Reaction, Behavior, Results

When a speaker is making a presentation to an audience there are three observable indicators of effectiveness:

1. Reaction - How do audience members respond to the speaker while the presentation is in progress? What kind of feedback do they offer following the presentation? Were they informed, inspired, and entertained? Were they glad they attended?

2. Behavior - What observable changes in behavior have taken place following the presentation? Can participants cite changes in their own behavior? Do they take steps to alleviate problem situations? Are they better able to perform their jobs as a result of something that they learned at the presentation?

3. Results - Here's the ultimate payoff; what long-term changes have ensued as a result of what participants learned from the presentation? How have they been more effective at their jobs? How have they supported the overall goals of their organizations? Was the presentation sufficiently worthwhile such that they want to hear more from the same speaker?

Speakers Who Go Beyond

What type of speaker routinely pleases meeting planners? The speaker who:

1.) Knows how to make the meeting planner's task easier and more enjoyable.

2.) Researches the audience in advance through interviews.

3.) Offers subject matter that directly coincides with audience needs.

4.) Is a lively and compelling presenter who engages the audience the whole way through.

5.) Offers value added services which may include posting handouts on a blog or website, making follow-up calls, or offering desired bonus items or information.

What is the Speaker's Impact

A strong positive reaction from the audience members and the visible exhibition of learning are desirable outcomes for any speaker. A larger question, however, is "what impact did the presentation have on job performance?"

It behooves you to make follow up efforts to determine what changes in behavior, if any, on the parts your audience members resulted from a speaker’s presentation. Have audience members done anything differently since the presentation? Has their behavior changed? Has their performance improved? Do groups handle their responsibilities with greater ease? The simple speaker evaluation rating sheets that audience members complete directly following the presentation don't and can't answer these types of questions.

The Length of a Keynote

How long should keynote speakers’ presentations last? Sarah Braley, writing for Meetings and Conventions offers results from a poll of 125 meeting professionals:

30 minutes: 18%
45 minutes: 41%
60 minutes 29%
90 minutes: 12%

Speaker I Like: Don Blohowiak

The president of Leadwell, Inc., in Princeton Junction, NJ, Don Blohowiak (Blow-ho-viak) is a veteran of New York and New Jersey-based advertising and communications firms. He also logged in many hours earlier in his career as a broadcaster. In front of audiences, he offers authoritative insights and advice on effective hiring, customer service, and leadership.

Blohowiak is the author of numerous books and also the editor and principle author of the biweekly Don Blohowiak Leadership Letter. His breadth of knowledge and repartee in front of audiences make him a conference planner's delight.