What Should You Hire…a Presenter or a Speaker?
Many of us in the trade show industry do not have a “title” that was introduced during Career Day in grade school. When we meet someone who says they are a Doctor, Lawyer, Plumber, Office Manager, Florist, Chef, or Bus Driver (for example), we have an understanding of what that person does on a daily basis. But most people give me a blank stare when I tell them I am a Professional Trade Show Presenter and then ask me “what’s that?” Or they say something along the lines of “oh, so you’re a Speaker.”
No, I am not a speaker, I am a presenter…and here is the reason why:
A presenter is hired by a company to portray the COMPANY’S message. Therefore the presentation is not about the presenter, but about the company. The presenter becomes a representative of the company, and a mouthpiece for the information that the company wishes to impart. You hire the person.
A speaker portrays THEIR OWN message. They have put together a presentation on their topic of choice, based on their industry expertise. They represent themselves, and are known for presenting their own message. You hire the script.
At this point in my career, I enjoy the challenge of learning everything there is to know about the product or service I am representing; I enjoy working in many industries ranging from housewares to tech to electronics to medical to manufacturing; I enjoy working with big companies and small companies, well-known companies and start-ups; I enjoy being the information source to the attendees at trade shows and educating them on how my client’s product or service can make their lives better, easier, faster, etc.; and I enjoy helping my clients get their company message out to potential clients thereby helping them grow their business.
My presentations are never about me, and in fact, there is no reason for my audience to even know my name. My presentations are about my clients, and my clients hire me to be the conduit for their information.
But you never know…someday I may want to be a Speaker as well!
Copyright 2010. This article may be shared or referenced as long as the source is cited and linked. No portion of this article may be copied or reproduced without express written permission by the author.
-
[...] January 26, 2010 Many of us in the trade show industry do not have a “title” that was introduced during Career Day in grade school. When we meet someone who says they are a Doctor, Lawyer, Plumber, Office Manager, Florist, Chef, or Bus Driver (for example … Continue reading … [...]
That was a really interesting distinction – I hadn’t considered the difference before. They definitely need to add presenter to career day!
[Reply]
Emilie Barta Reply:
January 26th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Thanks for your comment, Shayna. So many of us in the events industry have job descriptions that are not common, but we don’t mind, do we, because we love what we do and we love talking about it to anyone who will listen!!
[Reply]
Emilie, I would wager that presenters like you also spend much more time preparing for your presentation on behalf of the client than most speakers spend preparing for their speech about themselves. That time you spend preparing is one of the reasons you do a better job than speakers usually do.
[Reply]
Emilie Barta Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Tim! I would never be able to guess how much time individual presenters or speakers spend on preparation for their next booking. I know my prep time varies significantly depending on the client, the product, the event, the audience, the press, etc. And I have validation that my preparation was exactly the right amount when the audience mistakes me as a company employee. Because after all, my client is who I am representing and the only one that matters!
[Reply]