossible to meet everyone’s expectations, but you can better paint the picture of an ideal speaker by knowing a bit of information.
We can recommend hiring a versatile speaker, such as Meridith Elliott Powell. She is a keynote speaker with much insight into many industries and can give practical advice while being entertaining at the same time.
Focus on Engagement
Audience interaction is perhaps one of the essential traits of a speaker, and it’s even more paramount in an online environment. This is because online viewers’ attention span is much lower, and the speaker needs to engage them frequently.
As an example of excellent audience interaction, we would like to present to you the case of Heather Rogers, an inspirational speaker. She tackles topics about mental health in the modern working environment.
However, outside the tried and tested method of hosting a presentation, Heather also adds elements of magic and comedy, creating a unique type of experience that involves members of the audience at all times.
Regarding Studio Equipment
The presentation style is a matter of taste. However, it’s undeniable that a higher production value level will make a speaker’s presentation feel more professional.
You must also count that a personal studio setup allows the speaker to do more customized presentations. This will enable you to make demands for customization that are more in line with your virtual event.
For example, Vince Poscente uses professional-grade equipment to make his presentation look and sound up to industry standards. He also employs edits, adding slides, annotations, and pop-ups to illustrate his talking points better.
When Booking a Virtual Speaker
The industry has indeed seen rapid change in the last year. However, this sudden change has brought about many new and creative ways to deliver their content to audiences.
It’s understandable to have concerns, but if you are well informed and prepared, then you’re looking at the prospect of organizing something genuinely terrific.
If you’d like to have a helping hand in all these matters, then we’d gladly assist you. At The Grable Group, we specialize in providing entertainment solutions for all kinds of events, whether in-person, hybrid or exclusively digital.
Give us a call at +1 615 283 0039, and we’ll simplify the whole process of booking a virtual speaker for your online events!
