How to Find a Speaker for Your Next Australian Event: A Simple, Professional Guide to Securing Impact
Introduction: Making Your Event Special with the Right Voice Choosing a great speaker is the most important part of planning any big event, training session, or industry conference across Australia. The right person can truly change how people think, encourage them to act, and make sure your event is a success. However, the tricky part is knowing exactly how to find a speaker whose knowledge and presentation style match your company goals and the people who will be listening. As someone who has spoken in many places, from big cities to country areas in Australia, I, Nathan Baws understand that this decision matters a lot. My main aim here is to give you, the person planning the event, a simple, clear way to choose a speaker well. This advice is intended to give you real help and practical steps to ensure you make the right choice and get the best possible result. Key Steps for Securing Your Speaker: Knowing What Your Event Needs and Wants Before you start looking, you must know clearly why you need a speaker. A speaker is a powerful tool, not just someone who provides entertainment. Taking the time to state what you want to achieve clearly will completely change how to find a speaker and what you look for in potential candidates. Setting the Main Message and Key Takeaways What is the single most important idea you want your audience to remember and take away? Is it a new way of thinking about online changes? Is it a simple plan for making the workplace safer, which is very important under Australian laws? Once you know the main message, finding a speaker becomes much easier. Your search moves from general browsing to looking for someone with specific skills. Understanding Cost and Planning Needs Speakers, especially those who are well-known nationally or internationally, charge professional fees. Setting a realistic budget early will quickly narrow down your options. Also, think about the practical side of things- like travel, particularly if your event is in a remote Australian location or involves flights between states. A professional speaker will have precise needs, and being honest about your planning limits shows you are experienced. Deciding What You Want the Audience to Do Do you want to motivate them, teach them, or entertain them? For a training day, you need someone who teaches and has practical knowledge. For an annual sales event, motivation is key. For a university class, deep learning is most important. The outcome you seek determines the expert you need. Knowing exactly how to find a speaker means knowing what a successful audience reaction looks like to you. Innovative Ways to Start Looking for a Speaker The days of only relying on speaker agencies are over. Today, a successful search relies on a few smart methods that leverage your professional contacts, industry knowledge, and direct observation. Using Your Professional and Industry Contacts Your co-workers, board members, or industry group peers are often the best people to suggest speakers. A recommendation from someone you trust, who has actually seen a speaker succeed, is very valuable. Go to events run by your competitors or partners and watch the quality of the speakers they use. This direct checking is essential when you are deciding how to find a speaker who is right for your specific event. Using Speaker Agencies and Professional Lists Speaker agencies offer a carefully chosen list of professionals, and they handle the contracts and planning details for you. While they charge a fee, the ease and certainty of working with people they have checked can be a worthwhile cost. However, always check things yourself: never let an agency make the final decision about whether a speaker is the right fit. Use these lists to start your search, not to finish it. Looking for Leaders in Your Field Look at Australian industry magazines, online videos, and professional networking sites for people who are actively talking about your industry. A highly requested speaker is often a recognised expert or an author. Their constant professional output shows not only their knowledge but also their ability to talk clearly about complex ideas- an essential quality when figuring out how to find a speaker. Checking a Speaker’s Experience and Presentation Style A speaker’s life story might look great on paper, but their impact happens when they are on stage. A careful checking process must look beyond the written words to see if they are practically suitable and professionally a good match for you. Watching Videos and Presentation Examples I always advise event planners to request at least two high-quality, full videos of the speaker in action. One should be a short highlight reel, and the other, ideally, should be at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted presentation. This lets you check their speaking rhythm, how they handle audience questions, and whether their style matches the formal tone you need. Checking Reviews and Client References Do not rely only on the lovely words written on their website. Ask for absolute client references- ideally three from the last year- from companies that are similar in size or industry to yours. Talking directly with a past client, especially one who hired the speaker for a problem similar to yours, is the most accurate way to predict future success. Checking How Deep Their Knowledge Is A speaker who is just charming but only has general knowledge is rarely as effective as someone who is a knowledgeable specialist. For example, if your event is about the future of green energy in South Australia, you need a speaker with real, current experience in that area, not just a motivational expert who talks generally about change. This depth of relevance is key to understanding how to find a speaker who brings real value. The Interview: Asking the Important Questions When trying to find out how to find a speaker, once you have a small list of good candidates, a formal interview is necessary. This is your chance to check their professionalism,









