What is the purpose of a keynote speaker? Who would be the best keynote speaker for my unique event? Keynote speakers come in all shapes and sizes, each with unique strengths and capabilities. This installment in The Speakers Group speakers bureau's reference guide is designed to help meeting professionals in their pursuit of the perfect keynote speaker.
What is the purpose of a keynote speaker?
According to Wikipedia, a keynote speaker's message is delivered to "set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important revelation of the event." In other words, a keynote speaker should solidify a meeting's theme, or provide a foundation for achieving the key objectives of a conference.
A keynote speaker is often selected to arouse interest in a meeting program and draw attendees to attend the event. If the chosen speaker is well known for his or her mastery in a particular field, or if the speaker has broad household name recognition, it is likely that enthusiasm about the conference will build.
How do I select the best keynote speaker for my meeting or conference?
The "best" keynote speaker is always relative to the unique dynamics of a particular program. If, for instance, a meeting is focused on technology issues, the keynote speaker of a recent sales conference who was heralded as "the best" is likely not the best keynote speaker selection for this technology meeting. In order to select the best keynote speaker, the meeting organizer must first know the audience and have defined the meeting theme and objectives. Will the appropriate speaker be motivational in nature? Educational? Controversial?
Once the appropriate type of speaker has been determined, a narrowed field of candidates for the best keynote speaker will emerge. Then the meeting professional can evaluate speakers based on their speaking style and their presentation content. Are they dynamic? Does their presentation fit with our desired outcome for this meeting?
Subject matter alone will not ensure the best keynote speaker selection for a given meeting. It is important that the speaker be able to present their material in a way that is engaging to the audience, and that their material complements the meeting owner's other program content. A speakers bureau's program consultant can be very helpful in guiding a planner toward keynote speakers who will "set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important revelation of the event."
Who are some of today's most popular keynote speakers?
There are a number of outstanding keynote speakers available to enrich a meeting, conference or convention. Some of the most popular and most requested keynote speakers include Jack Canfield, Afterburner, Benjamin Zander, Buzz Aldrin, Lance Armstrong, and Marcus Buckingham. All of these speakers have proven very effective in connecting with meeting objectives and delivering a relevant message to the audience. To search for additional keynote speaker candidates for your meeting, visit The Speakers Group's speaker search page and explore speakers who match your desired topic and budget.
