1. Professional Speaker
A professional speaker is a person whose main occupation is speaking from the platform. Professional speakers are hired to present information, educate,
motivate, inspire, and entertain. There are thousands of professional speakers with varying degrees of proficiency.
2. Keynote Speaker
A keynote speaker is considered the main presenter and will usually speak for approximately fifty to ninety minutes at a general session, dinner, or
banquet. A keynote speaker can be either a professional or non-professional speaker.
Keynote Speakers fall into a variety of subcategories. Some of them are:
a. Motivational: Speakers who get your group enthused about themselves and your organization, while providing a message that is thoughtful and useful.
A good motivator can make an impact by leaving an impression that will last years -- or a lifetime.
b. Visionaries: Speakers who are experts on a specific topic and/or skill and will predict, based on experience, where this topic and skill are headed;
or how these topics and skills will change throughout the current generation and into the next.
c. Inspirational: Speakers who have succeeded in life despite a variety of setbacks and handicaps, or have accomplished something against great odds.
Such speakers tell life stories which can inspire your audience toward greater goals and accomplishments.
d. Educational: Speakers who can talk on specific subjects in an educational, informative, exciting, and often entertaining manner. Any of the subjects
that can be taught in a seminar or workshop can be covered in a keynote address. However, not all seminar speakers make exciting keynoters.
e. Celebrity: Well-known personalities from the worlds of politics, sports, the media, entertainment, or the arts who speak about their own specialties.
Celebrities are usually invited to speak because of their name value. They add clout, interest and glamour to a meeting. A celebrity can regale your
audience with personal stories, great ideas, specific information or even poignant messages.
3. Seminar Leader
Seminar Leaders are experts on a particular topic. Their objective is to educate and motivate an audience on that subject. Their delivery is usually less
dramatic and more conversational than that of the keynoter. The longer (1-3 hours) seminar format allows for more interaction between them and the audience.
Seminar leaders often use handouts, digital projections, and Power-point visuals. Seminar leaders can easily work with a relatively large audience. Many
professional keynote speakers also make excellent seminar leaders.
4. Workshop Facilitator
A workshop facilitator is similar to a teacher in a school. These presenters usually work with smaller audiences that allows for more individual attention.
A facilitator can provide guidance as participants practice using newly acquired knowledge and skills. A facilitator can lead the group through activities,
exercises, and simulations that allow them to probe, clarify, and relate the new information to their own experience and workplace needs.
5. Trainers
Trainers are presenters who specialize in hands-on instruction of a specific skill that will later be used by the participants in their work. (e.g., typing,
operating a piece of machinery, learning a new computer program, sales techniques, or leadership skills, etc.) Generally, trainers are hired to teach employees
at the organization's own facility and only occasionally at a meeting or convention.
6. Industry Speaker
An industry speaker is someone who is an expert or has a reputation in a particular industry or field. Industry speakers rarely fall into the category of
professional speaker. The specific information they impart is usually of special value only to a particular audience. Depending on their position in the
industry, and the relevance and importance of their information, they may be invited to present either as a keynoter or a seminar leader.
7. Combination Program and Entertainers with a Message
There are a handful of professional entertainers who are also excellent professional speakers. These few not only entertain an audience but also educate them.
An entertainer's ability to captivate a sophisticated audience with a great show while interweaving a powerful and motivating message can make the difference
between a good meeting and a great one.
If you have a question regarding speakers and topics, we invite you to call us today at
1-800-345-5607, or use our
Eagles Talent Request Form.
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1. Message
Contemporary audiences want take-home value. This is why you should select speakers with an appropriate message, regardless of whether they
have a "name." Unless your objective is simply to entertain, you should also judge a speaker's presentation by their ability to stimulate,
inspire, and motivate your group into action. Some questions to ask in selecting speakers are:
a. Do they have a message?
b. What
exactly is the message?
c. Does the message conform to your organization's philosophy and policy?
d. Is the message appropriate for your particular audience?
e. Is the message relevant to the theme and purpose of your corporate meeting?
f. Is the message timely?
g. Does the message complement the other speakers on the program?
