When it comes to organizing business events, seminars, or conferences, hiring a good keynote speaker can make all the difference.

A powerful and memorable speech will not only add color and gravitas to your message, but it will ensure that you will grab your audiences attention and keep them engaged for the duration of the event.

Steve Jobs, Les Brown, and Barack Obama have given successful keynote speeches, not only educating their audience but also inspiring them.

Done right, the Keynote Speech could be the difference between a successful event and a total dud.

So what exactly does a keynote speaker do?

The role of a keynote speaker

Put simply, a keynote speakers role is to introduce the main message of an event, so the audience feels eager to participate in the rest of the program.

In other words, they set the tone of the event and grab the attention of your audience.

However, they can also speak during the luncheon or at the end of the event. Once again, the objective is to keep your audience engaged and entertained.

Quite often, the keynote speaker will accomplish this by delivering an informative, interactive and yet fun presentation, using various techniques such as storytelling and witty humor.

It is common for keynote speakers to be celebrities or well-known experts. For example, Jim Carrey was invited to give the keynote speech at the 2014 MUM graduation.

Using witty remarks and inspirational stories, Jim Carrey was able to deliver an effective message to the graduate students in a little over 20 minutes.

Another similar example can be Steve Job’s commencement address at Stanford in 2005. Drawing from pivotal moments in his life, such as being fired from Apple and starting Pixar Studios, Jobs entertains and inspires his audience of young graduates to pursue their dreams and trust that the “dots will be connected” in their lives.

But keynote speakers don’t necessarily need to be famous. They can simply be a person who is very successful in their field, sharing their experience and expertise to good effect.

What exactly does a keynote speaker do?

Below you will see a list with some concrete examples of things that keynote speakers do:

  1. Keynote speakers set the tone for the rest of the event
  2. Keynote speakers gain the attention of the audience and get them to focus
  3. Keynote speakers educate, inspire, motivate, and entertain their audience
  4. Keynote speakers establish authority and trust for the entire event
  5. Keynote speakers provide leadership, since they are perceived as authorities in their field
  6. Keynote speakers entertain their listeners mostly through connection, whether by using startling and rousing oratory or simply telling a story that is profound and meaningful
  7. Keynote Speakers study their audience and the event they will speak at in advance
  8. Keynote Speakers possess a range of repertoire, being able to provide speeches that are adaptable to any context or setting

The impact of a keynote speaker

Successful keynote speakers will be able to take your attendees on a journey and make them look at something from a totally different perspective.

They will be able to deliver powerful speeches that will stick to your audience for a long time.

Sometimes, an event that is overall tedious and unsuccessful can be salvaged by an effective keynote speaker; since the keynote speech tends to be the main thing your audience will remember.

On the other hand, an ineffective keynote speech can leave your audience underwhelmed and give your event a bad name.

This is especially true when the event is over-hyped, making people have high expectations from it.

When planning your event, make sure you do so in a way that meets your attendees needs and wants. That’s why planning in advance with your keynote speaker is vital.

Now that you understand a little bit more about the role of a keynote speaker and what to expect from them, you will be better prepared to choose a professional who will resonate with your audience and help make your event a memorable and exciting experience.

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