TSG Speakers Bureau Reference Guide: General Session Speakers

What is the purpose of a general session speaker? Are all speakers qualified to address the general session? How do I select the best general session speaker for my event? This installment of The Speakers Group speakers bureau's reference guide exists to help meeting professionals in pursuit of the best general session speakers for their conferences and conventions.

What is the purpose of a general session speaker?

A general session speaker, also known as a keynote speaker, addresses a broad audience and delivers a message to "set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important revelation of the event," according to Wikipedia. The general session speaker should solidify a meeting's theme, or provide a foundation for achieving the key objectives of a conference.

A general session speaker is often selected to arouse interest in a meeting program and draw attendees to attend the event. If the chosen speaker is well known for his or her mastery in a particular field, or if the speaker has broad household name recognition, it is likely that enthusiasm about the conference will build.

How do I select the best general session speaker for my meeting or conference?

The "best" general session speaker is always relative to the unique dynamics of a particular program. If, for instance, a meeting is focused on technology issues, the general session speaker of a recent sales conference who was heralded as "the best" is likely not the best general session speaker selection for this technology meeting. In order to select the best general session speaker, the meeting organizer must first know the audience and have defined the meeting theme and objectives. Will the appropriate speaker be motivational in nature? Educational? Controversial? 

Once the appropriate type of speaker has been determined, a narrowed field of candidates for the best general session speaker will emerge. Then the meeting professional can evaluate speakers based on their speaking style and their presentation content. Are they dynamic? Does their presentation fit with our desired outcome for this meeting?

Subject matter alone will not ensure the best general session speaker selection for a given meeting. It is important that the speaker be able to present their material in a way that is engaging to the audience, and that their material complements the meeting owner's other program content. A speakers bureau's program consultant can be very helpful in guiding a planner toward general session speakers who will "set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important revelation of the event."

Who are some of today's most popular general session speakers?

There are a number of outstanding general session speakers available to enrich a meeting, conference or convention. Former government officials and primetime media personalities are always popular selections for general sessions. Some of the most popular and most requested general session speakers include Jack Canfield, John Kasich, Afterburner, Benjamin Zander, Buzz Aldrin, Lance Armstrong, and Marcus Buckingham. All of these speakers have proven very effective in connecting with meeting objectives and delivering a relevant message to the audience. To search for additional general session speaker candidates for your meeting, visit The Speakers Group's speaker search page and explore speakers who match your desired topic and budget.