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  • Presentations
  • Public Speaking

What Is a Keynote Speech? (+10 Speaker Tips to Deliver Powerfully)

Laura Spencer

  • Bahasa Indonesia

Being asked to give a keynote speech can be a little intimidating, especially if you've never given one before. You may even be wondering: what is a keynote address?

keynote speaker

Keynote speeches are important and being asked to give a keynote talk can be a great opportunity for you and your business. So, if you're asked, consider taking advantage of the opportunity. But first, you'll need to learn a little bit more about keynote speeches.

In this short tutorial, we'll cover what you need to know about giving a keynote message. We'll provide you with a keynote address definition. We'll provide you with some good keynote speech examples. Plus, we'll cover ten tips to help you become a better keynote speaker.

For valuable tips on how to create a top-notch presentation, be sure to download our free eBook:   The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations .  It'll help you master the complete presentation process.

Perfect presentation ebook

What Is a Keynote Speech?

So, you're probably wondering what a keynote speech is and how it differs from any other speech you might give. A keynote address is typically given to set the theme for an event . Examples might include the main speaker at business conference or even a guest speaker at a graduation.

Keynote speakers are sometimes well-known figures or even celebrities. In other instances, depending upon the audience, they may just be someone who's very accomplished in their field. Keynote speakers are often paid for their services and a professional keynote speaker who is in demand can earn quite a bit. Even if you've never given a keynote message before, being asked to give one is both an honor and a great opportunity.

Keynote speeches are usually based on the speaker's own experiences and knowledge. They can also include motivational and inspirational elements. Effective keynote speakers often make use of storytelling as well. But the most important factor for keynote message success is audience engagement. The keynote speaker needs to capture and hold the audience's attention and set the tone for the entire event.

If you're trying to learn about a particular type of public speaking, hearing an example can help. One good example of a good keynote speech comes from Oprah Winfrey, who gave the keynote address at the 2018 commencement for the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. You can listen to her speech for yourself:

a keynote speech of

For even more examples of effective speeches, many of which could serve as keynote addresses, study this roundup of some of my favorite Ted Talks:

a keynote speech of

How to Make Your Presentation Stand Out With a Slideshow

If the keynote address you'll be giving will include a slideshow presentation, you need to make sure that slideshow is the best it can be. Part of making effective use of a slideshow is to make sure that your presentation design is attractive and eye-catching. Admittedly, this can be tough to do if you're not a professional designer.

Fortunately, there's any easy way to create an engaging slideshow even if you're not a designer yourself. Envato Elements is a great way to find beautiful presentation templates for any need. These professionally designed templates will help your slideshow to really stand out. Plus, you'll be able download stock photos, WordPress and web templates, graphics, and more—all for a single flat rate! Download as much as you need as often as you need it. This is just the type of service a busy professional needs.

 But even if you're sure you're only going to give the one presentation and you don't need any of the other assets available through Envato Elements, we've still got you covered. You can purchase an affordable, one-time download of a professional slideshow template through GraphicRiver.

Now that you know where to find good slideshow templates, you may be wondering which templates to pick. The template roundup below can help:

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Now that we've discussed how to use a slideshow for your keynote message, it's time to examine some tips for giving a better keynote speech.

Speaker Tips for Giving a Keynote Speech

You're pulling your keynote message together and you need to make sure it's effective. But it's been a while since you've given a speech, or maybe this is your first one. How can you make sure your speech is a success?

Here are ten tips for public speakers that'll help you deliver a powerful keynote address:

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is vital for any public speaker, but it's especially important for keynote speakers since it's vital that they establish rapport with their audience and also because they set the tone for the entire event. So, as early in the speech preparation as possible, give some thought to who you'll speaking to. Tailor your speech to their needs and interests. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Who'll be listening to this speech?
  • What do they already know?
  • What do they need to know?

What are these listeners interested in?

If you know nothing about your audience, try asking the contact person who invited you to speak.

2. Do Your Research

If you've been asked to give a keynote speech, there's a good chance that you're already quite familiar with your topic. But don't take that knowledge for granted. Double-check your facts. Also, look for recent developments and include any relevant updates to your material. Pay special attention to information that'll be useful to your listeners.

3. Tell a Story

Storytelling is a great way to connect with an audience. If you've got personal experiences that your audience can relate to turning those into a story can often help engage your audience. Even if you don't have personal experiences, you may be able to share the experiences of others. For example, sharing the story of how a client successfully overcame an obstacle may inspire your listeners—especially if they've faced a similar obstacle.

4. Consider Giving an Interactive Presentation

Adding an interactive element to your keynote message is another way to capture your audience's attention. There are several types of interactive elements you can add including getting audience feedback in real-time and incorporating a Q&A session into your presentation. To learn more about interactive presentations, review this tutorial:

a keynote speech of

5. Practice Your Speech

Like any other speech you might give, you should practice a keynote speech until you're very familiar with the material. Strive to know your speech topic so well that you could talk about it without your notes if you needed to. As you practice, use your presentation notes or outline as a prompt rather than reading your speech. If possible, practice the speech in front of a friend or family member who's willing to provide feedback. The following tutorial includes a checklist for practicing a speech that could be helpful:

a keynote speech of

6. Overcome Your Fear

Does the idea of getting in front of an audience and talking make you uncomfortable? Well, you're certainly not alone. Studies from the National Institute of Health (and other sources) have shown that as much as 77% of the general public may fear public speaking. With a keynote message the fear and pressure is sometimes greater since the presentation is such an integral part of the event. Fortunately, there are methods you can use to overcome the fear of public speak ranging from positive self-talk to body language and more. In the tutorial below you'll discover over 20 ways to fight the fear of public speaking:

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7. Stay Focused on Your Goal

If you're giving a speech, it's easy to become distracted. Unfortunately, if you stray too far from your topic you're likely to lose the interest of your listeners. This is where your speaker notes can be particularly helpful. Make sure that your speaker notes are visible (and use a large enough font that you can read them easily). If you do lose your pace or feel you've gone off topic, don't be afraid of a brief pause while you check your outline. You can learn more about creating speaker notes to your presentation tool in these short tutorials:

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8. Be Brief

Avoid overexplaining the topic of your keynote address. You can do this by stating each point once followed by your supporting detail for that point (including slides and other visual aids). Next, summarize the point and move on to the next point. If you expected the audience to react to a point and they don't respond in the manner you expected, resist the temptation to go back over the point. Finally, when your presentation is complete you can restate the main purpose of your talk. Being brief and being focused matter and the audience will appreciate you for it.

9. Get Enough Sleep

You probably already suspect that you're not at your best when you go without sleep. Now science supports what you've always suspected—lack of sleep negatively impacts your performance . So, do your best to get a good night's sleep before your keynote talk. But that may be easier said than done--especially if you're at a business conference where there's a temptation to stay up late socializing and visiting with colleagues and potential clients. There are some practical steps you can take, even when you're traveling, to improve your sleep. You'll find some of those steps in this tutorial:

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10. Share It Online

Once your keynote address is over, you can still benefit from it. One way to do that is to share your speech online. Sharing your speech online helps you to reach a larger audience than you initially spoke too. There are a number of ways to share your speech online, including:

  • YouTube.  This popular site is useful for sharing video presentations.
  • Vimeo.  Another site that can help you to share a live presentation.
  • Facebook live.  You can live stream your presentation through Facebook.
  • Other social media . You can include a link to your presentation on most other social media sites.
  • Your website . Including a video on your own website can be a great way to impress clients and prospective clients.
  • SlideShare . If your keynote address included a slideshow presentation, you can share it on SlideShare.
  • Email . You can also share links to your keynote speech through email.

To learn more about sharing your keynote address, study these tutorials:

a keynote speech of

Make Great Presentations ( Free PDF eBook Download )

We also have the perfect complement to this tutorial, which will walk you through the complete presentation process. Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully.

Free PDF eBook

Download our new eBook:  The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It's available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter.

Your Takeaways

You've just been given a keynote definition and some examples of great keynote speeches to follow. Now that you understand what a keynote address is and why it's important, you'll want to make your keynote message as good as possible. 

