1. Choose a speaker who will grab your audience's attention. There's a lot to consider. Look for a speaker who uses music, art, and/or props; wears your association logo on a T-shirt or ball cap; uses visuals (PowerPoint is OK, but make sure that the visuals/slides are fast-moving and very simple). Also, look for someone who requires audience interaction, such as having members from the audience come on stage; infuses humor into the program; and someone who either has an accent or a funny way of speaking, or who uses different intonations and an animated style.

   Consider a dynamic, energetic speaker who “rants and raves” and dashes across the stage, never staying in one place for very long. (Examples of these types of speakers are Keith Harrell, Amanda Gore, Warren Greshes, Robert Stevenson, Vince Poscente, and Dan Thurmon.)

2. Remember that motivational speakers fall into different categories. Some groups like inspirational stories from former POWs, mountain climbers, or speakers with disabilities, while other groups may prefer a sports celebrity or a speaker who delivers a message on leadership or change.

3. If your attendees are predominantly male, think about whether they will enjoy a female speaker (and vice versa). For some planners, this is a sensitive area, because they may feel uncomfortable communicating a gender preference to their speakers bureau. However, it is important and helps the bureau to fine-tune the selection of speakers it sends for your consideration.

4. If spouses attend your speaker sessions, make them feel included by using speakers who don't limit their talk to business or sales. Likewise, even if your boss wants you to book a well-known football legend to speak, consider whether that would hold the interest of spouses or those who aren't football fans in your group.

5. Finally, liven up your awards program by using a professional master of ceremonies. Even though awards programs are often an integral part of your incentive, they are also often long and potentially uncomfortable for restless top producers. A professional emcee can infuse an entertaining mix of business acumen and humor. Dale Irvin and the team of Tim & Kris O'Shea are the most requested emcee names on the circuit.

Ruth Levine is the founder of Speak Inc., an international speakers bureau headquartered in San Diego with offices in Chicago, Denver, Tucson, and Kansas City, Mo. She can be reached at (858) 228-3771 or by e-mail at rlevine@speakinc.com.

Speaking of Contracts

Be sure the following points are included in your contract so that there are no surprises:

• State what the speaker's attire should be. Do you really want to chance having your keynote speaker show up in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts if the audience is business formal?

• State whether speaker product sales are permitted. Consider if you want your winners to feel an obligation to buy expensive books and tapes at the back of the room.

• Add a reciprocal indemnification and “hold harmless” clause. These clauses may become necessary when you least expect it.

• Make sure the city and state in which arbitration will be held is included in the arbitration clause, as well as if the prevailing party will pay attorney costs should arbitration occur.