Ways to find speakers:

• Check FOSIS' list of recommended speakers at here.
• Ask people for their recommendations: ask other experts, potential participants or members of the audience who they would like, ask authority figures, ask people who have run similar events
• Carry out a Web search using the topic as your search term
• Check bibliographies, libraries, bookstores including online booksellers

Consider:

Are they a good speaker? Wherever possible ask others for their experience or recommendations. Factors to consider:

• Do they know their stuff or are they self-promoters without much substance?
• Are they reliable? Do they turn up? Are they on time?
• Are they affordable and accessible?
• How well do they speak? Is their speech clear and easy to understand? Are they dull? Are they the opposite - too inflammatory or over the top?
• How do they engage with their audience? Are they happy to talk to people where they're at and not over their heads? Are they respectful and patient and willing to engage with people who will challenge or question them, or do they 'lose it'?
• Do they have an agenda? Do they have something they want to promote, persuade, or get people into? Are you sure about what this is and whether you can keep this under control?
• Are they well known for a particular point of view? Will some of your target audience refuse to come or obstruct the event? Will it generate negative publicity or perceptions outside your target group or community?
• How do people feel after listening to them?