What Place For Celebrity Speakers?

The might of celebrity is undeniable. They sell magazines, papers and they lead us all to switch on and tune in each day. They determine the clothes people wear, the products consumers use plus the food people eat, or don’t. Exactly what, then, is the point of the celebrity speaker in our undoubtedly fame obsessed world? Surely the countless more understated endorsements, or rather the more conventional ones, for example TV adverts and the like, are a reasonable intrusion into and influence on our lives without the famous becoming celebrity speaker at anything from political rallies, to shop openings to charitable dinners?

The celebrity speaker is more prevalent and potent. Whether it be of their own accord or because of a big hire fee, it’s more common than ever to see some kind of celebrity or other at events. Prominent examples of famous people becoming speaker are that of Bob Geldoff and the band of celebrity crusaders with a conscience, utilizing their celebrity and influence to increase recognition of the circumstances of the hungry.

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

Whether we like it or not, then, the celebrity speaker is more established today than ever. Not anymore do stars only determine 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 have to confess to being a tad fascinated with what they have to talk about. Their celebrity is attractive plus they are role models, whether we like it or not. Therefore if the celebrity speaker can push forward a charity’s cause, send a clear message to improve the country’s health or even stir up a little involvement in politics, then surely they’ve a place. And not just a purpose: a duty, to make use of their sway conscientiously.

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