2. Authenticity
Ensure that the presenters are authorities on their subject so they may adequately inform, motivate, inspire, or impact your audience. If they
are
not genuine, the audience will pick it up. If your presenter speaks on success, they need to have examples. If the topic is leadership, they
should have demonstrated leadership.
3. Delivery
When you select a speaker with Eagles Talent Connection, you're not just buying a message...you're
also hiring the messenger. You should select someone
with both a message
and an exciting, attention-getting presentation style. Remember that writing and speaking are not necessarily related skills.
4. Dependability
The presenter may be an authority because they have the proper credentials and also excel in delivery, but are they dependable? The last thing you need
is to be hassled with presenters who are unreliable or "prima donnas" of the platform. Eagles Talent Connection will recommend only the best and most
dependable speakers. We will make sure that you have all the proper Presenter biographies, photos, tech requirements and travel itineraries, in a timely
fashion. We will find you the presenter who communicates with the meeting planners
well before the program date; arrive at the presentation site early
enough to prepare; and finish their presentations on schedule. We adhere to the maxim, "When in doubt, leave them out." There are too many excellent and
reliable speakers that don't want to recommend to you
any unnecessary risks.
5. Strong Track Record
A presenter needs to have an excellent reputation and verifiable references. Your meetings cost too much and your audience is too important for you to
play "speaker roulette." At Eagles Talent Connection, we always do our homework by thoroughly checking the presenters before recommending them.
The following is some of the information we consider:
a. Quality and style of presenter
b. Dynamics of presenter
c. Being aware of off-color or chauvinistic remarks
d. Audience reaction
e. Knowledge of material
f. Relevance of material to audience
g. How much customizing and tailoring do they do?
h. Cooperation and overall attitude of presenter
i. Quality and promptness of publicity sent (i.e., photos, bio, intro, etc.)
j. Does the presenters arrive on time and finish their presentation on schedule
k. Recommendations from other clients who have used the presenter
l. Watch speaker videos and personally view presenters during a live presentation
Results are always the best credentials.
If need some guidance on finding a speaker, we invite you to call us today at
1-800-345-5607, or use our
Eagles Talent Request Form.
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Q. What types of speakers are available to us?
There are thousands of presenters who speak on hundreds of topics. Speakers are available in different genders, ethnicities, proficiencies, and fees.
Q. Can Eagles Talent Connection get me any presenter?
YES, absolutely! Besides the thousands of presenters on our web site, we have thousands more in our database (one of the largest in the industry), our
affiliations and worldwide contacts gives us access to all speakers, celebrities, business visionaries, authors, media personalities, sports stars, and
corporate entertainment. Experience the ALL-INCLUSIVE bureau difference. We work for you, the corporate meeting planners and associations.
Q. Will I pay more for a presenter when I book through Eagles Talent Connection?
Absolutely not! Here's why:
a. In the majority of cases, we receive our entire fee from the presenter. On those rare occasions where a celebrity or entertainer does not pay the
bureau's fee, our markup is among the most modest in the industry.
b. Eagles Talent Connection strives for your continuous, long-term business. Therefore, we will always find you the best presenter for your budget.
c. Eagles Talent Connection generates an appreciative volume of business for many presenters, putting us in a more favorable position to negotiate for
you. In many instances, we can actually save you money.
Q. Will I be able to preview a presenter before I book him/her?
Absolutely! You can view a sample of the presenter instantly on our web site. You may also request a sample DVD of the presenter of your choice in action,
giving you an adequate sense if he/she is right for your audience. For those meeting planners who prefer to see a presenter do a live performance before
committing, permission may be granted (in most cases) for a visitor to sit in on a performance. (This may require the visiting meeting planner to travel
to the event.) Eagles Talent Connection is always happy to seek permission for a live preview.
Q. Will I be able to speak with a presenter before I book him/her?
In most cases, YES. A telephone conversation with a speaker can sometimes provide helpful clues to their personality and their understanding of your
organization, audience, and objectives. For that reason, Eagles Talent Connection encourages a telephone visit with a presenter before you make a final
decision. Whenever possible, we're delighted to arrange one for you.
Q. Does the fee quoted for a speaker include travel expenses?
Normally, there is an additional charge for airfare, ground transportation, overnight accommodations, food, and incidentals (sometimes arranged as a per
diem charge). In addition, there may also be extra charges for technical equipment, especially when booking high-end entertainment or high-profile celebrities.
