What is a keynote speaker?

I will introduce you to the advantages of a keynote so that you can decide whether you want to bring a keynote speaker on stage for your next event or conference, for example for team building measures or motivational purposes.

What is a keynote speech?

By definition, the term keynote speech stands for the speech that a keynote speaker delivers. Most good keynote speakers have several speeches in their repertoire, focus on specific content and topics, and hone their speech for a long time until it is unique and phenomenal.

What does keynote speaker mean?

If you ask Wikipedia, you will read that a keynote speaker delivers speeches in a special way. But what does “in a special way” mean? 

The art of the keynote speaker is to inspire his audience, to build up an arc of suspense and to motivate the audience to take a closer look at a topic.

He tells stories, builds emotional bridges to his audience and creates unique Magic Moments. Ideally, a good keynote speaker already brings experience with a larger audience. A great stage presence is a prerequisite for keynote speakers anyway.

Companies often hire keynote speakers for kick-off events or their annual kick-off meetings. Keynote speakers are also often hired for product launches or as part of team building events.

What distinguishes a keynote speaker from a lecturer?

We have already defined what a keynote speaker is. Now let’s go a little deeper and look for what makes keynote speakers different from lecture speakers.

The main difference between a keynote and a “normal” speech is the duration and the intention. A speech is usually one-time in nature. The speaker may rant for an hour or more about a specific area of concern. Speeches are often created for specific occasions. The speaker gives his best and courts the favor of the audience at events such as: 

• Weddings
• funeral ceremonies
• anniversaries 
• introduction of new employees
• acceptance speeches

The duration during which a keynote speaker inspires his audience, on the other hand, tends to be of a shorter nature. The speech should motivate, give an impulse, often generates emotions in the audience and provides a compact overview of the knowledge about an existing topic.

With a keynote, something is to be conveyed to the audience, the speech is not held just for the sake of the speech. The immediate goal of the keynote speaker, and this is also the focus, is to take the audience on an emotional journey during the event and to convey added value in a relaxed manner. 

Good keynote speeches are rehearsed, deal with a specific content and are known to ignite the enthusiasm of the audience.

What makes a good keynote speech?

I can answer that with two words: authenticity and storytelling. Exceptional keynotes have a unique touch and play a specific role. The expert knowledge that is to be enthusiastically conveyed to the audience is freshly packaged in a story. The keynote is closely tied to the person of the keynote speaker. His personality, his charisma make the speech unmistakable. Professional keynote speakers live their topic on stage. That is why they embody their message 100% as speakers. 

Infotainment is the life blood of a good keynote speech

It is a pleasure to serve a mix of knowledge and often even more entertainment for each guest during a large part of the lecture. The performance of the talk is precisely rehearsed. Usually the keynote speaker distinguishes himself from other speakers by a special life story or extraordinary experience that he brings into his speech. A good keynote speech is lively and professionally prepared. Nothing is left to chance. The attendees should be left with an impression and this even beyond the event.