I'm a crime fiction lover, and one of my favorite authors is Katarzyna Puzyńska – a well-known Polish writer and a former university psychology teacher. I've participated in various literary events where Puzyńska was invited as a guest speaker. Once, I asked her a question about the reasons why crime fiction was so popular. I wanted to know the writer's perspective, as I was working on an academic paper then. That's what she replied: "Crime fiction, in addition to entertainment, serves as a mirror reflecting our reality. It can be a therapy for the readers – by making it easier for them to deal with difficult situations in life – both as a form of escape and working through certain topics." I found this answer inspiring. It provoked me to think about human nature, "taming the untamed", and how we can regulate our emotions by reading crime novels. To me, the fictional restoration of moral order is incredibly comforting. As an incurable idealist, I wish good could always win over evil.
Dr. Jane Williams, a renowned authority in the fields of leadership and innovation, was our guest at a recent engagement. I desired to engage the audience with a query that would elicit a thought-provoking response and spark conversations about personal growth and leadership development. I asked Dr. Williams, "What is the most valuable lesson you've learned in your career journey that has shaped your approach to leadership?" I chose this query because I believed it would elucidate her experiences and values, providing our audience with valuable takeaways. As a leader myself, I understood the importance of learning from the experiences of others in order to develop effective leadership practices. Indeed, Dr. Williams' response was inspiring. She shared a personal story about a difficult leadership situation that taught her the value of empathy, active listening, and nurturing a culture of teamwork. The audience's response inspired serious leadership dialogues and self-reflection.
Guest Speaker: Prof. Sudharto P. Hadi, MES Ph.D an expert in sustainable business practices and environmental conservation. Question: "Prof. Sudharto, given your extensive experience in sustainable business practices, can you share a specific example of a company that successfully implemented sustainable initiatives while also achieving significant business growth? What key factors or strategies contributed to their success?" Reason for the question: This question aims to elicit a specific example from the guest speaker, showcasing a real-world success story of a company implementing sustainable practices. It provides an opportunity for Prof. Sudharto to highlight practical strategies and key factors that led to the company's success. By asking this question, the intention is to inspire the guest speaker to share insights and actionable takeaways that the audience can learn from and apply to their own businesses or organizations.
Guest Speaker: A leading human rights activist Question: How can we raise awareness and mobilize public support for marginalized communities effectively? This question delves into the crucial aspect of activism and community empowerment. It prompts the speaker to share successful methods for advocating marginalized groups and fostering social justice. By discussing impactful strategies, the guest speaker's answer can potentially inspire the audience to take action towards creating a more inclusive society. Example: The guest speaker could highlight the power of storytelling and personal narratives to connect with people emotionally. They might share how organizing grassroots campaigns, utilizing social media platforms, and collaborating with local community organizations can drive awareness and mobilize public support. These insights would provide practical guidance for individuals and organizations seeking to make a positive impact and bring attention to important social causes.
Asking the right question is key to get a great answer. What if you could replicate this to get even better answers? How? By asking the same question to 20 different industry experts. That is exactly what we did during our podcast. We asked our guests a question on how to grow a business to business software company to 10k monthly recurring revenue. See all their answers here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gmjft0IcZ8&t=63s
Any virtual gathering would benefit from the presence of guest speakers. According to recent surveys, 60–70% of speaking engagements in 2021 will be virtual. A high-profile speaker, according to 45% of respondents in another EventMB study, would be the main factor in getting them to attend a virtual event. When chatting with an authority in the area you're interested in, there can be a ton of subjects to cover. If you don't know where to begin, don't worry; we've got you covered. For your next online event, we've put together 60 intriguing questions to ask guest speakers, from icebreakers to deeper-dive inquiries.
As an SEO strategist, I had the opportunity to host a guest speaker who was a renowned industry expert in digital marketing. During the Q&A session, I asked the speaker, "What emerging trend do you believe will have the biggest impact on the future of SEO, and how should businesses prepare for it?" I asked this question because I wanted to gain insights into the speaker's forward-thinking perspective on the evolving landscape of SEO and help businesses stay ahead of the curve. The speaker's response highlighted the significance of voice search and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in shaping SEO strategies. They emphasized the importance of optimizing content for voice-based queries and leveraging structured data to provide concise, relevant answers. The answer inspired the audience to think beyond conventional SEO practices and sparked discussions on adapting to emerging technologies.
Guest Speaker: A renowned psychologist Question: What strategies or techniques do you recommend for maintaining mental well-being in today's fast-paced and stressful world? Reason for asking: This question allows the audience to gain insights and practical tips directly from the expert on how to navigate the challenges of modern life and prioritize their mental well-being. The answer could delve into various aspects such as mindfulness practices, stress-management techniques, setting boundaries, or cultivating healthy relationships. The subtleties that may have been overlooked include the importance of self-care, the impact of technology on mental health, and the role of social support networks.
I once had the opportunity to ask a renowned chef about combining culinary excellence with sustainable practices. My question was, 'What advice would you give to aspiring chefs who want to combine culinary excellence with sustainable practices?' The chef emphasized the importance of sourcing local, seasonal ingredients, reducing food waste, and supporting ethical farming practices. They also mentioned the significance of educating diners about sustainable choices without compromising taste. The chef shared examples of innovative techniques, such as using plant-based alternatives and minimizing plastic usage in the kitchen. Overall, their answer highlighted the potential for chefs to make a positive impact on the environment through conscious cooking choices.