If you’ve ever sat through a keynote that missed the mark instead of making an impact, you’ll know how crucial the right corporate event speaker is to the success of your event.
A great speaker brings the energy, delivers impact, and leaves the audience buzzing with ideas. A not-so-great speaker is usually remembered for all the wrong reasons.
At Hippo, we’ve seen the full spectrum! From standing ovations to awkward silences, and that’s why we always say that selecting and supporting your speakers is just as important as the content strategy.
If you want your speakers to truly move the room, it takes more than a flashy bio and a TED-style headshot. It’s about strategy and structure.
Here’s how to make sure your speakers stick…
Start with the “Why”
Before you even think about shortlisting talent, take a step back and ask: what do you want the audience to feel, know, or do after they hear this person speak?
Are you looking to inspire your delegates to innovate, to reinforce company values, or to explore a specific theme from a new angle? The clearer you are on the purpose, the easier it is to find someone who can deliver real value.
Think Beyond the Big Names
It’s tempting to go for a big-ticket celebrity or industry heavyweight. But the best speaker isn’t always the most famous – it’s more about who can connect with your specific audience.
We’ve seen niche specialists outshine household names simply because they brought authenticity and relevance to the stage. Don’t be afraid to dig deeper. Great storytelling doesn’t always come with a blue tick.
If you are booking a well-known speaker? Make sure they’re briefed thoroughly. A recognisable name with no connection to your audience or objectives can be a very expensive missed opportunity.
Diversity Counts
Diverse voices bring broader perspectives and richer conversations. Look at your speaker line-up as a whole: is it representative of the people in your organisation or industry? Are you including speakers from different backgrounds, experiences, ages, and sectors?
Diversity should be a strategy for engagement. When audiences see themselves reflected on stage, they feel more seen and heard.
Brief Them Like a Pro
All types of speaker need a proper brief, even the most experienced. It isn’t about controlling what they say, it’s just about giving them the context and tools to succeed.
At Hippo, we aim to provide:
- A clear overview of the audience profile and expectations
- Key themes and desired outcomes
- Technical specs and room layout
- Any topics to avoid (important for regulated industries)
- Guidance on tone of voice
This ensures that your speakers feel valued and prepared before they take to the stage.
Coaching and Support
Not every great speaker starts out being great, which is completely expected. If you’re working with internal leaders or industry guests who aren’t professional presenters, a little support can go a long way.
Our team offers speaker coaching ahead of events, helping people refine their message, rehearse delivery, and build some confidence if needed. Sometimes it’s as simple as helping them structure their story. Other times, it’s more about encouraging them to ditch the script and speak straight to the audience.
Don’t Skip the Rehearsal
It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how often rehearsals get scrapped in the final run-up to an event. Even a quick walk-through or AV check can make the difference between smooth delivery and stressful tech issues.
Rehearsals help speakers get a feel for the space, check slides (if they’re using them), and get those transitions perfect. It also gives your AV team time to test microphones, clickers, lighting and video. These small things are so important for the best talks possible.
Capture and Repurpose
With permission, film your speakers and turn their talks into post-event content – you can create some short videos, blog summaries, or quote graphics. It extends the value of the session and allows those who couldn’t attend to still benefit.
Just make sure this is agreed in advance, and that your filming set-up is unobtrusive and professional.
By choosing the right voices, offering proper preparation, and treating your speakers as strategic assets, you’re further investing in the event experience. And at Hippo Events, we believe that’s an investment worth making. Get in touch here to talk to us about your next corporate event and how we can help make it exceptional.
Hippo offer Event Project Management and Global Venue Finding services. Contact us today on 01372 460 100 or events@hippoevents.co.uk to see how we can assist.