Even if you've never given a speech before, you can use the speaker tips in this article to give the best keynote address that you can. Once you've finished your keynote presentation, don't forget to share it for maximum impact. If you've enjoyed the tips in this tutorial, you may also enjoy our  Fundamentals of Public Speaking Learning Guide .

Have you given a keynote speech? What tips or advice would you add for others?

Editorial Note: This content was originally published in 2018. We're sharing it again because our editors have determined that this information is still accurate and relevant.

Laura Spencer

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How to Write a Keynote Speech

Last Updated: October 28, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 107,651 times.

A good keynote speech is gripping and inspiring. It sets the tone for the event, program, or conference, and it can really unify the audience. If you’ve been invited to write and give a keynote speech (congrats!), you might not be sure where to start, or maybe you’re looking for tips to elevate your speech to the next level. Either way, we’ve got you covered! This article will walk you through how to craft a memorable keynote speech from start to finish.

Brainstorming Ideas for the Keynote Speech

Step 1 Determine the purpose of the speech.

  • If there is a theme of the event, you may use this as your purpose or inspiration for the speech. For example, if the theme of the event is “Social Responsibility,” the purpose of your speech may be to explore your experiences with social responsibility on a professional and personal level.

Step 2 Identify the interests of your audience.

  • For example, if your audience is within an age range of 20-30 and are social responsibility advocates, you may make the speech light, engaging, and full of specialized language that you know your audience will understand.

Step 3 Come up with one to three key points for the speech.

  • For example, if you are writing a speech around the theme of social responsibility, you may focus on three key points: the history of social responsibility, the current state of social responsibility, and where social responsibility is headed next.

Step 4 Read examples of keynote speeches.

  • You can find the top keynote speeches of 2016 at https://www.bigspeak.com/best-keynote-speakers-of-2016 .

Crafting the Keynote Speech

Step 1 Start with an engaging story.

  • For example, if you are writing a keynote speech on diversity in the classroom, you may tell a story about a student of color that you worked with in your classroom as a teacher.
  • You may also look in the news for a story about a student of color who publicly spoke out about difficulties with diversity in the classroom, preferably a news story based in your area or country.

Step 2 Begin with an interesting fact.

  • For example, if the purpose of your speech is to discuss social responsibility in the corporate world, you may open with a fact about how consumers tend to buy more if a brand is socially responsible.

Step 3 State the purpose of the speech.

  • For example, your purpose may appear as, “I am here today to talk to you about social responsibility, the theme of this conference and the theme of much of my professional work.”

Step 4 Use humor to add levity.

  • For example, you may make a funny aside that is self-deprecating, such as, “I wasn’t always a great teacher. Sometimes, I was known as the fun teacher or the angry teacher. Not always the great one.”

Step 5 Repeat key terms and words.

  • For example, you may highlight terms like “unity,” “engagement,” and “social consciousness” in your speech by returning to them at least twice. You may begin the speech by mentioning these terms and then return to them again later in the speech.

Step 6 Write the speech in your natural voice.

  • For example, you may use a funny saying that you use with your students in your classroom in the speech. Or you may use less formal words and terms to keep the tone of the speech conversational.

Step 7 Wrap up the speech with a call to action.

  • For example, you may have a call to action that refers to the story or fact you used at the beginning of your speech: “Just like my student who reached out to a peer in need, I ask you all now to be vulnerable, to try to reach out to someone in your community who needs help.”

Polishing the Keynote Speech

Step 1 Read the speech aloud.

  • When you read the speech aloud, notice if you skip over any words. You may be able to remove any words you skip over for flow.
  • If you read the speech aloud to others, you can ask them for feedback. Ask them if they found any parts of the speech boring or hard to follow. Be open to getting constructive feedback on the speech so it is at its best.

Step 2 Proofread the speech.

  • Correct punctuation is especially important if you are going to read the speech aloud to an audience, as the punctuation will tell you when to pause or take a breath. Often, a comma means pausing in your speech and a period means taking a short breath.

Step 3 Revise the speech for clarity and length.

  • If there is a time constraint for the speech, you should also time yourself reading the speech to confirm it is within the limit.

Expert Q&A

Lynn Kirkham

You Might Also Like

Write a Welcome Speech

  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
  • ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
  • ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mitch-ditkoff/post_3868_b_1868754.html
  • ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
  • ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/Magazine/Articles/Six-Rules-of-Humor
  • ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffschmitt/2013/07/16/10-keys-to-writing-a-speech/#25d3cdba4fb7
  • ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/11-2-steps-of-a-conclusion/
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/reading-aloud/
  • ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/editing-and-proofreading-techniques

About This Article

Lynn Kirkham

A good keynote speech is inspiring and can set the tone for an entire event. Start your speech with an engaging anecdote to grab your listeners' attention. The story can be from your own experience and should relate to the topic of the event. Then, tell your audience what the purpose of your speech is. You might say something like, “I am here to talk to you today about social responsibility, which is the theme of the conference and the theme of my professional work." Use a little humor and a light-hearted tone to keep the speech engaging and make it more memorable. Make sure to write the speech along the lines of how you normally talk so it sounds natural when read out loud. At the end of your speech, finish with a strong call to action. This part of the speech should compel listeners to do something to help the cause. For example, if you're giving a speech for a humane society, you may encourage listeners to volunteer at their local shelter. To learn how to polish your keynote speech, read more from our Writing co-author! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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how to prepare a keynote speech

Here’s an Excellent Keynote Speech GUIDE: With 2 Great Examples

You’ve probably been asked to give a keynote speech and you are afraid of it. Well, if you’ve never done this before, then there’s no need to panic. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start with the basics, shall we? 

So, what is a keynote speech? 

Being asked to give a keynote speech in front of a large audience can be a little intimidating. However, it’s the greatest honor to be selected as a keynote speaker. That said, you must deliver the best speech you possibly can. 

Now that we’ve covered what a keynote speech is, it’s time to key steps that you should take when preparing a keynote speech. 

How to prepare a keynote speech

Keynote speeches are very important. With that in mind, it’s one of the best opportunities for you and your business. Therefore, if you’ve been asked to be the keynote speaker, take advantage of such an opportunity. But, first, you will have to prepare your speech: 

1.     Find out the theme for the day

2.     outline your presentation.

Sadly, most speakers always skip this part. And, it’s usually visible in their delivery and line of thought. The best way to handle this situation is by creating a sort of blueprint for your presentation which will include: 

3.     Now fill each section

Make sure that you are brief and clear when filling each section. More importantly, don’t crowd up your content. You will also need to ensure you have most of the keywords in your mind. This will save you the time you use to check on your keynote speech instead of maintaining eye contact with the crowd. 

4.     Make the work visually attractive

Without a doubt, you should always ensure that your work has some visual ideas that would be easy to interpret. Add graphs or charts where necessary, but only where necessary. Too much of anything will lead to you losing the attention of your audience. 

5.     Add personal stories

Play a game, add a question, or simply just maintain eye contact with your audience. This will help you gain their full attention throughout your speech. 

6.     Finally, rehearse

There’s no shortcut in this section. For you to present a killer speech in front of your audience without sounding nervous is through research. By rehearsing your speech several times, you can understand what it means to your audience and also see places where you can improve your speech. 

Now that you already know how to get ready for your speech, let’s take on how to open a keynote speech. 

The next points of discussion are: how to open a keynote speech, how long should a keynote speech be, and some great examples of keynote speeches. Before digging into that, let me add below some of the top related and interesting articles that can add to what you’re learning from this one. If any of the titles picks your interest, please click and open in a new tab, so you can check them out later. Enjoy!

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At any time, a leader is seen as one who guides one or more people to fulfill something stipulated; today, however, we understand that this journey comprises the achievement of results and the evolution, in some way, of all who participate in the process. Leaders are people with high power to inspire those around them,…

An Easy Guide to All 15 Types of Speech

How to open a keynote speech.

The audience will lean in to try and hear your first few words. And at that moment, the audience will form their first impression of you with the first words you utter. An example of the first opening words include, ‘um, good evening everyone….I’m happy to be here in front of you. I will like to thank you so-so-so-so much…..’

