How to Find a Keynote Speaker
Guide
Keynote speakers are an essential aspect of many corporate events. These potential speakers can help you promote teamwork, share details about your event, or motivate your audience. The best keynote speaker can make your event shine. From thought leaders to ted-talk style public speakers hosting breakout sessions, there are plenty to choose from.
A keynote speaker uses anywhere from 5 to 20% of your total budget, you’ll want to be assured your maximizing your ROI with whomever you book.
So what points should you be noting, and what qualities should you search for in an event speaker? Let’s dive into how to pick a keynote speaker.

Our CEO’s Note On What Makes a Good Keynote Speaker
Event Solutions CEO and top event planning voice, Brad Lipshy, had this to say about the characteristics of a good keynote speaker:
“As CEO of Event Solutions, with 40 years shaping meetings, selecting the right keynote speaker is paramount.
We seek experts who blend hard skills and captivating presence, crafting impactful experiences for clients.
Technical prowess is a must, ensuring their content aligns with event themes.”
Equally vital are engaging soft skills – charisma, communication finesse – to hold the audience’s attention.
We prioritize speakers whose experiences mirror attendees’, fostering authenticity and connection.”
The top keynote speakers will have characteristics that combine hard and soft skills with fitting experiences.
Setting Up for Success:
Defining Your Audience & Event Goals
When preparing to select a keynote speaker, it’s important to keep in mind your event goals as well as your audience. For an all staff summit, the tone will be different than a sales meeting, and the tone of a company Christmas party will be even more distinct.
The tone of the event is important; it drives the foundations of the speech. If your event focuses on facts and figures, the speaker must deliver that information. If it’s focused on collaboration, the speaker must foster a collaborative environment.
Inspirational speakers differ from other types of speakers who focus on business or team building. So, too, must your speaker be familiar with the audience and their field of work.
An event for a communications company needs a speaker who is familiar with the topic at hand. Defining your audience as well as event goals will help your speaker choose fluidly and smoothly.
There are a lot of questions you need to ask yourself when selecting a speaker.
Questions to Ask:
- What is the primary objective of your event?
- Who is your audience?
- What is your budget?
- What is the purpose of the guest speaker?
- What presentation style are you looking for?
- What type of personality will best align with your event?
- What are the meeting and scheduling logistics?
- What type of guest speaker do you want?
Thinking about the theme of the keynote speaker’s talk is just as important. You should also consider the tone of your event and your target audience. Is it a speech about hard facts and numbers, an inspiring discussion, or a thoughtful presentation to encourage teamwork? Will the speech be educational, uplifting, entertaining, or a mix of those?
In planning, it’s important to identify the theme or topic of your keynote speeches. Find a speaker who knows this theme well. They should be able to speak about it in an informed, comfortable, and engaging way. It important to note the key takeaways and messages you’d like your audience to leave with.
Selecting A Good Keynote Speaker:
Once you’ve figured out the basics, begin searching for a speaker who aligns with these goals. Event Solutions CEO Brad Lipshy said on this matter:
“When it comes to picking keynote speakers for corporate events, we’ve got some key factors to consider. First up, the speaker’s content has to be spot-on for the field, but it’s just as important that they align with the client’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) values. It’s all about having a message and approach that resonates with our client’s initiatives.”
He also wrote up his list of must-haves for a keynote speaker:
Your Keynote Speaker Should…
- Be engaging
“Engagement is key in corporate events,” said Mr. Lipshy, “and we want a speaker who can work their magic with the audience. We’re talking Q&A sessions that make the crowd feel like they’re part of the show – that’s the way to keep the energy up!”
- Have personal touch
“Personal touch is everything in these events,” Mr. Lipshy stated. “Our ideal speaker can tailor their content to meet the audience’s specific interests and needs. They’ve got to keep everyone’s attention, even with potential distractions!”
- Be themselves
“The speaker’s personal story is important too,” Mr. Lipshy said. “Accomplishments, struggles, publications – it all adds that personal touch that connects with the audience.”
Mr. Lipshy summed up his thoughts by noting, “Ultimately, the speaker has to fit like a puzzle piece with the event’s theme and goals. Even if they’re from a different industry, they can still inspire with themes like determination and overcoming challenges. Sometimes, a celebrity speaker can really perk up interest in the event, but it’s gotta align with the context and goals of the event. Choosing the perfect keynote speaker for your event means taking all these factors into account.”
The Perfect Fit
To find keynote speakers, choose based on:
- Ability to resonate with your audience
- Someone who can connect with the audience and engage them
- Someone who aligns with the event values as well as your company’s mission
- Someone who will tailor the message to your event goals, audience and according to your key takeaways
Keeping this in mind can help narrow down your search and lead you to the perfect speaker for you. Remember, it’s not always a one-size-fits-all scenario. Speakers’ natural gifts, insights, and personal experiences can influence your choice and rank one above the others.
Take time out to interview, gather reviews, and listen to your speakers speak at other events. This can help you figure out who is the best fit for you, your event, and your needs.
How We Select a Good Keynote Speaker
You have much to consider when hiring a keynote speaker, but that’s where we come in. Event Solutions has a lot of experience choosing keynote speakers. We also have a list of successful and talented speakers we have worked with!
We can help you find a celebrity or motivational speaker for corporate events that fit your needs. We can reach out to the speaker for you.
Our DMC will handle their travel and lodging needs. We’ll take care of the fine details, too, like speaker fees or communicating with any speakers bureau needed. Our team can also work together on their content and rehearse it. Regarding guest speakers, we offer support like rehearsals to ensure the public speaking process goes smoothly and to keep event speakers happy.
Once you have noted your event goals, key messages, audience, and other factors, we can help connect you with your speaker. We will make sure their message is relevant, insightful, and engaging. We will also ensure it aligns with your missions, goals, and values. So, too, do we handle all the fine details and logistics, so you can rest easy knowing the process will go smoothly.
Speakers that Create Engaging Experiences
The right speaker can truly elevate your event experience for your audience.
Want to read about the impact speakers have on all hands meetings? Check out our blog on ideas for all hands meetings.
Event Solutions can help you find the right speaker for your event. We also cover every detail, from AV tech to travel and accommodations. Our team has 40 years of experience in choosing keynote speakers and planning the entire event from start to finish.
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