Working with Eagles Talent Connection, you'll never be surprised or caught of guard by hidden charges. Your Eagles Talent Consultant will always explain
all charges to you up front. All charges need to be understood, negotiated, and approved before contracts are signed. Your Eagles Talent Event Coordinator
will guide you through this potential "financial minefield." It's our job at Eagles Talent Connection to make sure you, our client, fully understand why and
what you are paying for, and getting you the fairest deal.
Q. Who makes the presenter's travel arrangements?
Since a presenter's travel itinerary is subject to frequent changes, most presenters prefer to make their own travel arrangements. This is the most convenient
and expedient arrangement for all concerned. Eagles Talent Connection is fully responsible for supplying to you, prior to the engagement date, the presenter's
final (detailed) travel itinerary and all other pertinent information. Travel and incidental expenses (as agreed upon and delineated in the contract) are
usually billed after the engagement.
Q. Will the speaker customize or tailor his/her presentation for my particular corporate meeting and audience?
In most cases, YES. At Eagles Talent Connection, we encourage the speakers we hire to customize their presentations. To assist the speakers in doing so, we
have created a detailed PPQ (Pre-Program Questionnaire), specifically for the corporate meeting planner. We then send your selected speaker the PPQ, along
with as much additional and pertinent information as possible about your organization and event. There are several speakers who actually conduct interviews
with key people in your organization to tailor their presentation more effectively. The better presenters are not only excellent speakers but are also superb
listeners.
Q. Can I talk with the speaker before he/she comes to our event?
Absolutely. We always insist that presenters get in touch with the person in charge of the program weeks in advance of the event. Most of the professional
presenters we recommend are accustomed to personally speaking with the organizers of the event.
Q. Will the presenter join us at our dinner, cocktail party, or golf outing?
It all depends on scheduling and the presenter's preference. Many presenters welcome the graciousness of an invitation to join the group for dinner and/or
other social functions, with the understanding, of course, that they may respectfully decline. Corporate meeting planners need to keep in mind that there are
some presenters who enjoy socializing with an audience before making their scheduled presentation, while others prefer that the audience meet them, for the
first time, after they are formally introduced. Also, the toll of a hectic travel schedule may preclude a presenter from partying before their presentation.
Since a golf outing requires a commitment to a certain block of time, accepting to join the group for the outing will depend on the presenter's schedule.
Special arrangements can sometimes be made, for an additional fee, to have a "celebrity" join the group on their golf outing. Eagles Talent Connection is
always more than happy to extend an invitation to the presenter for your group's social functions. These arrangement need to be made well in advance of the event.
Q. Will we be able to purchase the presenter's products, books, DVDs and CDs at the event?
Most presenters who have books, DVDs, CDs and other specialty items are usually more than willing to sell their products. A presenter's product can add
tremendous value to a presenter's appearance. It gives an audience member not only a memento of the presenter, but can also be a useful take-home reference
source to the presenter's message. There are several ways these products may be purchased:
(i) On Eagles Talent Connection's website. By going to the presenter's page, then clicking on the product(s) you desire. This will take you directly to
Amazon.com, where you may purchase the product(s) with a credit card.
(ii) A presenter may display his/her products on a table at the back of the presentation room for sale to the audience after his/her presentation. However,
this arrangement is strictly at the discretion of the meeting planner, as Presenters need to get prior approval.
(iii) The best, most effective, and elegant way is to pre-purchase the presenter's product (book, DVD, or CD) to be given as a gift, from the organization to
each member of the audience. The product, book, etc., may be shipped to attendees in advance of the event, included as part of the conference materials or
given to each member of the audience at the time of the presentation. Most presenters will be more than delighted to sign books and/or products. Eagles Talent
Connection will, of course, negotiate a wholesale price with the presenter and also make all the necessary shipping arrangements.
Q. Why should I book my presenters through Eagles Talent Connection Speakers Bureau?
First and foremost, Eagles Talent Connection has purposely remained an ALL-INCLUSIVE speakers bureau. This means we are not held to any particular roster of
speakers; instead Eagles Talent Connection is free to recommend any and all speakers including those that are exclusive with other bureaus and agencies. At
Eagles Talent Connection, you, the corporate meeting planner, are our client, not the speaker.
