1.    Know the date and location of your event.

2.    Subject matter. Know what you want the speaker to talk about.

3.    Have your budget in mind.

4.    Quality equipment. Make sure you invest in good quality sound and visuals. Most professional speakers will have a technical specification to help you with this.

5.    Look after your speaker. Once you have made your commitment make sure your speaker is kept up-to-date.