To get the full attention of your audience, here are some quick tips on your opening statements. 

Before we go into how to open your keynote speech…

I would like to announce that you can get more insightful tips and how-to’s from our recently launched eBook, now available at Barnes & Noble , at $4.99. We tried to pack it with valuable information and price it below $5 to be as inclusive as possible with our pricing. Click below and Get a Copy!

Key tips on the opening statement in your keynote speech

How long should a keynote speech be.

You will know when the keynote does not last long enough when the message said by the speaker doesn’t have a deep effect on the audience. Additionally, the length of the keynote speech depends on the time allocated to the event. 

Examples of Excellent Keynote Speeches 

If you follow the instructions above, you won’t even need examples to sharpen your skills. However, here are some of the examples you can check out to give you a deeper understanding of keynote speeches

To wrap it all up…

A keynote speech is an incredible way to get over public speaking and be able to introduce yourself to the audience. It doesn’t matter the number of people in the gathering. Always remember to count every opportunity that comes your way. 

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

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a keynote speech of

Guide to Planning, Writing, and Delivering a Killer Keynote Speech

by Janice Tomich

  • Presentation Planning & Public Speaking Skills

Being invited to deliver a keynote address is a great honor.

It’s exhilarating. A compliment to your expertise.

I’m a public speaking coach . A client of mine recently was asked to deliver the keynote address at a large women’s tech event. She was new to public speaking. This was her first high-stakes conference opportunity.

She’s a seasoned leader in an industry with few female colleagues. Although she loves her job, at times her career has been rough. The conference organizers asked her to share her perspective with young women new to the field to help them navigate the inevitable difficulties of being a woman in tech—and also give them advice on how to enjoy the ride.

Her excitement and nervousness were palpable. That’s how it feels when you’re asked to give the keynote.

Being asked means that others value your ideas, thoughts, and vision. You know it’s a big opportunity. A keynote speech provides an opportunity to inspire others like no other.

But if you’ve been asked to share what you’ve experienced throughout your career (or even lifetime) it can be a daunting ask.

With the honor of delivering a keynote comes the responsibility to deliver an address that will inspire your audience to take action.

Table of Contents

What Is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech stands above other public speaking opportunities because event organizers make it the highlight of the agenda. Large events often leverage the keynote speaker to attract attendees.

The theme of a keynote is usually set by the event’s theme.

For multi-day events like conferences the keynote is often (but not always) scheduled on the last day. Scheduling the keynote for the end of the event builds excitement and anticipation. Other times the keynote is scheduled near the beginning of an event, and in this case the role of the keynote speaker is to set the tone. Knowing when you’ll be speaking (at the beginning or at the end of the event) impacts the type of keynote speech you should create.

A keynote speaker is usually given a substantial amount of time to speak, often 45 to 60 minutes over dinner. Unlike a shorter presentation, keynote addresses give you a brilliant opportunity to go deep. TO show the breadth of your expertise. To invite your audience along through the ups and downs, ins and outs of a storyline. Your speech can be complex and include unanticipated twists and turns (while of course staying on track with your core message.)

If you’re lost and unsure about how to make your presentation compelling, I can help.

How Long Should A Keynote Be?

There are only a few hard and fast rules about the length of a keynote speech:

  • The length of the speech is ultimately dictated by the amount of speaking time allocated by the event organizer.
  • The length of the speech should be however long it takes you to clearly and concisely deliver a speech that inspires your audience.

Essentially, just enough time and not too much. 

P ro Tip: The amount of time allocated by the organizers is not always set in stone, especially in the early days of organizing an event. Keep the line of communication open with your organizer. The time frame might be open to adjustment or negotiation.

What Makes a Keynote Speech Compelling and Memorable?

Presenter giving a memorable, compelling keynote speech.

An engaging, inspiring keynote presentation encourages the audience to envision what they are capable of. The best keynote speeches don’t just inform—they compel the audience to take action.

Keep two things top of mind as you plan:

  • Focus on one main message (your throughline).
  • Put yourself in the hearts and minds of your audience. Think of this as a research project as much as an exercise in empathy. Take the time to learn about what your audience wants to know. Learn how they need to hear it.

Going back to my example, the key message of my client who keynoted at the tech conference was resilience .

How did this key message turn into a speech?

She told funny, heart-wrenching stories, including some stories which were excruciating for her at the time they happened. These stories showed her drive to succeed. She spoke candidly about the problems she had come up against in her career. Then she revealed how she solved these problems and the benefits that transpired. Throughout the whole speech, she tapped back into her key message— resilience.

How Much Time Should You Devote to Preparation?

More time than you think.

I have never had a client tell me, “I wish I had spent less time preparing my keynote.”

They’re always glad they invested a good amount of time. Feeling completely ready in the days leading up to the event is worth it.

Nancy Duarte, the author of Resonate , works with industry giants on their keynote speeches. Duarte recommends you spend 30 hours on content creation for a 1-hour speech. (This doesn’t include building the slide deck or practicing the speech).

Here’s my breakdown of the time it takes to be fully prepared to step on stage to deliver your keynote address:

  • 30 hours to research your speech and develop the keynote content
  • 30 hours to create your keynote slide deck
  • 30 hours of practicing your delivery

90 hours likely seems like a lot of time, but that’s what it takes to create and develop an inspirational, career-boosting keynote.

Your first rough draft will be just that … rough. Keynote speech writing is never a one-and-done process. To really nail it you need to get feedback and let the speech, slide deck, and delivery evolve over time. The results are worth it.

How Much Lead Time Do You Need?

Keynotes are a rich opportunity to give an audience perspective into who you are and what you know.

You should allow for 3 months (and a minimum of 2 months) of lead time before you deliver your keynote.

However, life does not always go according to plan. You may not have a lot of time left to prepare. I offer a presentation coaching service called Crunch Time for when you’ve been asked on short notice (a speaker may have become ill) or you have been consumed with other projects and need support to deliver an engaging speech.

Planning a Keynote Speech: Who is your audience? What is your intention?

Planning out a keynote speech takes time — image of a presenter planning out a speech with post-it notes.

Your goal should be to take your body of work and experience and use that to resonate with your audience. Inspire them to action. Your words of wisdom will become part of their life experience and create a legacy which will stick with them for years.

“It’s all about the audience—not about you.” These are wise words I’ve never forgotten, delivered to us on the first day of class of my communication degree.

In my work supporting clients through presentation planning, I’m always checking in to ensure that the audience will be able to understand What’s In It For Them (WIIFT in marketing terms). Remembering to center on WIIFT is crucial. It’s the foundation for a successful keynote.

Your intention is important too—equally important, actually. Why are you giving the keynote? What do you want to have happen because of it? Knowing your own “why” and how it relates to the needs of your audience puts you on track to engage and inspire.

How To Write A Keynote Speech

1. establish your throughline.

After you have a good understanding of who your audience is and what your intention is in delivering your keynote it’s time to establish your throughline. Identify which theme or concept you want to speak about.

My client who was keynoting the tech conference planned to speak on resiliency, which is a broad topic. I encouraged her to dig deeper. Upon reflection, she realized that much of her success stemmed from her commitment to creating and building relationships.

She evolved the throughline. The theme of the keynote became developing resiliency through relationships .

2. Brainstorm with an open mind and big wall

Once you’ve decided on your throughline it’s time to find an open wall and a stack of post-it notes.

In freewriting-mode write down any and all ideas that come bubbling up that will support your theme. Take lots of breaks. I promise you’ll come back with fresh ideas each time.

3. Step back and group ideas into themes

Stand back once your wall is filled with ideas. Notice common themes. Place similar ideas into three groups.

What you see is three arguments or points of proof that support your throughline.

4. Pare down to the best ideas

Now sweep through and dispense of any of your ideas that strike you as weak or you don’t feel passionate about.

5. Order your ideas

Place the ideas that remain into a logical order, so that they flow from one idea to the next. That’s your outline. Transfer these concepts to a Google Doc or put pen to paper. You’ve got the bones of a good keynote speech already.

