John does an enormous amount of research and homework for each presentation. His in-depth knowledge of your organisation, and of the individuals at the event allow him to personalise his speech and relate to the audience. The better the brief – the better the performance! However not all the following may be relevant - please print and fill in as necessary. Use reverse side if more space is needed. If a verbal briefing is needed to clarify any of the following – please call to discuss! (Contact details are at the end of this form)
Name of Organisation holding the event: ......................................................................................
Person filling in this form:....................………….…… Job Title/Position: ....................................
Reason for event:..........................................................................................................................
Any “theme” or special emphasis for the event? (or the conference of which it is a part)
Who will introduce John?................................................................
John has a written introduction – if it is required before the event please give name and e-mail of person to send this to):
…………………………………………………….....................…
Seating Arrangements (round tables? “U” or ‘T’ Shape with sprigs? Refectory style?):
………………………………… with Table Plan? …….. With allocated places? ………………… (It helps John to know “who’s who” if there is a table plan, plus name cards on table settings)
Have you had any other professional speakers/entertainers for this audience at previous events?
If so whom? : ...............................................…………………...................
About Your Organisation: (not all this will be relevant to an “Association” or Public Sector event)
Website: (for your organisation – or the event): ..........………………….……………...................
Principal business activity: ...............................................................................................................
Main Products or services: ...............................................................................................................
Which word do you use - “customers” or “clients”? ……………………………..
Do you have any well known advertising slogan, “strap line”, catchphrase or “USP” ?:
……………………………………………………………………………………………… Are there any topical management initiatives, “buzz words” or performance related schemes (eg. 6 Sigma) which are high on your agenda at the time of the event:
……………………………………………………………………………………………….…… Are there any other particularly important recent topical issues that are of special relevance to this audience? (E.g. new government legislation/new developments /new products/staff changes/ take-overs restructuring/competitors activities etc.)
............................................................................................................................................................ Is there any particular brief for John? (Anything to stress, highlight or reinforce?):
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Anything to avoid? : ……………………………………………………………………………….
Has anything which is funny/amusing - and currently topical - happened at work (or in your industry) recently?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
About the audience: (The following is generally for social “dinner” events and NOT conference or seminar presentations. The “Background Info” is optional – see below)
Senior People present from Host company: (continue on reverse side if more space needed) NAME (Nick Name?) JOB TITLE/POSITION (ANY BACKGROUND INFO?)
Next please list any other members of the host company (or guests in the audience) who would be well known by everyone. (Continue on reverse side if more space needed) NAME (Nick Name?) JOB TITLE/POSITION (ANY BACKGROUND INFO?)
ONLY if known – and if appropriate: please give any brief background details - one - or maybe two points each – not a life/career history! (N.B. I only use this info to relate to the audience – and to surprise them with my “homework” and prior knowledge – and not to embarrass anyone - so nothing sensitive please!)
For example: Nationality (if relevant – i.e. not from the country where the event is – e.g. English in Scotland, Scots in England, Welsh, Aussies, Americans etc!! (esp if they are a minority presence – and proud of it!) Hobbies or interests outside work – e.g. football/rugby supporter; sports played – currently or in the past; Speed freak - Fast cars/Motorbikes; Travel likes; Music likes (singer or instrumentalist?), fishing, snowboarder, marathon runner, scuba diver…. etc etc!
Or: any well-known character traits (e.g. talkative, extrovert, party animal, joke teller; any special job/academic history; anyone recently married/engaged/with new arrivals etc.) Any funny (non embarrassing) things that the “characters” present are known for, or have done at work or at previous events/conferences - generally any funny story!! If preferred, this information can be sent to me on a guest list/table plan, with any notes next to each person’s name - or I can find it out on the night – if so please seat me next to someone who can help!
As this is meant to be a surprise - do not ask them for the information!! Also - only give info which relates to a “passionate” well known interest – and remember – nothing sensitive! If you have to think too hard to come up with “something” ….. then it’s probably not well known enough to be worth putting down!! If so – leave the “background Info” blank.
OTHER POINTS TO NOTE:
(1)Pre Publicity: If you are announcing John’s attendance in a letter or programme of events (or on the menu) please announce him just as a “Guest Speaker” and not as “Entertainer”. He prefers the “humour” and “homework” element to be a surprise!
(2)The Venue: IMPORTANT! Please ask the venue management to ensure the tables are laid out so all can see John’s performance - if possible no tables behind pillars, in alcoves or behind other obstructions. The best place for him to speak from (and if possible to be seated during the meal) is at the long side of the room (if rectangular), as central as possible – preferably with his back to a wall (facing the room) - not at one of the ends. With small audiences this is not usually a problem. Where the room is full to capacity – please try and position the tables so there is a small floor space left as a “speaking area” - preferably in a central position near John’s table.
(3) LIGHTING and SOUND Please ensure venue has adequate lighting - good house lighting is fine - dimly lit candlelight is not!! Sometimes there are adjustable spotlights – please ask the lighting crew to aim these at the space you have chosen for John to speak from.
For audiences larger than 100 a good microphone should be provided - preferably a lapel clip radio microphone.
John prefers to speak from the floor – not a stage or lectern. However for large audiences (400+) visibility can be helped if a small raised platform or dais is provided. Please call to discuss.
(4) Please send us before the event (to the address below): (a) Any literature relevant to the audience: company brochure or newsletter, annual report, product leaflets,delegate conference pack; meeting agenda, press/PR handouts etc. (Basically anything that will help us find out more about the company and/or the event) (b) A guest list and/or table plan: (If available) To complement his presentation, John likes to memorise lots of names of people in the audience as a surprise! It is a great help therefore if name cards could be placed at each seat before the meal – preferably printed in LARGE type and giving both Surname and First name. Also - please seat him next to someone who knows everyone present, and in a central position where he can see the entire audience without having to turn round – as indicated above. (N.B. this ONLY applies for dinner events, and NOT for conferences or seminars.)
(5) And finally: So that we are well informed about the arrangements please include us on the mailing list to delegates or attendees of the event - either by e-mail or post to:
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