I have been hosting and speaking at conferences and summits for more than a decade and I have seen many things. If you are a speaker, these tips will help you prepare for your next speaking gig.
1. Always thank the host or people who invited you to speak.
Be grateful that you were invited to speak because they do not have to share their platform with you. There are many speakers and since they chose you to speak, consider it an honor.
2. Don’t become a liability to your hosts.
Yes, you are gifted and awesome but learn to be independent. If you are too demanding, you will not be invited back.
3. Stick to your allotted time to speak.
If you are scheduled to speak for 30 minutes, don’t go on for 90 minutes. If you are to speak for 15 minutes, don’t go on for 45 minutes. If you do this (even one time), you will not be invited back.
4. Respect leadership and protocol.
If you happen to share a platform with someone you have admired for many years and praying to connect with, ask your host about approaching him or her for a conversation.
For example, ask your host, “Is it okay if I give Dr._____ a copy of my book or business card?” Bad manners will not get you invited back.
5. Keep some of your jokes to yourself.
Some jokes by guest speakers are inappropriate and disrespectful to the audience.
If you are blessed to be on a platform that God has assigned to someone, respect it. Destinies are connected to the platform and there’s no time to clean up speakers’ mess.
Those are my two cents on guest speaker etiquette. What else can you add or have you experienced? Are you planning a conference and need some coaching on how to proceed? Click here
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Belinda Enoma is a Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Consultant, Corporate Trainer and Global Speaker with a unique blend of law and technology expertise. She is a digital entrepreneur, author, ordained pastor, global conference host and mentor to women who desire to impact their generation. For bookings, click here
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