Don’t write out a script word-for-word. Instead, think about what you want to speak about for each of your points. Flesh them out, making notes about what you want to say.

You’ve invested a large amount of time creating the content. Every component of a keynote is important. So now let’s focus on how you open, close, and title your keynote.

How To Open A Keynote Speech

I suspect you’ve been to at least a few presentations where you felt bored by the speaker after just a few minutes.

Too many speakers begin with a status quo opening such as citing their CV or meticulously outlining what they “want to talk with you about.”

You can do better.

My client started her keynote off with a dose of humor rooted in her own personal experience. She talked about the inappropriate clothes she wore to an interview and the hilarious story of what she did to gain access to the building.

Here are a few more ideas to open your keynote speech:

  • Start your speech by addressing the elephant in the room to address a negative bias your audience may be thinking. Perhaps you are quite young and your audience is older. You could begin by saying, “You are probably looking at me thinking she’s twelve years old and what could she know. And you’d be right…”
  • Quote a startling statistic. Often keynotes focus on living out dreams. This statement will have your audience’s interest piqued, “The average person has over 1,460 dreams a year”.
  • Begin a story that you can use to weave and thread your presentation together. You could begin by sharing a story of how a mentor helped. Throughout your presentation continue the story dropping the nuggets of wisdom of what your mentor said and how she helped.

It’s crucial that you grab your audience’s attention right from the start – that you hook them with your first words.

How To Close a Keynote Speech

Finish your keynote with clarity and power. I’ve listened to too many speeches and keynotes where the ending was weak. They didn’t live up to the energy of the body of work.

My client decided to loop back to the chain of events that happened before her interview, narrating how she hung in there, even when things weren’t going according to plan.

Here are some excellent approaches to closing your keynote powerfully:

Loop back to how you began your speech. If you began your speech by talking about the elephant in the room, tag back to provide assurance that you have.

Wrap up a story you teased in your opening and then threaded throughout the speech.

If you began your keynote with a stat or quote reference it again at the end by summarizing how you proved it was true.

A tenet I firmly stand by that it’s not good enough to just leave your audience inspired . You must leave them inspired to do somethin g. Close your speech with a clear call to action to do something tangible that will make a difference to them and/or their community.

Choosing a Title for Your Keynote

Your title is your audience’s first introduction to what they will hear. Finding the ‘right’ title makes them want to listen.

If a compelling title comes to mind before or as you are developing and creating your speech, write it down. But don’t worry if you’ve planned out your whole speech and still don’t have a title idea. The best titles often come to us right at the end. You’ll have lots of ideas to play with when you’ve finished gathering your content.

Here is a trick while working with an editor at Inc.com: first craft a title, then play with variations of that title by using words that will get attention or have an inherent hook embedded within them.

Here’s an example of how I played with titles before settling on one for this article:

My initial ideas were

Both titles are merely functional. They’re lackluster and don’t reflect the complexity of the article itself, which goes beyond merely “writing” a keynote.

I rephrased it to expand on the topic and add a bit more punch:

Better, but I knew I could do better.

I liked it. It is more eye catching and it indicates a comprehensive “guide” that promises not just a “how to” article, but in-depth advice that speaks to creating an excellent keynote that will be well received.

Invest the time in finding just the right title. It’s worth it. It piques your audience’s interest from their first interaction with you.

How To Practice Your Keynote Speech

Practice is an essential part of speech preparation. Image of a presenter practicing their keynote without an audience.

Don’t put off practicing until the last minute. Conversely, don’t over-practice until you sound like a robot and have diluted every ounce of passion out of your presentation.

Making good use of your practice time is easy.

I’ve written an extensive guide on how to rehearse for a presentation and I’ve also written on this topic for Inc.com . Read them for tips and techniques to learn your keynote speech easily so you can walk on the stage confidently knowing you’ll nail it. 

I have never had a client tell me they wished they had practiced less. I encourage you to practice only as much as you need to and not a second more.

P ro Tip: When you have a few spots that are giving you difficulties just practice those sections. It’s a poor investment of your time to practice your keynote over and over in its entirety if only a few sections are tripping you up.

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​​​​Sucheta Misra Associate VP Inclusion & Diversity and Social Impact Leader

Tips For Creating Your Slidedeck or PowerPoint Presentation

My take on PowerPoint is that it’s a powerful tool that has been dropped into the laps of people who, more often than not, don’t have the training or experience to wield it effectively.

Before PowerPoint, marketing and communication teams would strategize over the best content for the slides. Graphic designers would create them.

These are the three most important things to know about your slide presentation:

  • If slides won’t add or support your presentation don’t use them. 
  • Create your slides so that they are primarily image-based with a limited amount of text. 
  • If you are not a graphic designer hire one. It’s worth it for the stroke of elegance and professional edge they will add. A graphic designer will bring your deck to life. 

The best keynote slidedecks are primary image-based—keep the text to a minimum. Finding the right images (like the stunning ones on this screen) takes time. Consider hiring a graphic designer for the task.

If you do decide to use a slidedeck ensure it helps your audience connect the dots and visualize what you are sharing with them.

What To Do Before You Deliver Your Speech

I’m often backstage supporting clients at their events. It’s exhilarating to feel the energy of speakers waiting to go on stage. You can feel the excitement … hearts pounding and voices warming up.

Here are a few tips and techniques professional speakers use to ready themselves, calm their nerves , and warm up their voice before giving a keynote speech:

  • If you find yourself not sleeping well or experiencing anxiety in the days leading up to your speech try 4 – 7 – 8 breathing . Three or four rounds should have you feeling calmer and able to fall back to sleep. 
  • Keep yourself hydrated. The day before your event up your water intake. This will keep you feeling energetic and your voice lubricated. 
  • Make sure you get a good sleep before your keynote. Lack of sleep will knock you off your game. 
  • Fifteen minutes before your keynote move your voice up and down through your natural register with vocal exercises so you can use your voice like the fine instrument it is. 
  • Just as you are about to speak, if you suffer from dry mouth, take these lozenges to help you articulate with ease. 
  • When you arrive at the podium take a few deep breaths, feel your feet on the floor, touch a favourite amulet such as a ring or necklace…and away you go! 

What You Should Do After Your Speech

When you end your speech you’re still not quite finished yet.

Connect with people from your audience. Gather feedback. Some of the richest relationships you will create will happen if you take the time to talk with people after your speaking event. If you have the opportunity, ask for presentation feedback to help you learn what worked and what didn’t.

Image of two women chatting—after your keynote, be sure to connect with audience members one-on-one.

Don’t ask if they enjoyed your keynote because the response will probably be, “It was great!” Instead, ask what they took away that will make a difference in their life. Ask them what nugget stuck with them. The answers to these questions will provide information to improve your next keynote.

Having your keynote recorded provides a brilliant learning opportunity. Many of my clients tell me they can’t/won’t watch a recording of themselves. I ask them to separate themselves from their egos and embrace the opportunity to learn. You can gain insight into what landed and what didn’t by your audience’s reactions.

Ask for presentation feedback from a trusted advisor. Don’t ask family and friends. A trusted advisor or mentor has the perspective to provide unbiased feedback that your family and friends won’t be able to. A trusted advisor will be able to expertly able to weigh in about your content, your delivery, and the effectiveness of your speech. ¯

Keynote speeches are complex. They have lots of pieces that need to fit together to create an easy, simple flow and to hold your audience in your hands so they will be inspired and learn from you.

Do you need help with your upcoming keynote speech to make sure your audience will leave challenged to take action and be inspired? Let’s chat and learn how I might help. Here’s access to my calendar to schedule a time to talk.

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What is a Keynote Speech: How to Leave a Lasting Impression

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As an event planner or someone responsible for organizing a conference or seminar, you understand the importance of finding the right keynote speaker.

A keynote speech sets the tone for the entire event, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. In this article, we will explore the world of keynote speeches and share insights on how to write and deliver a captivating keynote.

What is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech is a powerful presentation given by a keynote speaker at the beginning or end of an event.

