How to get better impact from speaker events on EDI topics

We love planning and being part of speaker events. But if we're being honest, they can sometimes feel ineffective. The energy in the room doesn't always translate into anything meaningful, and it can be hard to pinpoint exactly why. More often than not, it comes down to a handful of common mistakes that are entirely fixable. Here are eight reasons speaker events miss the mark, and what to do instead.

​1. You pay for an 'off the shelf' talk which misses the mark
Tailor speaking events to your context. Having the speaker drop in examples makes a difference and makes something feel less generic.
Off the shelf might be cheaper but will be a lower ROI. Be really clear on how the speaker's story or talk is actually relevant to your audience. Having a tenuous link like being in a high performing sport environment similar to your sales team just isn't going to cut it now.
Tip: Ensure the speaker can reference points relevant to your organisation.

2. You deliver nice events, but they don't have any tangible impact
​For example, you want to increase confidence in talking about mental health amongst men as an aim for your International Men's Day speaker event. This is central to the brief, messaging and comms. Follow-up resources and links are provided.
You measure the impact of this through increases in men taking up EAP support or becoming Mental Health First Aiders.
Tip: Be clear about the outcomes you're trying to achieve then work back from there. Make the outcomes SMART if you can.

3. The talk about inclusion isn't actually inclusive and accessible
Encourage engagement in an inclusive way: talks should recognise varying needs.
Some people might not want to ask questions in front of others or speak in a large group, some will benefit from having more details about the talk in advance or notes.
Tip: A handout is recommended to make points land.

4. Colleagues' lived experiences don't feel represented by the speaker
If you book a speaker who only tells part of the story of a community you're trying to engage or celebrate, you need to be mindful of this, and not assume everyone will relate to one person's journey.
Success stories which are not relatable to the barriers your colleagues face can be damaging.
It can perpetuate intersectional gaps if you don't recognise the fact the speaker you choose can't possibly speak on behalf of everyone.
Tip: Think about intersectionality when choosing speakers to speak about specific EDI topics.

5. It's the same person everyone's heard before
When choosing your speaker don't just default to your personal network or big names that people may have already heard.
Look for recommendations from a wide range of people. Look at showreels or recordings.
Then get feedback on the options.
Tip: Ask for requests when it comes to speakers as a way to engage colleagues ahead of the event.

6. It's too predictable because you've done the same thing for years
Try different formats. Sometimes people won't want to engage with a 20 minute talk. If your event is hybrid, make it truly hybrid by ensuring it is engaging for people attending in-person and virtually rather than just recording a live event.
Fireside chats, 'ask the CEO', interviews or other types of formats can be more engaging than regular keynotes and panels.
Tip: Have someone responsible for hosting the virtual attendees by keeping the chat active and ensuring their questions are being heard.

7. Only the usual suspects came
Be specific about your audience. Saying something is for 'all staff' is too broad.
Who in particular are you hoping to engage or move along on the journey with this speaker?
For example, maybe you've appealed to junior colleagues in the organisation by having someone talk about their journey to leadership, or commercially minded colleagues with stories about innovation.
Give your speaker a proper brief of who your audience is, what their pain points are, what excites them and what is likely to put them off.
Tip: Check out our previous guide 'How to plan impactful inclusion work for the right audience'.

8. It feels tokenistic or lacks authenticity
Don't only have Black speakers for Black History Month and LGBTQIA+ speakers for Pride month, mix it up throughout the year.
Use speaking events as an opportunity to give exposure to your colleagues as well as external people. This also extends to your partners, suppliers or even clients/customers, this can be a good way to build people's networks and raise profile of your work. Double win!
Tip: Look for opportunities to involve key partners as attendees or speakers.