In his defense, the motivational speaker spelled out that  he was selected to empower the students because he had an  ability the teachers lacked. However, then again, he would say that!

The school’s Parent  Teacher Association have said they will look into the  choice which, just for the record, is one this particular  educator has made in the past.

Last but not least, have you found your self in  this situation and what’s your angle? Is it your view that the educator  made a disappointing choice? On the other hand, you may believe that teachers, in general, are  lacking.

Let me know what you think in the box below.

(Update: I found a great article recently that discusses how skilled motivational speakers use PowerPoint. Important to take into consideration when arranging the room for your Texas motivational speaker.)

Tactic 1: An inspirational speaker will have a website with streaming video. As you search for a speaker, this will save you a ton of time. The motivational speaker’s video ought to be your primary “port of call” when scanning a speaker’s website. Quick tip: Don’t get overly caught up in the issue under discussion on the video, instead direct your attention to the speaking style. In truth, most professional speakers will tailor their content for your specific audience…

Tactic 2: Ask every one of the keynote speakers you interview about their speech titles. However, remember that speeches can be customized.

Tactic 3: Don’t dismiss a possible speaker just for the reason that he’s extremely witty. Remember, significant does not have to mean “dull as ditch water”. Many meeting professionals link serious and important. This is another, frequently made blunder. Don’t muddle up the importance of the know-how with the seriousness of the program.

Tactic 4: Does the speaker have his/her motivational program fees on their website? Overpaying for a motivational speaker is another huge concern when searching online. The answer is ridiculously simple Are you ready? Only contact speakers who list their fees online. Told you it was simple!

Mull this over, would you wish to be working with a big shot who chooses not give you their fee in advance? Don’t squander a ton of time describing your meeting. Find out, right away, if the motivational speaker is in your budget. When it comes to speaker fees, don’t be timid. Let’s face it, one of the major considerations you have is finding a good speaker that’s relevant to your audience and is in your price range.

Tactic 5: Finally, high-quality professional speakers get hired years in advance. If you need a speaker, start looking in plenty of time. The longer you defer, the less likely you’ll get the inspirational speaker you want at the fee you can afford. Take action and hire the perfect Texas motivational speaker for your special association or corporate meeting…at a fee your organization can afford!

If one of your responsibilities is to evaluate a motivational speaker from his/her website, you’ll quickly discover that, without a strategy, it’s easy to drift around aimlessly, not quite sure what to look for. And, as a result, waste a ton of time.

Video – Articles – Testimonials
I use a simple three step approach: Video – Articles – Testimonials…And ignore everything else! This easy approach is really useful. And, if you’re looking to hire a motivational speaker, I strongly suggest you use it.

And now onto step 1…

Video
Let’s face it, it’s not always realistic to see every one of your potential motivational speakers live before hiring one. Here’s the next best thing…

The very moment you arrive at a speaker’s website, cut to the chase and go directly to the demo video. You’ll know within a matter of seconds whether or not this is a speaker you might be interested in hiring. It’s by far the best way of answering the question: What will this motivational speaker be like when he/she walks out onto the stage in front of my attendees?

An Important Caveat: Don’t get too caught up in the precise content of the clips. (After all, it’s totally impossible to speak directly to all your potential clients’ problems in a short video clip.)

A great motivational speaker – at least the kind of speaker you would want to hire – will ask to conference call with your committee to establish the specific needs of your group. He/She can then apply his/her expertise to your specific meeting objectives and your attendees’ specific challenges.

Another important point, listen for “canned” laughter. If you hear audience members screaming with laughter at something you don’t find worthy of even a chuckle, the laughter might not be real.

And now step 2…

Articles
Once (using the demo video) you’ve assessed a motivational speaker’s style of presentation, it’s time to drill down to his/her topic and content. The easiest way to get a handle on a speaker’s content is by reading website articles.

The most important thing to consider as you read the speaker’s articles is: Am I engaged by the motivational speaker’s unique point of view? Bottom line: If you’re not engaged, what is the likelihood your audience members will be?

On a related note, it’s vital to arrange a conference call with your potential motivational speaker choices. I mentioned in the last section that some speakers (the good ones) will ask for a conference call so they can establish your meeting’s theme and the specific needs of your group. If the speaker doesn’t suggest it (a warning sign right there,) insist!

A conference call is an ideal opportunity to ask the speaker about his/her topic. And then, after the call, find out if your committee colleagues were intrigued by the speaker’s topic and ideas. Frankly, if a speaker can’t engage your committee members what are the odds he/she can engage your attendees? Answer…very poor!

Finally, step 3…

Testimonials
Look around the website for testimonials. These are quotes about a motivational speaker’s speech made by people who have actually hired him or her. Are the speaker’s clients merely satisfied with the speaker’s performance…or are they ecstatic? Do the testimonials suggest that the speaker did a good or a great (long to be remembered) speech?

Also, make sure to follow up with a couple of the people who’ve written the testimonials. And ask very specific questions such as “What comments were made by attendees on the feedback forms?” “Were people talking about the motivational speaker in the hotel corridors?” “If so, what were they saying?” Get the idea?

So that’s it. Video – Articles – Testimonials…and ignore everything else.

I routinely evaluate motivational speakers in this fashion. And, if looking to hire an outstanding motivational speaker (not just in Texas, but wherever you’re based) try my approach. And let me know if it works for you.

• Is this video full of “fluff ” (fancy graphics, interview footage, etc) with little actual speech footage?
• Is the audience finding this motivational speaker entertaining?
• Does this speaker have a unique point of view?
• Does this speaker have a unique delivery?
• Will this speaker’s outlook resonate with my specific audience?

Answering these questions (and discussing them with your colleagues) will help focus your attention as you choose a motivational speaker for your conference

For practice, try applying these questions to the videos below…