How to Pick a Keynote Speaker

Guide

Our CEO Notes
Defining Audience & Goals
Selecting A Good Keynote Speaker
The Perfect Fit
How We Select A Good Keynote Speaker
Engaging Experiences

Keynote speakers are an essential aspect of many corporate events. Whether you want to foster a collaborative discussion, give background insights into your event’s purposes, or provide your audience with an uplifting and inspirational discussion, these speakers can make your event shine. .

There’s no shortage of amazing speakers out there, and narrowing your search can seem daunting. But we’re here to assure you that with just a little time spent making notes and considering your goals, the process can go fluidly. But what points should you be noting, and what qualities should you search for in a speaker? Let’s dive into how to pick a keynote speaker.

Jay Leno Keynote Speaker for a Transport Company’s Sales Kickoff Party

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 35+ 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 audience attention. We prioritize speakers whose experiences mirror attendees’, fostering authenticity and connection.”

A good keynote speaker with 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 is even more different.

The tone of the event is important; it drives the foundations of the speech. If your event is focused on facts and figures, the speaker must be able to deliver that. If it’s focused on collaboration, the speaker must foster a collaborative environment. 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 the choosing of your speaker go fluidly and smoothly.

There are a lot of questions you need to ask yourself when selecting a speaker.

Just as important as figuring out the tone of your event as well as your target audience is considering the theme or topic of the keynote speaker’s discussion. Is it a discussion on hard facts and figures, an inspirational discussion, or a thoughtful presentation to foster a collaborative environment? Will the speech be educational, uplifting, entertaining, or a mix of those? It’s important in planning to identify the theme or topic of your speaker’s discussion and find a speaker who is well-versed in that theme or topic and is able to speak on it in an informed, comfortable, and engaging manner. So, too, is it important to note the key takeaways and messages you’d like your audience to leave with?

How to Pick a Keynote Speaker: Tip, Know Your Audience

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.”

How to Pick a Keynote Speaker: Tip, Know Your Tech

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.”

How to Pick a Keynote Speaker: What are Good Speakers

The Perfect Fit

To find your next keynote speaker, 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 to Pick a Keynote Speaker Like Carey Lohrenz Engage Audience

How We Select a Good Keynote Speaker

There is a lot to consider when thinking on how to pick a keynote speaker, but that’s where we come in. Event Solutions not only has plenty of experience selecting keynote speakers, but also a repertoire of successful and talented speakers we have worked with! We can not only reach out to the speaker on your behalf but handle negotiations, travel and lodging accommodations for them, and collaborate on and rehearse their content.

After you’ve noted your event goals, key messages, audience, and other factors, we can work as a go-between for you and your speaker to ensure that not only is their message pertinent, insightful, and engaging, but that 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.

Good Keynote Speakers know how to engage on and off the screen

Speakers that Create Engaging Experiences

In selecting a keynote speaker, as our CEO mentioned, it’s always helpful to have one with experience in delivering tech-heavy or multimedia presentations. So, too, do we help out on that front? We can help you secure a speaker who is comfortable and well-versed in the tech aspect, multimedia presentations, or any other criteria you need. We help promote the speaker at your event and maximize the discussion’s impact.

The right speaker can truly elevate your event experience for your audience. Whether it’s captivating, insightful, informative, or just entertaining, the right speaker will tap those requirements and take your event to the next level.

Event Solutions can help you find the perfect speaker for you, as well as help ensure that every detail is met, from AV tech to travel and lodgings. We plan company events from start to finish and have plenty of hands-on experience in helping pick keynote speakers and every other aspect of event management and coordination. Need help on how to pick a keynote speaker that is just right for your event? Contact us. To get started, fill out the form below or call our event specialists directly at 1.800.366.0603.

How to Pick a Keynote Speaker

Guide

Our CEO’s Note On What Makes a Good Keynote Speaker

Setting Up for Success: