Invitation to be a Speaker
When someone is asked to be a speaker, several things will be clarified from the source who asked him to be a speaker. If the speaker is a famous person he usually has a personal staff or personal manager to answer his business emails. But there are also those who answer it themselves depending on the interest or closeness of the speaker to the source who invited him.
Some of the questions asked through the staff included, how did the source find the speaker’s work? Is it from a book written by the speaker or from youtube about the speaker?
At what events and themes are speakers expected to appear? Is it a business event, community activity, school or government? Likewise with the theme, is it related to politics, economy, society, or culture?
The source who invited must have provided an overview of the event and the theme. However, the speaker’s staff was still reassured about this so that the speaker delivered the material correctly according to the source’s expectations.
The speaking staff will also ask who the audience is. Is it government officials or academics? Because the source usually does not provide details on the invitation letter or email.
There are times when the source mentions the approximate time for the event, for example in early October 2021. So the speaker staff will ask the exact time to perform? There are many popular or busy speaker will politely refuse, because he already has a busy schedule as a speaker at another prestigious place. However, to appreciate the invitation, the staff will ask the exact time such as what date and how long does it take? Sometimes the staff will also ask how much fee will be paid for the speaker.
Another question from the speaking staff was: What website will be used at the event? What is a virtual event? Will the speaker’s presentation be recorded? Who will be the speakers? How many people will be invited to the event?
Will the speaker be interviewed by the press before and/or during the event?
If it is done offline, the speaking staff will ask for details such as the following:
Are the participants charged an entry fee, and if so, how much?
Who is funding the event?
Have you budgeted for speaker fees?
Does the speaker need a visa to attend this event/your country?
Well, it seems very complex if you will invite speakers from abroad or famous speakers. We can see that professionalism as a speaker is highly valued. They will also perform best in front of the audience.
If you were invited as a speaker would you ask some of the questions mentioned above?
Nani Kusmiyati
Jonggol, 12 September 2021
Artikel ke-23 KMAA
