A keynote speaker can help set the tone for your National Cancer Survivors Day event. That’s why it’s important to book the right person. Booking a keynote speaker for your Survivors Day celebration can be a daunting challenge. Here are 5 tips to help you find the perfect fit.
1. Decide what kind of Cancer Survivors Day speaker you want.
The type of speaker you select will depend on the type of NCSD event you are hosting. You want to find someone who fits in with the tone of your Survivors Day event. Do you want a keynote speaker who will provide a little humor? Or is your NCSD event more educational? Would you like a medical professional to share the latest in cancer survivorship care? Or would you prefer a cancer survivor who has an inspiring story to tell?
When choosing a keynote speaker for your Celebration of Life, be sure to consider the speaker’s persona and his or her message. Choose someone who will be a good fit for your National Cancer Survivors Day participants.
2. Search out potential candidates using the NCSD Speakers Bureau Roster.
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation has put together the perfect tool to help you help you search for the right motivational speaker for your Celebration of Life – the NCSD Speakers Bureau Roster. This listing provides information on more than 300 local and national keynote speakers who are available to speak on topics of interest to cancer survivors, cancer caregivers, family, and friends. Register your NCSD 2021 event at NCSD.org/register to receive exclusive online access to the NCSD Speakers Bureau Roster.
The online Speakers Bureau Roster is a searchable PDF file, making it easy for you to find what you are looking for. If you want a specific type of Cancer Survivors Day speaker, you can save time by using the search function to find specific keywords. For example, if you want a humorous keynote speaker, try searching for words like humor, funny, laugh, or comedian. You can also search for specific cancer types or keynote topics, such as spirituality, caregiving, chemo brain, or hope. The online NCSD Speakers Bureau Roster also provides a state-by-state speaker listing so that you can find National Cancer Survivors Day keynote speakers in your area.
3. Do your research.
Search online for audio or video samples of each motivational speaker you are considering for your Cancer Survivors Day event, and read any feedback or reviews you can find about the keynote speaker. If you are unable to find samples or reviews, ask for them. Professional speakers or their agents should have audio or video samples and references on hand. Treat each potential speaker as you would a job candidate: review their resumes, call references, and set up an interview with the keynote speaker if possible. You want to make sure that the motivational speaker you choose for your NCSD celebration is the best candidate for the job.
4. Work out contract details well in advance of your National Cancer Survivors Day event.
The last thing you want is to be negotiating details a few days (or even hours) before your scheduled National Cancer Survivors Day event. It’s important to agree on terms well in advance of your scheduled Celebration of Life. The more details you work out in advance, the more smoothly your NCSD event will go.
A contract and a deposit are common when booking a professional speaker. The contract will lay out the basic details of the booking, such as time, date, place, deposit, and total fee for the speech. It also may contain other details, such as a requirement for you to pay for travel expenses, accommodations, and food for the keynote speaker. Make sure you understand exactly what you will be responsible for paying before you sign the contract.
5. Set your expectations.
Before finalizing your decision, discuss your expectations with the speaker (or his or her booking agent) to make sure everyone is on the same page. Confirm the date and time of your National Cancer Survivors Day event, as well as the amount of time you have allotted for the speech. Give the motivational speaker a description of the audience, including how many cancer survivors and guests you expect to attend. Make sure the speaker understands what type of speech is to be presented, and provide them with talking points if needed. If you would like the speaker to take questions from the audience or be available after the speech for autographs or a book signing, make your request when booking.
With these tips and the online NCSD Speakers Bureau Roster, available to all registered National Cancer Survivors Day event coordinators, you have the tools you need to find a great speaker for your event. Good luck!
