A Beginner’s Guide to Keynote Speakers

What exactly are keynote speakers? How do they differ from guest speakers? And, most importantly, how can their presentation support your event?

You’ve got questions – I’ve got answers! To keep things simple, let’s break this down.

Here are 7 key factors that explain what a KEYNOTE speaker is and how one can be an asset to your event:

See Related: What is a Guest Speaker – And How Can They Take Your Event to the Next Level?

What is a KEYNOTE Speaker #1: Keeps Audiences Engaged

Keynote speakers are the event headliners. It is not only their job to communicate the overarching theme in their keynote speech, but also to excite the audience!

Good keynote speakers can share attention-grabbing facts

When guests make the effort to attend (or log on to) an event, they want to leave with something they didn’t have beforehand. And I’m not talking about gift bags (though those can’t hurt!) – I’m speaking about information.

Those who give keynotes are frequently experts in their respective fields, so they should come prepared to share fascinating information your audience may not find anywhere else.

Guests love humor – but understand the room

Let’s talk about this. Any time a client gathers a large group in one place (in-person or virtually), there will probably be a little bit of awkwardness as the audience settles into the event. (Should we speak to each other? Should we stay quiet? Am I allowed to make a joke?)

Dissipate this discomfort by introducing a keynote speaker who brings levity and humor to their keynote message

As you will read more on later, those who give keynote talks are responsible for setting the tone of the event. So, adding playful elements to the keynote speech communicates to the audience and every other speaker that it’s okay to have fun!

That being said, every event planner will have a different vision. If humor is not appropriate for a certain event, the keynote speaker should be aware of this ahead of time, so as to avoid communicating an inappropriate mood to the audience.

What is a KEYNOTE Speaker #2: Expertise and Credibility

As the headliner, your keynote speaker should be someone who draws crowds – or at least fills the capacity of your space!

Hiring a keynote speaker with name recognition and credibility within your industry are great ways to earn the audience’s respect.

Industry updates

Leaders selected to give keynote speeches are often titans of the industry. Therefore, they have the credibility to prepare and deliver new and important business updates that will excite your audience.

Need some motivation to kick off your brainstorming?

If you are hosting a tech conference, your keynote speaker may be the CEO of a major tech business and talk about relevant themes of innovation and progress.

Or perhaps you are hosting a festival of authors! Your keynote speaker can be a bestselling author speaking on the ever-evolving representation of gender identity in modern fiction.

The importance of admired figures

While industry experts are completely legitimate choices to deliver keynotes, event planners – and even an event emcee – may feel the motivation to invite someone whose impact is a little more qualitative.

For example, audiences may be inspired to hear that a renowned thought leader will be the keynote speaker, or perhaps a celebrity who can share a unique perspective on the subject matter.