Questions You Should Be Asking as an Event Planner
If you’re planning an event that needs energy, engagement, and a lasting impact, one of the best decisions you can make is to book a motivational speaker. But with so many options out there, how do you know you’re choosing the right one?
Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this guide is designed for event planners to help you ask the right questions, avoid common mistakes, and ensure your speaker aligns with your event’s mission.
Why Booking a Motivational Speaker Isn’t Just a Line Item
When you’re managing deadlines, vendors, and logistics, it’s easy to treat the speaker as just another checkbox. But the truth is, booking a motivational speaker can make or break your event. The right speaker sets the tone, builds momentum, and becomes the part people remember.
According to a recent Forbes study, audiences recall only 10% of the content they hear—but nearly 70% of the emotion they feel. That means your speaker isn’t just delivering information—they’re creating an emotional connection that defines the experience.
That’s why asking the right questions for motivational speakers is so important.
Event Planner FAQs: What You Should Be Asking Before You Book
Here are the top event planner FAQs you should consider when narrowing down your speaker options:
1. Do they customize their keynote for your audience?
No two audiences are the same. A great speaker will tailor their talk based on your industry, audience challenges, and event theme. Ask: “Can you walk me through how you adapt your content for different audiences?”
2. What outcomes can we expect after the keynote?
You’re not just paying for motivation, you’re investing in results. Ask the speaker to outline clear takeaways your attendees will walk away with. This helps align expectations and measure impact after the event.
3. What’s the speaker’s prep process before showtime?
Professional speakers will have a process for pre-event calls, collaboration with your AV team, and aligning on message. Asking this will show how much support you’ll get before the mic is even on.
Red Flags When Booking a Motivational Speaker
If the speaker doesn’t ask you about your audience, your goals, or your event vision, that’s a red flag. When you book a motivational speaker, you’re hiring someone to represent your brand for a portion of the day, make sure they take that seriously.
Here are three signs you should keep looking:
- They only talk about themselves, not your audience.
- They don’t offer customization or prep calls.
- They avoid sharing outcomes or past client success stories.
3 Smart Questions for Motivational Speakers
To go deeper in your selection process, here are three smart questions for motivational speakers that can help you assess fit:
- “What’s one way you involve the audience during your talk?”
- “Can you share a story of a time your keynote shifted team behavior or morale?”
- “What do you need from us to make this an unforgettable experience?”
Asking questions like these during the booking a motivational speaker process sets the tone for collaboration, and ensures you’re both on the same page.
Final Thoughts: Book a Motivational Speaker Who Understands Your Vision
If you want to create a moment that sticks with your audience long after the event is over, don’t just hire someone who can speak, book a motivational speaker who knows how to connect. Someone who prepares, customizes, and delivers both inspiration and transformation.
As an event planner, asking the right questions makes all the difference.
Looking to book a motivational speaker for your next event?
Charles Clark is one of the nation’s top voices in resilience, leadership, and high-performance mindset. With over 12 years of experience inspiring corporate teams and conferences nationwide, he brings energy, clarity, and impact to every stage.
