10Jan2022
How to Craft a Stand-Out Speaker Contest Application
by: Nordic Business Forum
We’re bringing back our Speaker Contest for the third time! This time the contest is bigger than ever with altogether five semifinals. Also, the contest winner steps on stage not only in Helsinki, but also in Oslo and Amsterdam, and gets 70,000€ speaking fee for the keynotes. Applications are open until 6 February, so make sure to get yours in on time!
We have received comments and questions about the contest from people across the globe interested in taking part. We found that there were many aspiring speakers wondering about how to differentiate themselves in a crowd of highly talented individuals. So, here are our 5 tips to stand out from the crowd with your application:
1. Stay on Topic
The winner will be speaking at Nordic Business Forum (in Helsinki), Oslo Business Forum, and Amsterdam Business Forum to altogether over 10,000 CEOs and business executives who are eager to hear about the Future of Work, Culture, and Sustainability. Their goal is to learn something or discover an idea that they can use to improve the way they work and/or lead. So, don’t get sidetracked; find an idea that resonates with your audience and truly delivers value.
2. Tell Us the Highlights
Your video pitch can be anywhere from 30 seconds to 4 minutes long, which gives you approximately 500 words to convince us that you belong on stage. It may sound reasonable, but we encourage you to focus not only on what you say but on how you say it. Start by addressing the big picture of your topic, tell us a few memorable key points, and then use your time to show us your presentation style. Extra credit goes to applicants who leave us wanting more!
3. Get Real, Not Fancy
We’re not looking for someone with amazing video editing skills or someone who can dazzle audiences with jargon and implied knowledge – you can keep those bells and whistles at home. We’re looking for someone with an original idea and who talks about it in a captivating way. The way to know that you’re doing a good job is by showing your audition video to a friend or colleague to see if they understand your message without any context – and asking them if they would like to hear more. If your answer is yes to both questions, then you’re on track for an authentic and interesting application.
4. Learn from the Greats
Whether you’re looking for an idea or trying to refine your delivery, our previous speakers provide a wealth of inspiration just waiting for you. Browse through our YouTube channel or Facebook video archive to see what the others did to be effective and memorable. What makes these speakers stand out to you? Perhaps it’s how Carla Harris engaged and inspired her audience, or how Gary Vaynerchuk stunned audiences with simple truths, or maybe you related to Marcus Buckingham’s use of humor and examples. There’s no right answer, but you’re sure to find a lifeline.
5. Show Us Your Personality
Our speakers are fantastic, we chose them for a reason. But if you have a look at everyone from Al Gore to Sara Blakely, you’ll notice that they don’t have a lot in common. Their topics are different, their styles are different, their persuasive techniques are different. The common factor? They’re unlike anyone else in their field. We’re not looking for Joe Schmo who fits in with any crowd, we’re looking for Richard Branson. You have unique and practical experiences that are new to us, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are.
And there you have it – 5 ways to create a wow-worthy video. Visit our Speaker Contest page for rules, dates, and other useful information.
Click the button below to apply now!
