A guest speaker can add a lot of value to your event. They can bring new perspectives, share valuable insights, and help your audience learn more about your topic.
For a guest speaker to be successful, you need to make sure you set them up for success. That means asking the right questions before, during, and after their talk.
53 Questions to ask a guest speaker:
- Can you provide us with a short bio?
- Which organization do you represent?
- What is your position within the organization?
- What is the mission of the organization?
- What are the main goals of the organization?
- What is your area of expertise?
- Why did you decide to be a guest speaker for our event?
- What are your qualifications for speaking on this topic?
- Can we promote your talk on our social media channels? If so, what hashtags or other keywords should we use?
- Do you have photos or other visuals we can use to promote your talk?
- What is the title of your talk?
- What are the learning objectives for your talk?
- How will participants know if they have met the learning objectives for your talk?
- Who do you think will benefit the most from your presentation?
- What are the three main points you’ll be covering?
- How did you become interested in this topic?
- What challenges did you encounter when researching this topic?
- Who are some of the experts in this field did you consult?
- What is your target audience?
- Is the audience familiar with the topic?
- Is there a specific dress code for the event?
- How many people are expected to attend?
- Where will the event take place?
- When is the event scheduled?
- Is there a fee for participating in the event?
- What type of language will you use? (e.g., technical jargon, industry-specific terms)
- How long do you expect the presentation to last?
- Will there be time for questions at the end of your presentation?
- Will you be selling products during or after your presentation?
- Do you have any special requirements? (e.g., equipment, AV needs)
- Do you have a portrait photo we can use?
- What is the format of your presentation?
- What time will your presentation start?
- What time will your talk end?
- What is the length of your talk?
- Are you comfortable with being photographed or filmed during your presentation?
- Can you provide us with a copy of your presentation in advance?
- Do you have any audiovisual requirements?
- Is there anything controversial or sensitive in your talk that we should be aware of?
- What are some of the current debates on this topic?
- What are some of the future trends we should be aware of on this topic?
- Have you given this talk before? If so, where and to what type of audience?
- Do you have any handouts or materials that we can distribute to our audience before or after your talk?
- How did you come up with the idea for this talk?
- What personal experiences or anecdotes will you share during your talk?
- What other lectures or books on this topic would you recommend to our audience?
- Are there any famous quotes or statistics that you will use as part of your presentation?
- What pictures or graphics will you show as part of your presentation, and do we need to provide them or can you bring them yourself?
- Is there anything else unique or unusual about your presentation that we should know in advance?
- What are common misconceptions about this topic?
- How can we learn more about this topic if we are interested?
- What is the best way for the audience to contact you if they have questions after the presentation?
- What are the most important insights you want the audience to remember?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to introduce a guest speaker?
Introducing a guest speaker is important because it allows the audience to learn more about the speaker’s topic of expertise. It can also help build anticipation for the talk by providing some background information about the speaker. In addition, introducing a guest speaker can help create a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere for attendees.
What is the purpose of a guest speaker?
A guest speaker is invited to give a presentation on a specific topic. This person is usually an expert in the field and has something valuable to share with the audience. Guest speakers can provide new information or perspectives that help attendees learn more about the topic. They can also stimulate discussion and encourage attendees to look at things differently. In short, guest speakers can be a valuable asset to any meeting or event.
What are the responsibilities of a guest speaker?
A guest speaker’s responsibilities include showing up on time, delivering a prepared speech, and engaging with the audience. They should also be familiar with the agenda for the event and any rules or guidelines that have been established for the occasion. Guest speakers should also be respectful of the hosts and their time.
What makes a good guest speaker?
A good guest speaker is someone interesting and engaging. They should know a lot about the topic they are speaking about and be able to hold the audience’s attention throughout the talk. It is also important that they are well prepared and have rehearsed their talk beforehand. Finally, good guest speakers are considerate of their audience’s time and do not exceed their allotted speaking time.
Conclusion
Asking these questions at your next event will help ensure that you and your audience get the most out of the talk. By gaining a better understanding of both the speaker and the topic, everyone in attendance can take away valuable information and insights instead of just mindlessly nodding along.