It is designed to capture the audience’s attention, set the tone, and provide key takeaways that attendees can apply to their lives or work. A well-crafted and captivating keynote speech can inspire, motivate, and leave a lasting impact on the audience.

The Role of a Keynote Speaker

A keynote speaker plays a crucial role in the success of an event. They are experts in their field, often seasoned speakers who have honed their craft over years of experience.

A keynote speaker not only delivers a thought-provoking speech but also brings a unique perspective, shares personal stories, and engages the audience through humor, emotion, and relatability.

Writing a Captivating Keynote Speech

Writing a compelling keynote speech requires careful planning, organization, and a deep understanding of the audience. Here are some key steps to follow:

Understand Your Audience: Before writing your speech, spend time researching your audience. Who are they? What are their interests, challenges, and goals? Tailor your message to resonate with them.

Define Your Key Message: Every keynote speech should have a central theme or message that you want the audience to take away. Clarify this message and make it memorable.

Craft a Powerful Opening: Grab the audience’s attention from the start with a captivating story, intriguing statistic, or thought-provoking question. This will set the tone and create a sense of anticipation.

Organize Your Speech: Structure your speech logically and engagingly. Begin with an introduction, then move on to key points or stories, and end with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your key message.

Use Personal Stories: Personal stories are a powerful tool to connect with the audience emotionally. Share experiences or anecdotes that relate to your key message and make it relatable to the audience.

Incorporate Visuals: Visual aids such as slides or props can enhance your speech and make it more engaging. Use visuals sparingly to support your key points and avoid overwhelming the audience.

Practice and Rehearse: Delivering a flawless keynote speech requires practice. Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure smooth delivery, confident body language, and effective use of pauses and intonation.

Engage with the Audience: Interact with the audience throughout your speech. Ask rhetorical questions, encourage participation, and create moments of connection. This will keep the audience engaged and make your speech memorable.

Tips for Giving a Motivational Keynote Address

Giving a keynote speech can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You have the unique opportunity to captivate an audience, inspire them, and leave a lasting impression. In this section, we’ll share some valuable tips to help you deliver a powerful keynote speech that engages your audience, conveys your message effectively, and ensures a memorable experience.

1. Know Your Audience Inside Out

Understanding your audience is crucial to giving a successful keynote speech. Research their demographics, interests, challenges, and goals. This knowledge helps you tailor your message to resonate with them and ensures that your content is relevant and relatable.

Connect with your audience by addressing their specific needs and aspirations. By showing that you understand them, you’ll build trust and captivate their attention from the start.

2. Craft a Clear and Compelling Key Message

Every great keynote speech has a clear and compelling key message. Define the central theme or idea you want to convey to your audience.

Keep it concise and memorable so that it resonates long after your speech concludes. Your key message should guide the entire structure and content of your speech, ensuring a cohesive and impactful presentation.

3. Start Strong with a Captivating Opening

The beginning of your keynote speech sets the tone for the entire presentation. Capture your audience’s attention from the outset with a powerful, attention-grabbing opening.

Engage them from the first moment with a captivating story, intriguing statistic, or thought-provoking question. A strong opening creates a sense of anticipation and hooks your audience, making them eager to hear more.

4. Structure Your Speech for Impact

A well-structured keynote speech keeps the audience engaged and enhances their understanding of your message. Organize your speech in a logical and impactful manner.

Begin with an introduction that establishes your credibility and builds rapport with the audience. Then, present key points or stories that support your key message. Finally, wrap up with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your main ideas and leaves a lasting imprint on your audience.

5. Use Stories to Connect Emotionally

One of the most powerful tools in a keynote speech is storytelling. Personal stories create an emotional connection between you and your audience. Share experiences or anecdotes that illustrate the key points of your speech.

Make them relatable and highlight the lessons learned. Emotionally compelling stories will leave a lasting impact, making your message memorable and inspiring.

6. Engage and Interact with Your Audience

Keep your audience engaged throughout your keynote speech by actively involving them. Ask rhetorical questions, encourage participation, or create moments of interaction.

This can be in the form of brief audience discussions, polls, or exercises. Interaction fosters connection and helps to break up the presentation, making it more dynamic and enjoyable for your listeners.

7. Utilize Visual Aids Effectively

Visual aids, such as slides or props, can enhance your keynote speech when used effectively. Use visuals sparingly and purposefully to support your key points, helping to reinforce your message visually.

Ensure your visual aids are clear, easy to read, and visually appealing. Remember, your spoken words should always be the main focus, with visual aids serving as supporting elements.

8. Practice, Practice, Practice

Delivering a flawless keynote speech requires practice and rehearsal. Practice speaking your speech out loud multiple times, focusing on your delivery, timing, and body language.

Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. This process allows you to refine your speech, build confidence, and ensure a smooth and impactful delivery.

9. Embrace Authenticity and Passion

Authenticity and passion are key to delivering a compelling keynote speech. Be true to yourself, speak from the heart, and let your enthusiasm shine through.

Your genuine passion for your topic will captivate and inspire your audience. Avoid trying to mimic someone else’s style or delivery. Embrace your unique voice and let your authenticity be the guiding force behind your speech.

10. Leave a Lasting Impression with a Memorable Conclusion

The way you conclude your keynote speech is just as important as how you start it. Summarize your main points, reiterate your key message, and provide a clear call-to-action for your audience to take away.

End on a high note, leaving your listeners feeling inspired and motivated. A memorable conclusion ensures that your speech lingers in their minds and prompts them to take action.

Finding the Right Keynote Speaker

When hosting a successful event, finding the right keynote speaker is paramount. This individual will not only set the tone for your gathering but also leave a lasting impression on your audience.

In this section, we will delve into the important factors to consider when searching for the perfect keynote speaker who will elevate your event to new heights.

Experience Speaks Volumes

Experience is a key ingredient in the recipe for a successful keynote speech. Look for speakers who have a proven track record of captivating audiences and delivering impactful presentations.

Seek out those who have spoken at similar events or within your industry, as they will have a better understanding of your audience’s needs and interests. Experienced speakers bring a certain expertise and authority that can leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

Expertise in Your Industry

While experience is important, finding a keynote speaker with expertise in your specific industry is a game-changer. These speakers have a deep understanding of the challenges, trends, and opportunities within your field.

They can relate to your audience on a deeper level and provide insights and anecdotes that resonate. By selecting a speaker with industry expertise, you are ensuring that your attendees receive targeted and relevant information that they can apply to their own work or lives.

Communication Skills that Command Attention

A keynote speaker may have an impressive resume and extensive knowledge in your industry, but if they lack communication skills , their impact will be diminished. Look for speakers who possess excellent public speaking abilities.

They should be able to engage the audience, hold their attention, and deliver their message with clarity and conviction. Seek out speakers who can combine storytelling, humor, and audience interaction to create a memorable experience.

Aligning with Your Event’s Goals

Every event has its own unique goals and objectives. When searching for a keynote speaker, it is crucial to find someone who aligns with your event’s overarching purpose. Consider what you want your attendees to take away from the event.

Do you want them to feel inspired, motivated, or educated? Look for speakers whose message and style resonate with your desired outcomes. Review their past performances and testimonials to gauge if they can deliver the results you are seeking.

Recommendations and Reviews

One of the best ways to find a keynote speaker is through recommendations from trusted sources. Industry colleagues, friends, or even professionals who have previously worked with speakers can provide valuable insights and firsthand recommendations.

Additionally, online platforms and speaker bureaus offer reviews and ratings from past clients, allowing you to make an informed decision. By tapping into the experiences of others, you can gain a sense of a speaker’s trustworthiness and suitability for your event.

Interviewing Potential Speakers

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential keynote speakers, it’s time to conduct interviews. This step allows you to assess their compatibility, professionalism, and understanding of your event.

Prepare a list of questions that delve into their experience, approach to speaking, and familiarity with your industry. During the interview, observe their communication style, responsiveness, and willingness to collaborate. A successful partnership with your speaker is essential for a seamless and impactful event.

