Any speaker worthy of consideration will have a selection of testimonials from previous guests available for you to see on their site. Make sure that businesses and individuals are shown. Descriptions such as “A senior official of a large known company said …”, have little or no value, and should start the alarm bells ringing.
Check Sources
Look for named sources from quality companies. Such individuals are usually very selective about which motivational speaker they are willing to recommend as their own reputation might be on the line. This may seem obvious, but the most important trait required in a Vancouver, Canada motivational speaker is an ability to motivate. Tragically, as some organizers of meetings have already discovered at their considerable cost, it does not necessarily follow that a “motivating” professional facilitator can motivate.
Look at Credentials
Nor can it be assumed that someone described as a “celebrity motivational presenter” can inspire your audience by simply showing up on the right the day. The talks provided by a good speaker are carefully structured and based on a science studied little and practiced even less. Make sure your speaker choice has proven credentials, and do not assume that members of a related professional body are all qualified and appropriate. Minimum experience as a lecturer and the price of a dues are all that is required to become a member of some of these organizations.
Find Videos
Being published on motivational techniques, and a good reputation, are good indications of the expertise needed to work as a professional responsible for motivation. Ideally, look at the presenter’s videos and listen to the audience’s reaction to determine if they have any connection with the audience. Relationship and humor are essential ingredients in baking the “motivation” cake. If, when watching video clips provided by the presenter, you do not laugh, then your audience is not likely to laugh either! Laughter is an essential part of motivation, and the right speaker will include it.
