Articles by Ruth Levine

 
Speaker Talk
By Ruth Levine

Corporate Meetings & Incentives, Sep 1, 2005

INCENTIVE WINNERS SHARE SEVERAL TRAITS: They are bright, energetic, confident go-getters, so they do not like to sit in their seats very long. This is not the time to choose a talking head at a podium.

Incentive winners are always seeking action and excitement, so choose a speaker who:

Uses music, art, and/or props;

Wears your company logo on a T-shirt or ball cap;

Uses visuals. PowerPoint is OK, but make sure that the visuals/slides are fast-moving and very simple. If the visuals are too complex, you will lose the attention of attendees within seconds;

Requires audience interaction, such as having members from the audience come on stage. Incentive winners are hams and love to have the focus on themselves or on their friends;

Infuses humor into the program. People love to laugh, and laughing keeps their attention. Studies also show that humor helps with information retention; and

Has an accent, a funny way of speaking, or uses different intonations and an animated style.

Consider a dynamic, energetic speaker who “rants and raves” and dashes across the stage, never staying in one place for very long. (Examples of these types of speakers are Keith Harrell, Amanda Gore, Warren Greshes, Robert Stevenson, Vince Poscente, and Dan Thurmon.)

Know Your Audience
It's also important to take a look at the characteristics and likes and dislikes of your winners. If your attendees need a sales refresher, for example, get a speaker who makes it fun and delivers the information subliminally. Top producers tend to think they already know everything about sales.

Remember that motivational speakers fall into different categories. Some groups like inspirational stories from former POWs, mountain climbers, or speakers with disabilities, while other groups may prefer a sports celebrity or a speaker who delivers a message on leadership or change.

If your attendees are predominantly male, think about whether they will enjoy a female speaker (and vice versa). For some planners, this is a sensitive area, because they may feel uncomfortable communicating a gender preference to their speakers bureau. However, it is important and helps the bureau to fine-tune the selection of speakers it sends for your consideration.

If spouses attend your speaker sessions, make them feel included by using speakers who don't limit their talk to business or sales. Likewise, even if your boss wants you to book a well-known football legend to speak, consider whether that would lose the interest of spouses or those who aren't football fans in your group.

Finally, liven up your awards program by using a professional master of ceremonies. Even though awards programs are often an integral part of your incentive, they are also often long and potentially uncomfortable for restless top producers. A professional emcee can infuse an entertaining mix of business acumen and humor. Dale Irvin and the team of Tim & Kris O'Shea are the most requested emcee names on the circuit.