Reviewing Past Performances

Before making a final decision, take the time to review recordings or videos of the potential speakers’ past performances. This will give you a firsthand glimpse into their presentation style, stage presence, and ability to engage an audience. Look for speakers who exhibit confidence, charisma, and an authentic connection with the audience.

Pay attention to their ability to tell compelling stories, convey key messages, and create an energized atmosphere. Trust your instincts and select a speaker who resonates with you and your event’s vision.

A well-crafted keynote speech has the power to captivate, motivate, and inspire an audience. By understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and delivering it with passion and authenticity, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience.

The right keynote speaker can elevate your event, set the tone, and create a memorable experience for attendees. So, take the time to find the perfect fit and unleash the power of a captivating keynote speech.

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What Is a Keynote? 5 Things You Should Know

  • The Speaker Lab
  • March 14, 2024

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Have you ever been so mesmerized by a speaker that their words stayed with you long after their speech ended? That’s the magic of a keynote . But what exactly is a keynote speech and why does it matter?

In essence, a keynote speech sets the tone for an event. It serves as its heartbeat, pulsating with ideas and insights that energize attendees. Picture yourself standing before an audience, delivering not just any speech but one where every word strikes like lightning, illuminating minds and sparking conversations.

This post promises to take you on a journey exploring captivating keynotes, dynamic speakers, and exciting events. Together, we’ll look at how keynotes influence everything from business success to social media activity; unveil strategies for creating impactful presentations; and provide tips on becoming an effective speaker yourself.

What is a Keynote?

A keynote is a defining presentation or speech centered around the main theme of an event. The term “keynote” in relation to speaking is based on the musical term “key note,” or the note around which the key is based. Just like a musical ‘key note’ defines the harmony of a composition, a keynote speech lays down the central theme or message of an event.

The Importance and Impact of Good Keynote Speakers

As one of the main highlights of an event or conference, keynote speakers are expected to inspire audiences with their unique perspectives and insights. A great speaker has the ability to not only communicate effectively but also engage with their audience in meaningful ways. This engagement forms the bottom line for successful presentations—it can make or break an event.

The Hallmarks of Professional Keynote Speakers

What sets apart good keynotes from merely average ones? The answer lies in several factors:

  • An understanding of both their subject matter and audience : Top-tier keynote speakers know how to connect deeply with those listening while delivering high-value content that resonates long after they’ve left the stage.
  • Dynamism and energy : Audience members are more likely to stay engaged when your presentation style mirrors your passion for what you’re discussing.
  • A knack for storytelling : Narratives help us process information better; therefore good storytellers often leave lasting impressions upon their audiences.

Fostering Engagement Through Effective Speaking Techniques

Surely we’ve all attended lectures where, despite our best efforts, our minds wandered off mid-presentation. So what’s different about engaging speeches?

One major difference is novelty. Unique insights delivered compellingly pique interest. Professional keynote speakers know how to weave facts and figures into a captivating narrative that is relevant to the audience.

Additionally, good keynotes strike an emotional chord with listeners. This not only keeps them engaged but also helps in better recall of information presented. A great speaker uses storytelling techniques effectively for maximum impact .

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Role of Keynotes in Events

As mentioned earlier, a keynote sets the stage for an event, serving as a compass that directs the overarching theme. Whether it’s delivered by national speakers or industry leaders, this keynote can ignite audience engagement and set the tone for what follows.

Opening vs. Closing Keynotes

While both have significant roles, there is a clear difference between opening keynotes versus closing ones.

An opening keynote often aims to energize attendees at the start of an event. It’s like turning on a lamp in an unlit area—suddenly, everyone can make out what is before them and where they are headed. This initial spark helps draw people into the experience and makes them eager to learn more.

In contrast, closing keynotes help solidify connections made during events, creating memorable moments that continue to resonate with attendees even when they’ve returned home or back to their desks. Professional keynote speakers are skilled at creating such lasting impressions through powerful storytelling techniques coupled with actionable takeaways.

Leveraging Keynotes for Business Success

Keynote speeches are more than just a way to kick off an event. They have the potential to become powerful tools in leadership development, client relationships, and attracting attendees. A good keynote speaker will help their audience visualize their own paths towards success.

The Role of Keynotes in Leadership Development

A keynote speaker has the power to ignite change within an organization or industry by providing new perspectives on established practices or unveiling innovative approaches to overcoming challenges. Their influence often extends beyond the stage as attendees continue discussing their ideas long after the event finishes.

This is particularly true when speakers share personal stories from their careers—experiences that demonstrate resilience during difficult times or highlight how unconventional thinking led them to unprecedented levels of success.

Creating Strong Client Relationships Through Keynotes

An engaging keynote speech also serves as a starting point for fostering strong client relationships. When a keynote speaker shares insights relevant to their clients’ industries or discusses issues close to their hearts, that speaker shows understanding and empathy. This resonates with audiences on both professional and personal levels, which can lead directly into fruitful partnerships down the line.

Drawing Attendees With Impactful Speeches

Beyond fostering connections with current clients, delivering compelling keynotes helps attract attendees too. Attendees are likely to show up if they hear a well-known figure in the industry is giving a talk. They look forward to learning from their insights and getting inspired by their journeys.

In conclusion, leveraging keynotes for business success involves understanding the multi-faceted role of these speeches in events. Whether it’s developing leadership skills among attendees or attracting potential clients, a powerful keynote can become your ticket towards achieving unparalleled growth and success.

Tips and Best Practices for Effective Keynote Speaking

Being a keynote speaker is no small task. To ensure a memorable presentation, there are several techniques to consider. Let’s explore some best practices.

The Power of Preparation

As any experienced public speaker will tell you, preparation is critical. Thoroughly understanding the subject matter helps build confidence, which translates into more effective delivery techniques. As a result, a keynote speaker needs to know what opinions are expressed in their field so that they’re able to anticipate questions from attendees and answer them competently during Q&A sessions.

Connecting With Your Audience

A successful keynote isn’t solely focused on delivering content; it’s also about making connections with the audience. By incorporating relatable stories or analogies, a good speaker will not only engage listeners, but also help simplify complex ideas for them. Want more storytelling tips? Check out this podcast episode with Ravi Rajani for more ways aspiring speakers can weave narratives into their talks for greater impact.

Constantly Improving: Asking for and Using Feedback

Although a keynote speaker may be tempted to pat themselves on the back after giving a talk, their job isn’t done yet. For any talk they give, it’s important to seek out constructive criticism in order to learn how best to improve. What worked? What didn’t? What did the audience find most engaging and why? The answers to all these questions are worth their weight in gold, and a good speaker knows it. By incorporating audience suggestions into his or her presentation, a keynote speaker ensures that they are at the top of their game.

The Digital Age and Keynote Speaking

As the digital landscape evolves, so does keynote speaking. Social media channels have become powerful platforms for speakers to reach event attendees and amplify their messages. In fact, these platforms are now a fundamental part of any successful speaker’s toolkit.

Online Presence of Keynote Speakers

Digital tools like social media offer than just exposure—they let speakers interact directly with potential audiences and industry peers alike, fostering relationships that transcend physical boundaries.

Live streaming options available on multiple social media platforms allow speakers to share their message with audiences near and far, while also providing attendees an unparalleled opportunity to connect with influential voices.

This broadened reach doesn’t only benefit the speakers themselves, but also enhances the overall experience for event attendees who get unprecedented access to their favorite thought leaders in real time.

Social Media as A Promotional Tool

The days when flyers were enough to attract attendees are long gone—we’re living in an age where captivating visual content reigns supreme. So, if you’re planning to deliver a keynote or organize an event soon, remember: your social media activity could be the starting point of creating buzz and anticipation around it.

Increasing Number of Digital Aids

From Canva to Prezi, there are now tons of digital tools designed for keynote speakers. This LinkedIn post provides a helpful list of these tools , as well as some pros and cons.

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FAQs on Keynotes

What is a keynote.

A keynote is a defining presentation or speech centered around the main theme of an event.

What is the purpose of the keynote?

The purpose is to energize, inspire, or challenge attendees to see things from a fresh perspective.

What is the difference between a keynote and a presentation?

