|

Author:
Yvon Douran

Meetings are as diverse in their purpose and structure as the speakers who are on the platform at these meetings. They can be international, national, regional. They can be internal meetings, external meetings, sales meetings, client conferences, user conferences, annual conferences or leadership retreats.

Once you have determined the purpose, theme and structure of your meeting you will have a better idea of your speaker needs. The following descriptions will help you define exactly how you utilize a speaker’s services:

Keynote Speaker ( keynote - the main idea or theme). In public speaking the word keynote refers to the principal underlying theme of a larger idea hence the topic that a keynote speaker addresses usually relates to the reason or purpose behind a meeting.

The keynote address or keynote speech: An opening keynote speaker is bought in to set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important revelation of the event. A closing keynote speaker will be engaged to end a conference on a high note. If an event is held over a longer period of time, it is not unusual to have a different keynote speaker for each day of the event. . Often referred to as “featured keynote speaker"

General Session Speaker

A well chosen general session speaker can contribute a lot to a successful meeting and help to make it dynamic, productive, informative and memorable. Adding good quality audio, video, lighting, special effects, custom stage sets and theatrical scenery can also help to create an environment of energy and excitement Organize general sessions where the attendees can actively learn and take away new skills they can apply in their organizations and in their lives.

Plenary Speaker

When a speaker is referred to as a plenary speaker that person is often from within an organization, the same industry or a related industry. As opposed to a professional speaker or independent expert on a particular subject who is bought in to be a marquee keynote speaker.

Plenary Sessions

These are often concurrent sessions that focus on issues important to an industry sector or a particular aspect of a practice applicable to all industries. Mini-plenary sessions are usually open to all registrants.

Breakout Session Speaker

Typically a breakout session speaker is not on the main platform. A breakout session is a more focused session that is typically one hour to 2 ½ hours in length. Often breakout sessions are offered simultaneously in different meeting rooms and attendees decide which sessions that wish to attend. A main stage keynote speaker is sometimes asked to give a breakout session that immediately follows the keynote address. This provides an opportunity for attendees to participate, interact and learn more – they do not get this opportunity when they sit and listen to a keynote address.

Written by Yvon Douran, President of Keynote Resource your preferred bureau for keynote speakers, motivational speakers, celebrity speakers and corporate entertainment at http://www.keynoteresource.com

| Article Keywords: Professional Speaker

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Professional Speaker... Murphy's Law: How Speakers Can Prepare for the Unexpected "Anything that can go wrong, will"- Murphy's Law Public speaking may still be the number one fear but it's not just speaking that scares people. Many speakers are afraid of what can go wrong-once they're already on the platform. Sooner or later you'll come face-to-face with Murphy. So your best offense is a good defense. Anticipate Problems-Step one to ensuring a successful presentation is to anticipate what could go wrong. What's your worst nightmare? Technology failure? Travel delay? Bad weather? You forgot your presentation? You didn't pack your shoes? Identify everything that could possibly go wrong. Have an Action Plan-Once you identify the roadblocks come up with a contingency plan. Your approach may be different from another speaker's. Decide the right course of action for you in each situation. Plan for the worst. Travel glitches-Never check your presentation materials. Carry them with you. Send an email attachment of your presentation to the meeting planner so that you always have another copy on file. Choose a back-up speaker to take your place in case of an emergency-preferably somebody who is nearby. The show must go on even if you never arrive. You will preserve your reputation if you can supply the names of substitute speakers. Caught with your pants down-One woman was giving a speech behind the lectern when suddenly her half slip fell to her ankles. She didn't know what to do so with great aplomb she stepped out of it and kept talking. Recently, I arrived at my destination on a Sunday night only to discover that I forgot my shoes. In a panic, I asked the hotel clerk for the nearest store. Only the local K Mart was open. Luckily I found one pair of black shoes in my size for only $6.00! I made a joke about it to the class which broke the ice. A...