Want to make your conference, corporate event, or workshop amazing? Speakers who really connect with the audience and offer practical advice for improving lives and businesses are the key.
But how do you find the best speakers who truly resonate with your objectives? This guide and these examples will get you off to a great start.
Why Leadership and Customer Service Speakers Matter
Leadership shapes the culture of an organization, while excellent customer service ensures customer satisfaction and retention. The right speaker can combine expertise, storytelling, and inspiration to:
- Motivate your team to lead with impact.
- Equip leaders with strategies to foster collaboration and innovation.
- Offer effective customer service approaches to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
Investing in a high-impact speaker is investing in your business growth and employee morale.
Steps to Find the Best Speakers
1. Define Your Event Objectives
Before starting your search, clarify what you want your audience to take away from the event. Are you hoping to improve customer service mindsets across your organization? Are you looking to develop stronger leadership across various management levels? Having clear goals will help you pinpoint speakers whose expertise aligns with your needs.
2. Research Speaker Credentials
When evaluating potential speakers, look for:
- Relevant Experience: Do they have practical experience as a leader or customer service specialist?
- Engagement Skills: Do they speak in ways that captivate an audience while being informative?
- Track Record: Have they spoken at similar corporate events or conferences successfully?
- Tailored Content: Can they customize their material to address your company’s unique challenges?
A quick look at their past speaking engagements, audience reviews, and social media feedback can help you gauge their suitability.
3. Leverage Online Speaker Platforms
Several platforms specialize in connecting event organizers with speakers. Popular ones include Speak Inc, National Speakers Bureau, and eSpeakers. These sites let you filter by speaker, how much they cost, and where they’re located. Alternatively, TED Talks can be an incredible resource for discovering thought leaders who excel at tackling relevant topics.
4. Ask for Referrals
Reach out to colleagues, professional networks, or industry groups to ask for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to finding speakers who have successfully engaged audiences in your industry.
5. Watch Videos of Their Past Presentations
A professional speaker’s skill set comes alive on stage. Watching videos of their presentations will give you insights into their content delivery, energy, and ability to engage an audience.
6. Confirm Logistics Early
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, discuss details such as availability, speaking fees, travel logistics, and potential topic customization. Transparent communication ensures the speaker understands your audience’s expectations.
Top Speakers on Leadership and Customer Service
To help your search, we’ve highlighted some exceptional speakers renowned for their expertise in leadership and customer service:
Leadership Speakers
1. Simon Sinek
Best-selling author of “Start With Why” and an expert on finding purpose in leadership, Simon Sinek inspires individuals to lead by igniting a sense of shared vision and direction.
2. Brené Brown
Renowned for her work on vulnerability and courage in leadership, Brené’s approach empowers leaders to build authentic connections with their teams.
3. John C. Maxwell
A prolific author on leadership and personal development, Jonh Maxwell offers practical tips on fostering teamwork and driving results.
4. Rosalind Brewer
Former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Rosalind Brewer brings unique insights into leading large-scale transformations and promoting diversity in leadership.
Customer Service Speakers
1. John Tschohl
John Tschohl is the founder and president of the Service Quality Institute. He is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on all aspects of customer service.
2. Shep Hyken
With decades of experience as a customer service expert, Shep Hyken delivers actionable strategies designed to create unforgettable customer experiences and boost loyalty.
3. Jeanne Bliss
Author of Chief Customer Officer 2.0, Jeanne Bliss helps organizations transform their customer service approach to drive growth and satisfaction.
4. Ron Kaufman
A global authority on customer service culture, Ron Kaufman speaks with infectious energy, equipping businesses with tools to deliver consistently exceptional service.
5. Blake Morgan
A customer experience futurist, Blake Morgan provides deep insights into leveraging technology to innovate customer service strategies.
Inspired Leadership
Finding the perfect speaker involves a mix of research, networking, and careful evaluation. Above all, ensure they align with the message and energy you want your event to convey. To make the process easier, start early and give yourself enough time to contact speakers, finalize arrangements, and promote your event effectively. The result will be a memorable and impactful event that inspires leadership excellence and elevates customer service standards.