A presentation shares information while a keynote aims to spark change. The latter inspires action through powerful storytelling around central themes.

What does it mean to give a keynote?

Giving a keynote means delivering an impactful speech that guides an event’s direction, motivates listeners, and provides valuable insights related to the core topic.

What qualifies as a keynote speaker?

A credible figure with expertise in their field who delivers engaging speeches inspiring change or providing new perspectives on pertinent topics usually qualifies.

The essence of keynote speaking lies in creating an overarching theme that captivates audiences from start to finish. Opening keynotes set the stage while closing ones wrap up event objectives with finesse.

Together, we’ve explored strategies for delivering engaging presentations and using social media for promotion.

Now you know that a great keynote isn’t about just standing before an audience; it’s about resonating with them long after you leave the stage. Remember this as you step onto your own path of public speaking!

  • Last Updated: March 22, 2024

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How to Write a Keynote Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Keynote speeches are an important part of many events, from corporate conferences and seminars to graduations and charity galas. If you have been tasked with delivering a keynote speech, you may be wondering where to start and how to create a presentation that will resonate with your audience. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll provide you with the tools and tips to help you write a compelling keynote speech that will leave a lasting impression on your listeners.

Understanding the Purpose of a Keynote Speech

A keynote speech serves as the foundation for the entire event. It sets the tone, establishes the main theme, and creates a connection between the speaker and the audience. Before you start working on your keynote speech, it's important to understand the various elements that make up a successful presentation.

When preparing for a keynote speech, it's important to consider the audience and their expectations. The speech should be tailored to the specific event and audience to ensure maximum impact. This means taking into account the demographics of the audience, their interests, and their level of expertise in the topic being discussed.

Additionally, a good keynote speech should be well-structured and organized. It should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the audience's attention and set the tone for the speech. The body should provide relevant and interesting information, and the conclusion should summarize the main points and leave the audience with a memorable takeaway.

Defining a Keynote Speech

A keynote speech is a presentation that is intended to inspire, motivate, and engage an audience. It's an opportunity for a speaker to share their ideas, vision, and insights on a particular topic. Unlike other presentations, a keynote speech is designed to be memorable and impactful. Good keynote speeches are able to capture the audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout the presentation.

One of the key elements of a successful keynote speech is the ability to tell a story. People are naturally drawn to stories, and a well-crafted story can help to convey a message in a memorable and impactful way. The story should be relevant to the topic being discussed and should help to illustrate the main points of the speech.

The Role of a Keynote Speaker

The role of a keynote speaker is to act as a thought leader and inspire the audience by conveying a compelling message that is relevant and meaningful to the event. They represent the values and goals of the event, and their speech should be aligned with the overall theme of the conference or gathering. The speaker should also be able to connect with the audience on a personal level, creating a memorable experience.

Another important aspect of being a keynote speaker is the ability to engage the audience. This can be done through the use of humor, storytelling, and interactive elements. Engaging the audience helps to keep them interested and invested in the presentation, which can lead to a more memorable and impactful experience.

Setting the Tone for the Event

A well-crafted keynote speech sets the tone for the entire event. The speech should establish the main theme, outline the goals of the conference, and motivate the audience to become more engaged. The speaker must understand the challenges facing the audience and offer insights that will help them overcome those obstacles.

In addition to setting the tone, a keynote speech can also help to build excitement and anticipation for the rest of the event. By providing a memorable and impactful experience, the audience will be more likely to stay engaged throughout the event and take away valuable insights and information.

Overall, a keynote speech is an important element of any event. It sets the tone, establishes the main theme, and creates a connection between the speaker and the audience. By understanding the various elements that make up a successful keynote speech, you can create a presentation that is memorable, impactful, and tailored to the specific needs of your audience.

Knowing Your Audience

One of the key elements of a successful keynote speech is understanding your audience. The more you know about the people you are addressing, the better equipped you are to craft a message that will resonate with them.

Researching Your Audience

Before you start writing your keynote speech, it's essential to research your audience. You need to know what their interests are, what motivates them, and what challenges they are facing. This will help you tailor your message to their needs and create a connection with them.

Adapting Your Message to the Audience

Once you have researched your audience, you need to adapt your message to their needs. This means using language and examples that resonate with them. You want to craft a message that is not only relevant but also compelling and memorable.

Engaging the Audience

Engaging your audience is the key to a successful keynote speech. You want to connect with them on a personal level and create an emotional response. This can be done through the use of storytelling, humor, and interactive exercises. It's essential to keep the audience engaged throughout your speech, so they leave feeling inspired and motivated.

Crafting a Compelling Message

A keynote speech needs to have a clear and compelling message that resonates with your audience. You want to provide insights and offer a new perspective that will leave a lasting impact.

Identifying Your Main Points

Your keynote speech should have a clear structure that outlines the main points you want to convey to your audience. Identify the key messages you want to communicate and how they relate to the event's theme. Make sure these key points are relevant to your audience.

Developing a Strong Thesis

Your thesis statement is the central message of your keynote speech. It should be clear, concise, and compelling. Your thesis should capture the main idea of your presentation and should be an underlying theme throughout your speech.

Using Stories and Examples

Stories and examples are a great way to engage your audience and make your message relatable. Use real-life examples and stories to illustrate your main points and help the audience understand the impact of your message.

Organizing Your Keynote Speech

The structure of your keynote speech is essential to its success. Proper organization helps the audience follow your message and stay engaged from start to finish.

Creating an Outline

A clear outline is the foundation of your presentation. It helps you create a roadmap that outlines the key elements of your keynote speech and ensures that you don't miss any important points. The outline should be structured in a logical order that makes sense to your audience.

Structuring Your Speech

Your keynote speech should have a clear structure that follows your outline. Begin with an opening that captures the audience's attention and establishes the main theme. Move on to the body of your speech, which should be structured around your main points. Finally, conclude your speech by summarizing your message and leaving the audience with a clear call to action.

Balancing Information and Entertainment

The best keynote speeches strike a balance between providing valuable information and entertaining the audience. You don't want to overload your listeners with too much information, as they may become overwhelmed. Use humor, personal anecdotes, and real-life examples to keep the audience engaged and entertained.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Keynote Speech

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Please craft a speech that will serve as the main address at an event, providing a comprehensive and engaging overview of the theme or purpose of the occasion. This speech should be well-crafted and thoughtfully written, incorporating a clear and compelling message that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impression.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Writing a successful keynote speech takes time, preparation, and effort. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you'll be able to create a speech that is engaging, inspiring, and memorable. Remember, the key to a successful keynote speech is understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and delivering it in an organized and entertaining way. So, get ready to inspire and motivate your audience with your powerful keynote speech!

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What Is a Keynote Speech & How to Deliver One With Impact?

Hrideep barot.

  • Public Speaking

Speaker highlighting the importance of relevance to the theme.

We’ve all heard about Keynote Speakers. They are all the rage given the pandemic and the hoards of webinars and conclaves and conferences that have come with it. They have also been a catalyst in spreading the assumption or myth that Keynote Speakers are celebrities or really famous people. However, that is not true! Sure, having a famous personality brings in the little extra “branded” tone to your event but it doesn’t really matter if your Keynote Speaker(s) have no substance or anything relevant to speak about.

Why is it called “Keynote” anyway?

If you are the curious type (like me) and usually loose track of time by going off on a tangent while researching about a topic, I’ve saved you some time:

Based on my research, a Keynote is the base note in Music which sets the tone for the track.

There you have it: The best way to explain what a Keynote Speech is!

A Keynote Speech, usually given at the beginning of the event, focuses on the central idea or theme for the event and elaborates on the same. It is given by someone noteworthy of presenting the same, like a professional or experienced scholar of the topic and sets the tone for the event.

Keynote Speeches could also have presentations and other visual aids. It is up to you and whatever your creative juices decide while preparing.

If you are interested in learning about presentations and how you can use it best in a speech, we’ve written an article just for that, check it out!: A Guide to the Techniques of Presentation

How to write a Keynote Speech?

