A college campus is an exciting culture, full of life, learning and hopeful energy. To keep that spirit alive and inspire students to fulfill their potential, it is common for faculty to consider a group event.
If you have been tasked with arranging such an affair, it is the ideal time to find a motivational speaker to address the crowd.With statistics showing a considerable increase in student performance after such functions, making a choice carefully is always wise
Begin With the Outcome in Mind
If you are unfamiliar with finding a speaker, you may be surprised by the volume of talent on the market. To avoid being overwhelmed, take a proactive approach, and be clear about the desired outcomes of the speech.
There are a lot of topics that can appeal to a group of young adults. Therefore, it is important that all involved parties take the time to note what results they expect to see once the event is over.
To help this process, here are some common topics that address relevant issues for the college audience:
Mindful Leadership – For colleges focused on creating graduates who spearhead positive change and lead without ego, find a speaker who understands these outcomes and has material that supports them.
Societal Diversity – As students face the challenge of a diverse campus population, they must also learn how to move gracefully through life after school. It is admirable to have a school value diversity and help students evolve.
Moving Forward – At some point, students will graduate and move on to their next phase of life. Arranging a speaking event that addresses this step and any concerns surrounding it is sure to help young adults confidently mature.
Team Work – It is easy to work independently in our modern society but working with others is just as important, if not more so. Helping future graduates learn this skill is a worthy effort.
Achieving Goals – Colleges are filled with big dreams and young people dedicated to achieving them. By teaching them resilience and goal setting practices, the faculty are able to provide valuable mentorship.
Whichever subject, and its related outcomes, appeal most to your college leaders, identifying the focus will help you look for a speaker with experience and material to effectively deliver it.
Finding the Right Match
With the objective clarified, and the pool of talent narrowed down, you can begin researching the speakers you have found. By looking for certain details from the outset, you can whittle the choices down even further before interviews and communications take place.
As you browse through a speaker’s information, review their site for the following inclusions:
Un-cut video of previous talks – Viewing the speaker performing at a past event is priceless. If possible, find examples with an audience similar to yours and observe their level of interest.
Ample experience with young adults – Addressing a crowd of college students is not the same as dealing with a room full of corporate executives. Look for a speaker who knows the difference.
Additional ideas for students – Other than an amazing speech, breakout sessions can be a creative way to engage young adults. Take note of a speaker who provides additional ideas to support the talk.
Willingness to be available – Of course they need to be available for the event, but young adults can be eager to meet a speaker afterwards. Therefore, look for someone who is willing to stick around.
Connections to the school – Speakers who have a direct connection to your college can be a great fit. If they are alumni, this makes them more relatable to the students and creates an instant bond.
Using this guide should bring certain speakers to the forefront rather quickly, allowing you to engage with them efficiently and knowledgeably.
Forming a Solid Relationship
Finding the ideal speaker for your college is a major step towards a successful presentation, but it is just the beginning. The best results come about when event planners and speakers work together as a team.
Well before the big occasion is to occur, take time to thoroughly discuss all details, expectations, requirements and responsibilities with your speaker.
Make sure equipment needs are understood and can be met by the venue effectively. Additionally, ask how the speaker handles unexpected mishaps and schedule changes.
Though no one wants issues to arise, there are some things, like weather, that cannot always be predicted or controlled.
Bringing It All Together
As the special day finally arrives, your hard work and proactive measures will finally pay off. By developing a clear vision, performing careful research, and establishing an open and trusting relationship with the speaker, the event is sure to be a smashing success.
Providing college students an opportunity to grow and expand is an incredible gift, and finding a motivational speaker who will inspire and empower them is the only way to present it with integrity.
Pandit Dasa is a mindful leadership expert, motivational keynote speaker and author who has spoken at Fortune 500 companies and helps organizations improve employee engagement, retention and workplace happiness. He helps individuals develop positive leadership qualities, lower stress and anxiety, increase focus and productivity and boost emotional intelligenc