When is the Best Time to Conduct Your Pre-Interview with Speakers?

Unlocking Event Success: The Art of Pre-Interviewing Your Speakers

So, you're planning a digital event and your speaker lineup is looking fabulous. You’ve confirmed themes that will spark excitement, but there's one critical task that often gets overlooked: pre-interviews. When’s the best time to have that chat with your speakers? Well, I’ve got a golden nugget of wisdom for you. The sweet spot is two weeks before the event. Let’s delve into why this timing is key.

Timing Is Everything: Why Two Weeks Works Wonders

Imagine you’re cooking your favorite dish—let’s say a hearty lasagna. If you pop it in the oven without letting it marinate for the right amount of time, sure, it might be edible, but it won’t be mouth-wateringly delicious. The same principle applies here. Conducting your pre-interview two weeks before your digital event allows your speakers to marinate in the details of their discussion.

At the two-week mark, the topics remain fresh in their minds. You’re giving them just enough wiggle room to prepare while keeping the conversation relevant. It's like having a well-centered conversation before jumping into a rollercoaster ride—you want to know everyone's thought process before flying high.

What You Gain from a Two-Week Window

1. Clarified Objectives: This is the time to unpack your event goals and ensure your speakers are on the same page. You know what they say: communication is key. Taking care to align on objectives fosters a more engaging presentation.

2. Flexibility for Adjustments: Issues can spring up last minute—ah, the joys of event planning! Conducting your pre-interview two weeks ahead provides ample time to address any questions or tweaks needed for clarity. This way, no one is left scrambling on the event day itself.

3. Audience Insight: With two weeks to go, you haven’t lost sight of your audience’s expectations. You can share feedback or insights about what they’re eager to learn, fine-tuning the session's focus for maximum impact.

4. Smoother Interaction: The closer you get to the event, the easier it is to revisit those discussions and build a rapport. By this timeline, both you and your speaker are eye to eye on what the audience craves.

The Pitfalls of Timing Miscalculations

Now, hang on. Let’s examine what happens when you stray from this two-week golden rule. Conducting the pre-interview just one week before your event? It might feel like a sprint. You’re racing against the clock, and let me tell you—things could short-circuit fast. You may not cover all the bases, and that’s a recipe for unnecessary chaos.

On the flip side, scheduling a month ahead might seem like the safe route but could be counterproductive. People’s minds can wander; topics can become stale. Information might lose its relevance—imagine trying to talk about the latest Netflix craze from last month. It just doesn’t hold the same weight, does it?

And don’t even think about holding the pre-interview on the event day. That’s just chaos waiting to happen. You want your speaker fully prepared for the audience, not scrambling to clarify last-minute points between setting up their presentation and sipping on that overpriced coffee.

Strengthening Engagement: Getting More from Your Pre-Interview

Okay, but the magic doesn't stop at asking the right questions at the right time. Creating rapport and making genuine connections with your speakers is critical. Your goal? To get them excited! Encouraging them to share personal anecdotes related to their topics can breathe life into their presentation. People connect with stories—let them shine through.

You might ask things like:

• “What inspired you to tackle this subject?”

• “Can you recall a moment when you realized the importance of this topic?”

These questions not only frame their perspective but also stir up some emotional engagement. After all, a well-told story captivates an audience in ways hard statistics sometimes can’t.

Wrapping It Up: Pre-Interviewing with Purpose

As you gear up for your big digital event, remember that the pre-interview isn't just a box to check off your to-do list; it's a powerful tool to set the stage for success. Conducting it two weeks prior builds a solid foundation for your speakers while allowing you both the flexibility to adjust as needed.

So, when the time comes to polish those event details, have faith in the value of that pre-interview. By navigating this essential step with intention, you’re not just preparing your speakers; you’re crafting an experience set to engage and enlighten your audience.

In short, the art of pre-interviewing with your speakers is about creating a rich tapestry of insights, clarity, and connectivity. Because let’s face it: a successful digital event is all about creating moments that resonate with your audience long after the screen goes dark. And that’s something we can all agree is worth the effort.