We have all been through presentations with lousy speakers where we have sat patiently checking our phones, feeling like time was standing still, wondering what’s for dinner and then left feeling cheated of our time. I don’t know about you, but I have been through enough of them where, if the time spent was combined, I could have probably hiked to Colorado and back (and enjoyed it significantly more; granted, I do like hiking).
On the flip side, a quality association speaker will bring value to each audience. They have the power to motivate, inspire, educate, and entertain. They are a true breath of fresh air and get you excited - not only during that session, but for sessions to come.
Beyond that immediate "feel good" generated by a speaker at the time of the presentation, quality association speakers regularly leave their audiences with a desire to change, the confidence to act and the proper tools to succeed.
Need more convincing? Here are five solid reasons why a quality association speakers make an impact on your association:
1. Meet the particular needs of your group
A quality speaker will know their audience. They will understand the struggles that they face and have actionable advice to give to truly effect them. In addition, a quality speaker will get a feel for the “temperature" of the room and be sure not to bore with too many stats, fail with too many funnies, or use language that sails over your members’ heads.
2. An “Outside” Perspective
Even though a quality speaker will tailor their message to your members - at the same time, they bring a new perspective or way of thinking about things that matter to them. Like I mentioned, quality association speakers know the struggles that are being faced and a new perspective could be just what is needed to find solutions. They can turn the problem on it’s head a let your members see the issue from another angle. In many cases they might also have tools or aids that will help them get on the right path to relieving their pain points.
3. Raise the Bar on the Value You Provide
Your members are constantly judging what they get from your association. What you provide to them NEEDS to be valuable. You bringing in a quality speaker who brings actionable content to them shows that you are considering their needs and are on the look out for opportunities to increase the value that you bring.
4. Engage Your Members
Yes, a quality presentation will obviously engage your members. It will get them talking and excited about what they have heard. It can turn a sometimes dull atmosphere into a happening event with members waking up with hangovers and crazy tattoos… Ok, maybe not that much excitement, but you get the idea. Even more then the engagement that is felt that night though - positive experiences like these will get your members more engaged long term. They will want to stay involved with your association and possibly even get more involved.
5. Happy Members Spread the Word
People like to talk about impactful situations. A quality association speaker that gets your members excited will also get them talking. They will be spreading the word about the presentation and where they heard it. So, ultimately, having these people in the industry talking about your association providing such a positive experience can cause an increase in your membership numbers.
Your speaker selection is one of the most important elements when it comes to pleasing your members. I know that selecting the right speaker for your meeting can be a daunting task, as there is a multitude of speakers available to you.
Remember, a well-known name does not guarantee a great presentation and high prices don't always mean high quality. When looking for a quality association speaker find one with great testimonials. Because, association members talking about the impact that a speaker has is the greatest referral you could ask for.
