At nearly any modern business or industry, there are professionals who can deliver speeches at events or presentations, known as keynote speakers. A keynote inspirational speaker may deliver an introductory speech at the start of an event, such as a tech demo or a convention, and this involves hiring a keynote speaker for the job. There are some basic steps to follow when it comes to hiring a keynote speaker, and finding the right one for the job can make all the difference.
Hiring a keynote speaker is one thing, but what about workplace disputes? If one or more employees believe that they have been mistreated somehow, they can turn to workplace mediation services or even lawyers to handle workplace disputes. Not all of these workplace disputes are serious enough to involve lawyers, but with or without attorneys, an employee with a grievance case should follow some particular steps to resolve the issue effectively.
Hiring a Keynote Speaker
Why are keynote speakers used? Despite electronic media being prevalent today, the spoken word is still powerful, and business professionals can learn a lot (and get motivated) when they hear an expert speak at an event. Such keynote speakers may be asked to speak at tech demos, trade shows, a conference or meeting, or any similar event. These professionals are well versed in using body language, choice of words, delivery methods, pacing, and more to deliver information in a manner that is engaging, informative, and clear. Some keynote speakers may be in high demand, especially if they can speak about industries that make a lot of money. Sales, digital marketing, and more may involve a lot of these speakers.
A company may not have any in-house talent for speech deliveries, so it can turn to keynote speakers for hire. What are some factors to bear in mind when hiring a keynote speaker? To begin with, travel should be considered, since a business and a desired keynote speaker may be hundreds or even thousands of miles apart. A company in Boston may want a speaker who works in San Diego, which involves some serious air travel for the speaker. Often, the company may help pay for the travel and lodging expenses for that keynote speaker, to make the offer more attractive to the speaker. Scheduling is important too, since a keynote speaker may be more available at some times of the month or year than others. And of course, a company should look into a given speaker’s current schedule so that they can fit in between the speaker’s existing commitments. Some speakers are popular and often have rather full schedules.
Another idea is for a company to research which particular speakers have worked well for companies of a similar type, and give priority to them. Someone interested in hiring a keynote speaker may also call upon professional references to get suggestions on who to hire for this work. Finally, the company may consider the demographics of who the keynote speech will be delivered to, such as the audience member’s typical age or level of education or expertise.
Workplace Disputes
What if conflict arises in the workplace? If a case goes beyond petty teasing or jokes that cause no real damage, then workplace mediation might be required. What does a conflict or grievance look like? Often, work employees may be harassed, verbally abused, or even physically abused or professionally mistreated due to their real or perceived sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, gender, religious views, or anything of that nature. This discrimination may take the form of denied raised or promotion opportunities against the victim.
Should this happen, the victim is urged to remain calm and keep a cool head, as emotional outbursts are likely to sabotage their case rather than advance it. The victim is also encouraged to remember all relevant details: the time and place of the incident, the people involved, and anything that was said or done (or written or drawn). In many cases, the victim may turn to their company’s HR department, and mediators may resolve the issue between all involved parties. If that does not work, or if the case is quite serious, the victim may call upon employment lawyers to help. For example, they may have been unfairly demoted or terminated due to discrimination.
