The Speaker Vetting Mistake That Could Sink Your Event
5 questions every planner must ask to avoid a keynote disaster

Every planner wants to book a speaker who brings energy, insight, and credibility to the room. You want someone who makes people sit up, lean in, and talk about the message long after the lights go down.

But here’s the truth, some planners don’t learn until it’s too late:

The wrong speaker doesn’t just waste time.
They waste trust.
They waste momentum.
And they make you look like the one who missed the mark.

Because when the keynote falls flat, it’s your culture that takes the hit.

Let’s talk about Devyn

In 2017, Devyn was producing a leadership summit for a national nonprofit. Big room. Big mission. Big expectations.

She interviewed a polished, well-put-together speaker. They had the TED Talk. The professional website. The demo reel.

What didn’t they have? Fresh. Relevant. Content.

Come keynote time, the speaker delivered a repackaged version of their old talk. It was generic, impersonal, and completely disconnected from the organization’s mission.

The room was quiet. Not the good kind.
Devyn felt it. The sponsors felt it. The C-suite felt it.

I met Devyn in 2018 when she told me that story. I felt bad for her. If I was around then, here’s what I would have told her:

You have to ask better questions.

What’s really happening in your speaker selection process?

You’ve likely seen the glossy speaker one-sheets.
You’ve sat through the rehearsed Zoom intros.
You’ve watched the clips that only show the standing ovation, not the impact afterward.

But here’s the thing:
If you don’t ask the right questions early, you’ll end up paying for the answers later.

The uncomfortable truth about speaker selection

After 25 years of speaking to rooms that make decisions, I’ve seen it all. And here’s what I know:

✔️ A viral video doesn’t equal a transformational message.
✔️ The best speakers customize, not recycle.
✔️ Good delivery isn’t enough—you need audience engagement.
✔️ Great speakers don’t just entertain. They equip and empower..

So, how do you distinguish between hype and real impact?

Start with these 5 questions:

1. “How do you tailor your message to our audience?”
If they don’t ask about your goals, challenges, or people, run. A great speaker will dig deep to understand your culture before they step onstage.

2. “What change should we expect after your keynote?”
You’re not hiring a performer. You’re hiring a catalyst. If they can’t articulate real outcomes (mindset shifts, behavior changes, cultural momentum), they’re not worth your main stage.

3. “Can you share post-event feedback from past clients?”
Not two-word testimonials. Real feedback. What stuck? What changed? What conversations did it spark? If they can’t point to transformation, keep looking.

4. “How do you equip us to sustain the message after the event?”
One great keynote is a spark, but culture change takes kindling. Do they offer follow-up tools, books, workshops, or executive strategy retreats? That’s where the ROI lives.

5. “How do you navigate sensitive topics with diverse audiences?”
Culture. Equity. Power dynamics. If your speaker isn’t comfortable in these spaces, your audience won’t be either. You want confidence and nuance, not avoidance.

Final Thought: A great speaker earns your stage and your trust

Devyn learned the hard way that charisma without content falls flat. Now, she books speakers who listen deeply, speak truth, and stay connected to the mission. I was happy to work with her.

Because your event isn’t a stage show, it’s a strategic opportunity.

The question is:

Will you vet for impact…
Or settle for performance?

🎁 Free Resource: Speaker Interview Question Guide
Want to vet your next speaker with confidence?

Download the Speaker Interview Question Guide, a free checklist with:

• The 10 must-ask questions for real impact
  
• What red flags to watch for
  
• Bonus section: How to read between the lines
  

📥 Download Now – AntonGunn.com/SpeakerQuestions

Let’s Talk About It

If you’re ready to stop booking bad performances and start choosing speakers who lead with courage and clarity, I’m here to help.

✔️ Want a keynote that energizes and empowers?
✔️ Need a message that aligns with your mission?
✔️ Ready to raise the bar on your next big stage?Let’s work.
Visit AntonGunn.com to start the conversation.