Have you ever wondered what to ask an insurance speaker before hiring them? When planning a successful event, selecting the right speaker is crucial, especially when it comes to serving your agent base! An insurance speaker needs to be engaging, knowledgeable, and able to present information in an understandable and interesting way with action items that everyone can start today.
Here are the 10 key questions to ask an insurance speaker before hiring them for your next event.
1. What Is Your Experience in the Insurance Industry as an Insurance Speaker?
Understanding a speaker’s background in the insurance industry is fundamental. You want someone who has not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience.
Ask them about their career, the roles they have held, and the kinds of insurance topics they have dealt with. This will help you gauge their depth of knowledge and their ability to provide valuable insights.
2. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
A reputable insurance speaker should have a list of references or testimonials from previous engagements. These references can provide insight into the speaker’s effectiveness, engagement level, and ability to connect with the audience.
Contacting these references can give you a better idea of what to expect.
3. What Is Your Speaking Style?
Every speaker has a unique style. Some are more formal and data-driven, while others might be more anecdotal and engaging. Understanding their speaking style will help you determine if they will be a good fit for your audience.
Ask for video clips or recordings of previous speeches to get a sense of their delivery. You want to avoid the person who reads off the slides and puts your audience to sleep!
4. How Do You Tailor Your Presentations To Different Audiences?
An effective insurance speaker should be able to adapt their presentation to fit the audience’s level of understanding and interest.
Ask them how they customize their content for different types of audiences, such as industry professionals, corporate employees, or general consumers. This adaptability is key to ensuring your audience finds the presentation relevant and engaging.
5. What Topics Do You Specialize In?
Insurance is a broad field, encompassing everything from life insurance to health insurance, property and casualty insurance, and beyond. Ensure the speaker specializes in the topics most relevant to your event. A speaker with expertise in the specific area you are focusing on will be more effective in delivering value to your audience.
The insurance speakers at APP focus on leadership, sales, retention, and agency efficiency. You can learn more about our speakers on our website.
6. How Do You Stay Current With Industry Trends?
The insurance industry is constantly evolving with new regulations, technologies, and market trends. A good speaker should stay up-to-date with these changes. Ask them how they keep their knowledge current and whether they are involved in continuous professional development, industry conferences, or publications.
At APP, we are in agencies every week with our ear to the ground of the pulse of the independent insurance agency channel.
7. What Is Your Onboarding Process?
Your top priority is having a successful insurance event. When you have a speaker who is passionate about every detail, it’s a win! At APP, we hold a formal onboarding meeting to gather all the details, ensuring you build a strong relationship with us and that we can make a great impression at your event.
If a speaker just shows up, ask yourself: will they be the best representation of you?
8. What Kind of Audience Engagement Techniques Do You Use?
Audience engagement is crucial for a successful presentation. Ask the insurance speaker what techniques they use to keep the audience engaged. This could include interactive elements like Q&A sessions, polls, or group discussions.
An engaging speaker will ensure that the audience stays attentive and retains the information presented.
9. What Are Your Logistics Requirements?
Understanding the speaker’s logistical requirements can help you plan your event more effectively.
Ask about the insurance speaker’s needs regarding AV equipment, stage setup, or any special accommodations they might require. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure the speaker has everything they need to deliver a great presentation.
10. What Are Your Fees?
Lastly, discuss the speaker’s fees upfront. Understanding the cost will help you budget for your event and determine if the speaker fits your financial constraints. Additionally, inquire about what the fee includes – for example, travel expenses, preparation time, and follow-up consultations.
Many speakers will add in some extras like helping market your event, running a panel, or attending a dinner for your VIPs!
Conclusion
Selecting the right insurance speaker for your event requires careful consideration and thorough vetting. By asking these 10 questions, you can ensure that the speaker you choose is knowledgeable, engaging, and a good fit for your audience. This will ultimately contribute to the success of your event, providing valuable insights and information to attendees.
Remember, the right speaker can make a significant difference in how your event is perceived and the impact it has on your audience. Take the time to choose wisely, and your efforts will be rewarded with a memorable and informative event.
Additional Tips for Hiring an Insurance Speaker
- Check Online Presence: Look at their LinkedIn profile, website, and any online reviews.
- Evaluate Communication Skills: Ensure they are responsive and professional in their communication.
- Discuss Follow-Up: See if they offer any follow-up resources or sessions post-event.
- Consider Their Network: A well-connected speaker can bring additional value through their industry connections. Also, will the speaker help promote your event to their network?
By keeping these considerations in mind and asking the right questions, you can confidently hire an insurance speaker who will contribute significantly to the success of your event.
