Availability

Probably the first question you should ask is the availability of the Speaker. You should have a clear idea of the dates you are looking at, and you should be sure the Speaker will be available when you need them. Booking very early always works best as calendars quickly become filled.

Every Speaker has a different policy, but many will ask for a deposit to reserve them. Often the deposit is non-refundable as the Speaker has usually turned down opportunities to hold your reservation. As well, many presentations are customized for specific audiences, and the Speaker puts in many hours for preparation and customization.

Randy’s policy is to request a 20% deposit at the time of final booking which is non-refundable. Accepting a deposit then elevates the relationship between the Speaker and yourself into a more professional one Randy does understand however that some groups have policies making a deposit impossible, and Randy waives his deposit request in those circumstances.

Price

Any speaker should be able to provide you with a quote fairly quickly. Most have a fixed price for a set presentation. However, there can be variables such as discounted prices for smaller audiences and package prices incorporating a Keynote and other services (i.e. breakout groups or workshop facilitation).

It is standard practice in the Speaking Industry that Speakers Fees do not include expenses for travel, accommodation, etc. These expenses are borne by the customer. It is very important that you discuss these details with your Speaker ahead of time detailing your expenses policy so that there are no surprises later.

In order to get the best price possible, be prepared to be very clear with your needs and expectations. You should know the audience you are representing, the length of time you wish your speaker to present for, and any extras you may be looking for. Do you want your speaker to answer questions? Do you want your speaker to become involved in media opportunities?

Why should you select this Speaker over many others in the Industry?

If your Speaker candidate is to be effective for your audience, they should know something about them. Randy has spoken for many different audiences, but has always done so with an understanding of what he wishes to impart. One of Randy’s greatest assets is his wide command of disability-related issues. If Randy is speaking for an audience of advocates, he draws on his own advocacy experiences to make a connection. If Randy is speaking for an audience of service-providers, he will draw on those aspects of his life.

Language is an important element of communication, and every group speaks and understands differently. Randy’s great wealth of experience means he knows how to “talk the talk” with many different audiences, communicating his concepts and experiences in the best format possible for them to understand and “hear” what he is saying.

The best answer to this question is the connection that the Speaker can make with your particular audience. Also very important is that the Speaker be able to meet your goals. Are you looking for someone to educate, shake up, or inspire your audience?

What is the style of your Speaker candidate?

Every speaker has their own style. The way they communicate can change the whole outcome of their presentation. Is the Speaker “preachy”? Is the Speaker angry?

Randy’s style is one of sharing his experiences and drawing his own conclusions. He does not tell others what they should be doing. Randy believes in each persons’ uniqueness and in their own abilities to make changes for themselves based on their unique experiences. Randy is not judgmental or preachy. BUT Randy certainly has strong opinions arising from his experiences and is very quick to share them. Randy makes no apologies for his conclusions.

Randy is also a very emotional person when speaking of heartfelt pain and joy. Randy’s presentations are drawn directly from his life, good and bad. Randy has lived the moments he talks about, and draws an audience into those intense moments that he shares.

The best question to ask is whether the Speaker has any questions.

Any Speaker should want to know more about your needs and expectations, and the make up of their audience, before undertaking any engagement. You should be wary of the Speaker who has no questions of you. Are they really interested in your event, or are you “just another gig”?

Randy wants every event he speaks at to be successful and he works very hard to ensure that his customers know what he offers, and to ensure that he understands what they expect from him.

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