July 10, 2010

What’s the Point of Celebrity Speakers?

The force of celebrity is unquestionable. They sell magazines, papers plus they lead us all to switch on and tune in every day. They have an impact on the clothing people put on, the products consumers buy as well as the foods people consume, or not. Exactly what, then, is the point of the celebrity speaker in our undoubtedly celebrity obsessed culture? Surely the numerous more understated endorsements, or rather the more conventional types, like TV adverts and the like, are enough of an invasion into and influence on us without the famed turning celebrity speaker at nearly anything from political rallies, to shop openings to charitable dinners?

The celebrity speaker is ever more prevalent and potent. Regardless of whether it be of their own accord or because of a large hire price, it is more typical than ever to see some kind of public figure or other at events. Notable illustrations of famous people turning speaker are that of Bob Geldoff and his army of celebrity crusaders with a conscience, utilizing their fame and influence to boost recognition of the plight of the hungry.

More recently than that, celebrity speakers have been spotted trying to play more of a political role. There is Jamie Oliver and his one-man battle on junk food and even more recently there was the case of Arlene Phillips getting into governmental politics as the dance tsar.

No matter whether we like it or not, then, the celebrity speaker is even bigger now than ever. Not anymore do celebs only have an impact on trend and beauty; today’s celebrity speaker has a strong message. What use for the celebrity speaker? The young look up to celebrities and even the more grown up people among us must confess to being a bit fascinated with what they have to talk about. Their fame is alluring plus they are role models, regardless of whether we like it or not. Therefore if the celebrity speaker will be able to drive forward a charity’s cause, send a clear message to improve the nation’s health or perhaps stir up a little involvement in politics, then certainly they’ve got a place. And not only a purpose: a duty, to use their sway responsibly.