8 Questions Every Speaker Needs to Ask Before Booking an Event

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2
Asking good questions and receiving good answers long before you step on stage can make or break your speaking presentation. As writers, we sometimes have the opportunity to share our message with in-person audiences—at book clubs, ministry events, civic gatherings, and other special occasions. As we prepare for an event, we pray, develop our presentation, and practice, practice, practice. Sadly, many writer/speakers fail to ask important questions during their event coordinator interview.
Picture the phone call:
“Hi, this is Mary from First Baptist Church. One of our members heard you speak recently and suggested we ask you to speak at our women’s ministry event.”
“Yes, I’d love to,” you say. You note the day and time, agree on the topic and your speaking fee, and say goodbye.
Seasoned speakers, however, know you should ask a few more question before you end the call.
Today, I’d like to share eight questions you’ll want to ask the event coordinator during this all-important conversation.
8 Questions Every Speaker Should Ask 
1. What is your goal for this event? Inspiration? Teaching? Fun? Relationship building? You may get more than one answer, but clarifying the primary goal will help you craft the perfect message.
2. Who will attend? Women? Men? A mixed group? Cancer survivors? Young mothers? Knowing your audience helps you speak to their specific needs.
3. What’s the age range of attendees? As in writing, knowing the age range of your audience helps you choose appropriate illustrations and cultural references. You can talk about oleo and Dream Whip to a group of seniors and save the quinoa and almond flour references for the younger crowd. If you’re speaking to a mixed crowd, aim for universally understood examples.
4. How many attendees do you expect? This question helps you know how intimate the gathering is. The size of the audience (and, by default) the venue helps you prepare your intentional gestures, number of handouts, and tone. Picture sharing with your Sunday school class versus speaking at a national convention. The size of the audience also helps you set your speaking fee.
5. What is the dress code? Is the gathering flip flop casual, black tie, or somewhere in between? As the speaker, you should dress one level above what the average attendee is wearing. But only one level. Too formal at an informal event makes you appear out of touch or unapproachable. Too casual can imply carelessness or disrespect.
6. Will there be a meal, and will I speak before or after the meal? The time slot directly following a meal is one of the most challenging times to speak. People with a full tummy get sleepy, so if you drew this time slot, you’ll need to be extra engaging and creative. If your presentation is long, plan a group activity or a “stand and stretch” break midway through. If you speak immediately before a meal, be sure to end on time. You won’t get asked back if you make them late for lunch.
7. Is there anything going on within the group I should know about? One women’s ministry coordinator I spoke to shared that several church leaders were battling cancer. Another mentioned one of their beloved members had recently died of COVID. Yet another told me that a local mill had closed, causing widespread unemployment. These details enable you to tailor your presentation in light of these events and avoid saying something insensitive.
8. How may I pray for you? Speakers spend many hours preparing for an event, but it’s the ministry leader and their team who carry the lion’s share of the responsibility. For most, this isn’t their fulltime job. They serve in the midst of a busy life. Asking how you can pray for them helps lighten this burden. After you ask, be sure to close your conversation in prayer.
As you prepare to share your message, don’t skip the all-important event coordinator interview. Asking good questions will pave the way for a powerful and effective presentation. 
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Lori Hatcher loves to inspire and equip others through the written and spoken word. A popular women’s ministry speaker and writing/speaking instructor, Lori is an Advanced Communicator God and Advanced Leader Bronze with Toastmasters International. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. Check out her latest devotional, Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart, from Our Daily Bread Publishing. Invite her to speak or teach at your event by contacting her at LoriHatcher.com or on FACEBOOK, TWITTER(@lorihatcher2) or PINTEREST(Hungry for God).