Do you remember that show that was on TV for a number of years, “What Not to Wear”? Hapless fashion victims were nominated by friends or family to have a total makeover at the hands of celebrity experts, and the results were often amazing. While we haven’t gained celebrity status (yet), we’ve been ... » Learn More about WHAT TO WEAR
Learning Center
THANK YOUR SPEAKERS
While the ultimate speaker appreciation is getting adequately and promptly paid, smart program managers know that showing appreciation for their speakers goes a long way to create a positive experience for them, and always reflects well on your club or venue. We’re Paying Them—Isn’t That ... » Learn More about THANK YOUR SPEAKERS
Creating a Presentation Kit
While many venues have everything you need to simply show up and speak, others don’t. And even when they do, something can go awry—you can forget something, the venue can forget something, equipment malfunctions, or accessories can’t be found. That’s why seasoned speakers always have a “presentation ... » Learn More about Creating a Presentation Kit
HOW TO INTRODUCE A SPEAKER
Are you thinking, “This sounds so basic, I can’t believe Great Garden Speakers is going to tell me how to introduce someone”? Well, we are, because guess what? Some of the speaker introductions we’ve heard over the years would make your toes curl, and none of us are in the business of curling ... » Learn More about HOW TO INTRODUCE A SPEAKER
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SPEAKER CANCELS
This is likely to strike fear or induce a panic attack in some program managers, but it doesn’t need to! If you’ve planned an event and your speaker cancels, it doesn’t need to be the end of your event or ruin the day. We’ve got some tips for you to stay calm, cool, and collected! What to Do If ... » Learn More about WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SPEAKER CANCELS
12 Ways to Get Booked
Ahhhh, it’s the constant challenge of every speaker out there! How do you get (and stay) booked? Whether garden speaking is the lifeblood of your income or a supporting actor, you’re probably always wishing your calendar was just a little fuller, aren’t you? While every speaker may have their ... » Learn More about 12 Ways to Get Booked
CREATING SPEAKER ONE SHEETS
Years ago when I first started speaking, a good friend and colleague asked me if I had a One Sheet, to which I responded, “What’s a One Sheet?” Thankfully, she didn’t laugh (too much), and took some time to explain to me what it was and, more importantly, why I needed one. Now, you may be a pro ... » Learn More about CREATING SPEAKER ONE SHEETS
HOW TO USE VOLUNTEERS AT A VENUE
Whether your venue is a large convention center or a neighborhood garden club, you can’t run everything on your own. I mean, you can try, but it’ll either make you nuts or earn you the reputation of a control freak. Now, we have nothing against control freaks, but we don’t want you going nuts, and ... » Learn More about HOW TO USE VOLUNTEERS AT A VENUE
AV Equipment Checklist
Probably one of the most frustrating things about any live presentation is AV equipment. Can we get an Amen on that one? Between the venue and the speakers, making sure that all necessary equipment is present and in good working order is absolutely vital to pulling off any event. If any of you have ... » Learn More about AV Equipment Checklist
Presentation SNAFUs & How to Handle Them
Whether you’re a new or experienced speaker, it’s likely that the thought of a mishap during your presentation sends shivers down your spine. Or makes you feel slightly nauseous. We’ve all been there in one way or another, and while you can’t prepare for everything or prevent the ... » Learn More about Presentation SNAFUs & How to Handle Them