In addition, our Eagles Talent Consultants are among the most knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. Whether your needs are for a Speaker, Trainer,
Business Visionary, Celebrity, Sports Star, or Banquet Entertainer, we can help you.
Experience the Eagles Talent Connection ALL-INCLUSIVE bureau difference. We are here to satisfy all of your speaker and corporate entertainment needs. Our
comprehensive entertainment division makes us a most convenient one-stop-resource. Corporate Meeting planners enjoy working with Eagles Talent Connection
because they avoid the hassle of having to deal with several different vendors in order to satisfy all of their various presenter needs.
Our innovative approach to personalized attention is a big reason why so many meeting planners rely exclusively on Eagles Talent Connection for their
presenter needs. Our "Worry-Free" Process is designed to save you time, money and hassle. For more details on this process,
click here.
Our reputation is our most cherished credential and we guard it with unyielding ferocity. We have built our reputation by staying ahead-of-the-curve with
knowledge, relentless research, impeccable attention to details, meticulous follow-through, and unsurpassed client support. These are the kind of things
that corporate meeting planners have come to expect from Eagles Talent Connection.
Q. How can I be sure that I am getting the best possible presenter for my particular corporate meeting and audience?
When you work with an Eagles Talent Consultant, you are actually getting a whole team. Our consultants collaborate with each other (on each project if
necessary) to make certain that you are assured the most appropriate presenter(s) available. We are determined to keep you returning to us, continuously.
We bring to you more than a century of combined experience, knowing who is good and what works. We'll recommend only the best speaker for your event,
earning you the recognition that you deserve. That's our job. That's your assurance.
Q. What is a "Hold?"
A "hold" is when a presenter, prior to finalizing the engagement, is reserving a particular date for you. Eagles Talent Connection rarely recommends a
presenter to you without first checking to make sure the presenter will be available for your engagement. In the event the presenter, while on hold for you,
receives a firm offer for the same date, you, as the first hold, will have twenty-four hours to either go ahead and book the presenter or release the hold.
Q. What is a "Firm Offer?"
Some celebrities and high-profile presenters require, from the buyer, what is known in the industry as a "firm offer." A firm offer is a commitment, on the
part of the buyer, to book a specific presenter for a specific date at a specified fee. Some celebrities and high-profile presenters will not even consider
an engagement unless a firm offer is first put forth. A firm offer does not guarantee the buyer that the presenter will accept the offer, only that he/she
will consider it. If, however, the presenter accepts the buyer's offer, the firm offer is legally binding. Firm offers are usually made in writing and can
either be mailed or faxed. Eagles Talent Connection has a special "firm offer form" that we e-mail to you when and/or if required.
Q. What happens in the case that a presenter is unable to attend my event due to an accident, illness or travel difficulties?
Although this rarely happens, Eagles Talent Connection is here to help you twenty-four hours, seven days a week. You will receive, with the paper work for
the engagement, both Eagles Talent Connection 24-hour emergency phone number, and the personal cell-phone number to your Eagles Talent Consultant. In the
event of a last minute emergency, we immediately spring into action to secure you a comparable professional presenter replacement. Fees will, of course, be
adjusted.
In the event the presenter fails to make it to your event venue in time for his/her scheduled engagement, and you do not wish to accept a replacement, your
full deposit will be refunded immediately.
Q. How do we pay for presenters?
The most common arrangement is that 50% of the fee, or a deposit, along with the signed contract is sent to Eagles Talent Connection. The balance is due prior
to the presentation. Expenses for travel and other incidentals will be billed after the event.
Q. What happens in the event of a cancellation, either by us or by the presenter?
Although usually quite liberal, different presenters may have different cancellation policies. Each presenter's policy will always be clearly outlined in the
contract. However, after you have narrowed down your presenter choices and would like to know their particular cancellation policy before booking them,
(this is especially wise before booking a high-priced celebrity) Eagles Talent Connection will be more than happy to e-mail or fax a specific presenter's
cancellation policy.
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