What Place For Celebrity Speakers?
The power of celebrity is undeniable. They sell magazines, papers and they prompt us to switch on and tune in day by day. They have an impact on the clothing consumers put on, the shampoo we use and the foods people consume, or don’t. Just what, then, is the role of the celebrity speaker in this undoubtedly celebrity obsessed world? Surely the many more subtle endorsements, or rather the more conventional kinds, for example Television adverts and so on, are a reasonable invasion into and influence on our lives without the famed becoming celebrity speaker at all sorts of things from political rallies, to shop openings to charitable dinners?
The celebrity speaker is more and more prevalent and potent. Whether it’s of their own accord or due to a generous hire fee, it’s more common than ever to see some kind of celebrity or other at events. Prominent examples of celebrities becoming speaker are that of Bob Geldoff and his army of celebrity crusaders with a conscience, employing their popularity and influence to boost recognition of the circumstances of the hungry.
More recently than that, celebrity speakers appear to have been spotted participating in more of a political function. Take Jamie Oliver and his one-man battle on unhealthy foods and even more recently there was the case of Arlene Phillips coming into governmental politics as the dance tsar.
No matter whether we like it or not, then, the celebrity speaker is more prominent today than ever. No more do celebs only have an impact on trend and beauty; today’s celebrity speaker has a real message. What use for the celebrity speaker? The young look up to celebrities and even the more senior individuals among us must admit to being a little interested in what they have to say. Their popularity is fascinating plus they are role models, whether we like it or not. Therefore if the celebrity speaker will be able to push forward a charity’s cause, send a clear message to improve the nation’s health or perhaps stir up a bit of interest in politics, then surely they have got a role. And not just a place: a duty, to make use of their sway responsibly.
