10 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Corporate Speaker

Why Questions Matter

Booking a corporate speaker isn’t just about finding someone with a great story — it’s about finding someone who connects with your audience, understands your business, and delivers tangible value. Whether you're planning a leadership offsite, sales kick-off, or company-wide event, asking the right questions up front ensures the experience is memorable for the right reasons.

Here are the top 10 questions every event planner should ask before signing on the dotted line.

1. What outcomes can you help us achieve?

Great speakers tailor their content around your goals. Are you trying to inspire change? Build resilience? Improve communication? Clarify what you want the audience to walk away with — and make sure the speaker is aligned. Many speakers arrive and tell the same story they have told hundreds, if not thousands, of times. If you want something that truly resonates, it’s important to identify what you want to achieve first. 

2. Who is your ideal audience?

Some speakers shine with senior leaders, others with early careers talent. Ask who they typically work with to see if there's a natural fit for your demographic.

3. Can you adapt your content to our theme or objectives?

The best speakers aren’t just inspiring — they’re relevant. Ask if they can weave your company’s values, vision, or event theme into their content to make it feel personal and aligned.

4. How interactive is your session?

Do they do keynotes, workshops, or something in between? In a world of short attention spans, interaction matters. Will there be Q&A, audience participation, or breakout activities?

5. What experience do you have in our industry (or with similar audiences)?

While they don’t need to be from your sector, relatable examples go a long way. Speakers who’ve worked with similar companies will often understand your challenges and opportunities better.

6. What’s your delivery style?

Dynamic? Conversational? Story-driven? High-energy? Every speaker has a different vibe. Make sure their style matches the vibe you want to create in the room. Better than that, a good speaker will adapt their style to fit with what you want to achieve.

7. Do you offer a briefing call before the event?

A short briefing call can make all the difference in ensuring alignment. This is where great speakers pick up on company culture, inside jokes, and nuances that elevate their delivery.

Tip: At Alison Edgar Ltd, we always offer a pre-event call to ensure content is fully bespoke. Check out our process here.

8. What support materials do you provide?

Handouts, slides, digital toolkits, follow-up guides — these can extend the impact beyond the day itself. Ask what’s included and what you can share internally.

9. What’s included in the fee?

Does the quote include travel and accommodation? Do they charge extra for prep calls or materials? Clarify what’s included so you’re not caught out later.

10. Can you share testimonials or past client feedback?

Reputation matters. Ask for testimonials, videos, or even a reference call with a past client to get a real sense of what it’s like to work with them.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Book a Speaker — Book an Experience

Asking these questions helps you go beyond flashy bios and get to the heart of whether a speaker is right for your event. The best speakers don’t just perform — they partner with you to create an unforgettable experience for your audience.

📩 Want a speaker who ticks all these boxes?
Dr Alison Edgar MBE combines psychology with practical business experience to inspire change from the inside out. She’s worked with brands like Amazon, Adobe, and Porsche — and she’d love to speak at your next event. Get in touch to find out more.