Strategies for Finding Speakers with Diverse Backgrounds

In the realm of event organizing, fostering diversity among speakers is crucial for creating comprehensive and engaging experiences. Whether you are a member of Toastmasters' International, an event organizer, or someone passionate about storytelling, enhancing the speaker lineup with individuals from diverse backgrounds can open doors to new perspectives and ideas. Let's explore effective strategies to achieve this goal.

The Benefits of Diverse Speakers

The inclusion of speakers with varied backgrounds offers numerous advantages. Not only does it provide a richer, more multi-dimensional experience for attendees, but it also reflects the diverse audiences that today's events aim to reach. By embracing diversity, event organizers can attract a broader range of participants, thereby increasing engagement and fostering a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.

Curating a Diverse List of Speakers

One straightforward approach to enhancing speaker diversity is to adopt a proactive list curation strategy. Utilize your existing network, which may include members of Toastmasters, storytellers, and other like-minded individuals. Additionally, consider partnering with organizations that specialize in locating speakers from diverse backgrounds, such as the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau, Great Black Speakers, and others. These avenues can significantly broaden your speaker pool.

Tips for Attracting Diverse Speakers

To ensure you attract more diverse speakers, it's essential to create the right conditions and culture at your events. Here are some practical steps event organizers can take:

1. Diverse Organizing Committee

Begin by including individuals with diverse backgrounds on your event's organizing committee. This team will help you build a broader network and identify potential speakers who reflect the diversity of your audience.

2. Open Call for Speakers

Likely, you will need to extend an open call for speakers to attract a broader range of submissions. This approach invites all interested individuals to apply, regardless of their background or expertise.

3. Inclusive Language and Criteria

Ensure that your call for speakers uses inclusive language. Additionally, review and adjust any criteria to be more inclusive. Specific details about your event's format, timing, and topic can help attract a more diverse pool of applicants.

4. Partner with Diverse Organizations

Leverage your network to work with partners and sponsors who value diversity. These organizations can provide additional resources and speakers with diverse backgrounds. An inclusive culture is infectious; it can positively influence the ecosystem of leaders and speakers, leading to a more self-perpetuating cycle of diversity.

5. Expand Your Network

To truly set the stage for diversity, make a conscious effort to broaden your own network. Attend diverse networking events, join online communities, and actively seek out opportunities to connect with individuals from different backgrounds. This expanded network will serve as a valuable resource when curating your list of potential speakers.

By implementing these strategies, event organizers can create a more welcoming and attractive environment for a diverse group of speakers. This approach not only enriches the content and perspective offered at your events but also sets the stage for a more inclusive and engaging overall experience for all attendees.

It is important to remember that the journey towards a more diverse speaker lineup is ongoing. Continuous efforts to foster inclusivity are essential, and by embracing these strategies, you can make a significant impact on the diversity and richness of your events.

Conclusion

Enhancing the diversity of speakers at your events is a powerful way to create meaningful, engaging, and inclusive experiences. By embracing the strategies outlined above, you can attract a broader range of voices, perspectives, and backgrounds. Together, we can build a more diverse and dynamic event landscape that benefits everyone involved.

References

International Indigenous Speakers Bureau Great Black Speakers

Keywords

diverse speakers event organizing inclusive events