What Event Organizers Really Want in a Speaker (And How to Get Invited Back)
Welcome to the Speaking Your Brand podcast. This is your host, AI Carol. What are event organizers really looking for in a speaker? Let me start with this. Being a great speaker isn't just about your stage presence or how well you deliver your content.
AI Carol:Yes, those things matter, but they're just part of the equation. If you wanna get booked and get rebooked, you need to think like an event organizer. A few years ago, I was backstage at a conference where I had brought in a few of our clients to speak. One of the organizers came over and said, We love how prepared your speakers are. They send everything on time, they arrive early, and we don't have to chase them down.
AI Carol:It makes our lives so much easier. That has always stuck with me because what event organizers really want is a speaker who provides a fantastic experience, not just for the audience, but for them too. Here are three key things event organizers are looking for in a speaker beyond just the talk you deliver on stage. One, be amazing to work with behind the scenes. You could be the world's best speaker, but if you're demanding, hard to reach, or late with your materials, it's going to leave a bad impression.
AI Carol:Event organizers are juggling dozens of moving parts, venue logistics, tech setups, sponsor communication, attendee experience. When a speaker makes their job harder, they remember. They also talk. The event industry is tight knit. Organizers often ask each other, have you worked with so and so?
AI Carol:What were they like? Make sure the answer they give is, oh, they were great, so easy to work with. So respond promptly to emails, submit your bio, headshot and slide deck by the deadline, show up early to your sound check. These may seem like little things, but they add up to a big reputation. Two, tailor your talk to their audience.
AI Carol:Another organizer once told me, we pass on great speakers all the time because their topic just doesn't fit our audience. You can be excellent at what you do. But if your talk doesn't feel relevant or clear to that specific group, it won't land. So when you submit a speaking proposal or get on a call with an organizer, show them how your topic connects to their audience's specific challenges or goals. Let's say you speak on branding and the event is for financial advisors.
AI Carol:Slant your message. How to build a personal brand that attracts ideal clients without feeling salesy. Do a little research. Show them you understand who their attendees are. That extra step can make you stand out immediately.
AI Carol:Three, bring value and don't sell from the stage. Listen, I know many of you are speaking to grow your business. I do too. But there's a right way to do it. Event organizers will often say, I'm fine if a speaker has a business behind their talk, but please don't treat the session like a sales pitch.
AI Carol:Your goal should always be to educate, inspire and connect with the audience. If you do that well, attendees will naturally want to find out how they can work with you afterward. Position yourself as a generous expert, not someone with an agenda. That's what builds trust. And that's what keeps you getting booked.
AI Carol:Let me leave you with this. If you wanna be a sought after speaker, it's not just about being dynamic on stage, it's about being someone people want to work with. Again and again, deliver real value, make the organizer look good, make their life easier, and always, always bring integrity to everything you do. That's the kind of speaker event organizers are looking for, and that's the kind of speaker I know you can be. If you're ready to elevate your message and become that speaker, you can find ways to work with us at speakingyourbrand.com.
AI Carol:And be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for more actionable strategies just like this. This on demand episode was generated by my AI voice clone trained on speaking your brand content. Thanks for listening.
