How to Find the Perfect Keynote Speaker for Your Next Event

An innovative and passionate keynote speaker can help your event soar and make it something everyone remembers.

16:04 13 October 2022

An innovative and passionate keynote speaker can help your event soar and make it something everyone remembers. Whatever kind of event you are organising, knowing how to find a keynote speaker can make a huge difference in its success. But what is a keynote speaker, and what does a keynote speaker do? In this blog, we take a closer look to discover how you can find the perfect keynote speaker for your event.

 

Firstly, What Does a Keynote Speaker Do?

What is a keynote speaker, and what is the role of a keynote speaker at an event? This person is a professional speaker who will deliver the opening and/or closing speech at your event - the “keynotes”. They are different from a general speaker in that their role is to deliver a speech which illuminates the key themes and overall message of your event. Their goal is to unite every member of your audience in a common goal, inspiring them to remain engaged and interested. Speakers throughout the event will support the message that the keynote speaker has delivered, bolstering their central themes.

 

What Makes a Good Keynote Speaker?

Now that we understand what a keynote speaker does, it is vital to also think about what makes a good keynote speaker. Bear in mind that an excellent keynote speaker for one event or area of expertise may not work so well for another, so keep your audience at the forefront of all your decision-making!

 

Relatability

A keynote speaker should be someone who is relatable to your audience. Perhaps they have worked in the same field, or they are from a similar background or demographic as your audience members. Whatever field your event covers, the keynote speaker should be someone who can give the impression of understanding where the audience is, the challenges they might be facing, and their goals and mission. This sense of alignment makes it easier for the audience to identify with the keynote speaker, making them more open to the message of the event. Feeling understood and seen is a far more powerful tool than simply being wowed!

 

Charisma

All the relatability in the world won’t do much if the keynote speaker does not carry themselves with some charisma. A keynote speaker should be a gifted orator, who knows how to engage with the audience. The keynote speaker at your event should not read from note cards without looking up - they should be able to command a room with their presence.

 

Popularity

Have you seen the keynote speaker at other events in your field? Or have you heard people talking about this beloved figure? A keynote speaker should not be a divisive or controversial character, but rather someone who is popular and seen as generally unproblematic to the vast majority. Someone who doesn’t have the right experience, is not well-known or has a questionable public image is likely to turn audience members off.

 

They Have Something Meaningful to Say

As well as being charismatic and engaging, a keynote speaker must not sound as though they are reciting lines. Make sure that they have something meaningful to say and something that makes the most sense coming from them rather than anyone else. They should bring something unique and important to their keynote address, not generic platitudes and buzzwords.

 

How to Find a Great Keynote Speaker

Once you know the exact qualities you want your keynote speaker to have, now comes the difficult part - finding the ideal keynote speaker for your event!

 

Do Your Research

Research is everything when it comes to finding the best keynote speaker for your business event. Take the time to look them up on their own website and across social media, and read genuine reviews of their previous events.

 

Watch Them in Action

If you see that a keynote speaker you are interested in is at an event local to you, why not try to go and see them work the room? You can get a much better idea of how someone actually delivers by seeing how they can command an event and the audience's reaction. If this isn’t an option, videos online will also be a powerful resource.

 

Consult a Speakers Bureau

One of the best ways you can find an appropriate speaker for your event is by contacting a speakers bureau like Speakers Corner, experts in the field of finding the perfect keynote speaker for any business. Speakers bureaus have an extensive range of qualified keynote speakers available to inspire and invigorate an audience. 

 

So there you have it, everything you need to know about keynote speakers - and how to find the perfect one for your next event.