CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOARD MEETING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Selecting an impactful board meeting keynote speaker for your organization’s get-togethers is critical for getting things off on a good foot and energizing attendees. An insightful presenter can invigorate the board and get all participants aligned on priorities and focused on achieving key goals. Here’s how to find the perfect fit in terms of a board meeting keynote speaker for your programs.

Understanding Attendee Needs

Start by having a planning session with other board members and leaders to determine what messages, insights or inspiration would be most valuable to share. Is there a specific challenge the board is trying to address where an external perspective could shed some light? Get clear on desired outcomes and top topics for the board meeting keynote speaker to cover. It will help zero-in on speaker selection.

Researching Speaker Options

Once goals are defined, start researching potential board meeting keynote speakers. Good resources include colleagues’ referrals, industry associations speaker directories, or speakers bureaus. Create a short-list of qualified candidates that map to ideal speaker criteria. Vet each thoroughly by viewing past presentations online or calling references.

Core attributes to evaluate include the speaker’s skill in virtual and live engagements, how they customize presentations, their storytelling and audience engagement abilities, and their track record successfully addressing boards and C-Suite audiences. Look for relevant subject matter expertise combined with a dynamic, inspiring delivery style.

Selecting the Final Keynote Choice

When narrowing down the options in terms of board meeting keynote speakers, consider speaker fees, availability and extent of customization offered for your event. Confirm that presenters have addressed organizations like yours on relevant topics. As decision time nears, invite finalists to present their proposed keynote program to determine who will best achieve desired outcomes. Go with the one whose presentation resonates most powerfully and who you feel the board will connect with.

Prepping the Speaker & Maximizing Impact

Once selected, provide extensive background on key challenges and goals for your board and organization. Make sure the board meeting keynote speaker tailors their content specifically to address your needs and includes impactful, relevant examples. Promote the keynote address extensively within communications to attendees to build anticipation and get minds focused on this cornerstone event. When introduced, the presenter should feel like the perfect fit to deliver just the right message at just the right time. With rigorous criteria and selection process followed, your board meeting keynote should hit the mark beautifully.