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Here’s the million dollar question (only if you are paying me to ask it)

Usually writing a speech is confusing business. With the transitions, delivery, tones, pitch, visual aids, and I could keep going but I don’t want you to begin fanning your armpits… yet!

The main thing, without it you have no speech. (duh!)

So how do you begin going about your topic? Easy, first things first: write down any keywords or points that you know about the topic.

Pro Tip: Always keep your ideation document different from your drafts (layout/colour wise). It may be helpful to have everything in one place but soon, your mind will get adjusted to using it as a rough ideation workspace and when you actually have to sit down and write your speech, it won’t come naturally and lo and behold – the writer’s block.

Once you have that, discard all the knowledge and running thoughts you have about the topic and open your browser and books. It is research time!

Learn whatever you can about the topic. If you find articles which are helpful (like this one) keep them open and close the rest of the tabs. If you are using books, use bookmarks or tabs or even highlighters if you are allowed to/comfortable using to mark all the points you found interesting and helpful.

Read through them again, now is the point where you start filtering information to decide if the content you liked is Keynote Speech worthy or not.

How do you know if it is worthy?

Simple: Can it lift Mjollnir? (For those of you who did not understand the reference, I got you: Search for – Thor’s Hammer.)

On a more serious note: Look out for points which are informative and something you can build on but ensure that they aren’t too complex. Why? Because, the time it takes for you to explain one point will take away the opportunity to touch base on the various other topics or points you would/are planning to cover.

This brings us to our next point:

How long should a Keynote Speech be?

Clocks indicating the length of a Keynote Speech

If you have never given a Keynote Speech, or if you are reading this at 2:00 AM and have to deliver your speech today – Remember those speeches during webinars which you immediately slept after? My guess is, those speeches where the Keynote Speeches.

A Keynote Speech / Address can last anywhere between 15-60 minutes.

My Advice: Don’t let it cross the 30 minute mark. A Keynote Speech is expected to be a bit generic and revolve around the theme. If you keep talking about something generic and returning to the same point / theme, people tend to get bored, you unknowingly might become repetitive and overall, you might find someone else dozing off during your address.

PS: Different organisations have different plans of action, so it would be the safest to approach the organisers and find out how long they expect you to speak for and move ahead from there.

Content and Structure

You have researched your topic the best you can, you might have gone to the extent of the etymology as well, and filtered the clutter.

Now, what we need to do is, organise.

A great way to organise your content could be using this chart:

Introduction to the Main Theme Introduction to your area of expertise A few topics you find the most interesting / think that the demographic you are addressing to will find the most interesting* Future prospects about the industry Summary and Conclusion while rounding back to the main general topic.

*Targeting Demographic

Figuring out what your demographic would be interested in is a task! The easiest way to figure that out would be to divide them into three categories.

  • Some Experience

How does this help?

Once you know what the majority of your audience’s demographic is like, you can tailor your content based on things they might be interested in.

For Freshers, you can add topics about future prospects and the career growth in the field.

For people who have spent some time in the industry but are still new, you can speak about the current trends, and how to navigate the various obstacles that may come with various deliverables.

If you are addressing a group of experts in the field, treat them like your equals and don’t dumb things down for them, some basic jargon can be allowed (usually it is a big no no in speeches) and it may even present you with the opportunity to segue into a joke about “back in our days.”

This is also a great opportunity to open the floor for discussions and take in points from the audience about the new and latest developments in your industry, because as experts, they would definitely have a well founded viewpoint and might even help you look at things from a new perspective – Who said you couldn’t grow and learn while giving a speech?

Opening a Keynote Speech

The beginning is where the audience decides if they want to listen to you. Creating an impression couldn’t be any easier!

You can start with one of the three Ss – Statement, Story or a Surprising Question.

Once Upon a Time, I used this phrase to begin my story in a speech and had the audience snoring by the next line!

The phrase “Once Upon a Time” may be classic, but remember it is a classic for bed time stories. Unless you are beginning a Fairy Tale or Folklore, steer clear of your temptations of using it.

Instead, begin with the setting of the story, fake or a real incident, it helps the audience picturise things better and relate and follow more closely.

To learn more about storytelling and how to use it in your speech, you can check our article on the same: 9 Storytelling Approaches for your Next Speech or Presentation

A statement, phrase or quote when used at the beginning of the speech, needs to be either controversial (who doesn’t love good tea?) or something powerful.

Make sure that if you use a quote or phrase it is in line or in some way related to your topic. Something which is completely different from the topic at hand would make it even more complex for you to get it back to the theme and what you want to talk about.

Surprising Question

When do you ask a question?

Did you answer this? Even if your answer was on the lines of: “How am I supposed to know that” It was still a response to the question.

This is what you can do with your audience as well. Anyone who hears a question, rhetorical or not, will answer it intuitively – be it a sarcastic answer, a rude one or an actual one. But there will be an answer and then there will an unconscious expectation of a response and there you have a hooked audience!

This was my take, if you want to explore deeper into figuring out your opening, check out our video on the same!

Tips for Writing and Delivery

Now that you know where you want to take your speech, here is a list of a few things which you can use to help you take your Keynote Address to the next level.

  • Learn about your audience to tailor your speech to keep it relevant and relatable.
  • Practice your speech, even if it is the 100th time you are giving one or talking about that specific topic.
  • Embrace the nervousness but don’t let it be the better hugger.
  • Be confident about your content. If you aren’t sure about a point, it is better to omit it rather than confuse the audience or provide them with poorly researched facts.
  • Consider adding visual aids like a presentation or pictures to your speech.
  • Connect with the audience, share your contact details and social media page with them via chat or on screen, and invite them to pick your brain. This way, you build your network and someone out there gets to learn and clarify doubts from an expert!
  • Prepare. Preparation isn’t just practising your speech. It is checking your network connection (online), the stage and lighting and all the other tech support (offline), deciding what to wear, getting enough sleep and multiple other things like checking in with the organisers, etc.,.

Keynote Speech Examples

We’ve filtered through so many great speeches to bring you our top four, each cover a different aspect of a Keynote Speech and will help you gain a wider idea about what could work for your speech and what may be a possible new avenue you could take.

Oprah Winfrey – With Motivational Keynote Speeches being the most popular, the talk show host and entrepreneur spoke about following your passion and working on yourself. A great example of a good self-help and motivation Keynote Address.

Matt Damon – The actor spoke about this experiences in colleges and the financial difficulties he has faced. This speech is a great example of how you can connect to a younger audience and speak about a personal experience in a very engaging manner.

Sheryl Sanberg – A great example of mixing motivation with personal experiences and sensitive topics. This could help you with connecting various topics seamlessly and yet maintaining the umbrella topic/theme/genre.

Ken Robinson – To move into a more technical yet jargon free point of view on multiple topics and remaining objectively critical and motivational at the same time.

Keynote Speech Ideas

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Often times, even though the theme of the event may be set, it can be a bit to vague, or the organisers might just tell you to talk about yourself, or anything you want!

One way to help you choose the perfect topic for you is:

Following the 3 KPI method. (No, not that KPI) KPI – Knowledge, Passion, Interest.

1. Knowledge

How much do you know about the topic? Is it something you can speak on without any or little preparation? Knowledge about the topic you’re speaking about builds your confidence, and it also shows the audience that you are a credible source of information! Another added benefit is that you will be able to explain really complex sections of the topic with ease and various examples – a great quality and it adds immense value to your speech since it makes it accessible to any demographic.

Why is being passionate about what you speak so important? Try out the below activity with someone.

1. Speak about a random story from the internet, it could be about a news article, social issue, facts, story, anything that is not your opinion or an opinion you particularly agree with. 2. Speak about any topic that you deeply care about, it could be the welfare of canines, politics, the impending doom of fast fashion, literally anything!

Ask your buddy to judge your delivery on both these occasions. Did you suddenly speak louder, clearer, and more well.. passionately?

When you speak about a topic you are passionate about, you tend to create that atmosphere around you that says “This is soo cool” and since humans generally have a herd mentality, their brain goes “This sounds cool, tell me more!” and there you have it, a room full of people who want to listen to you just because you made it sound “cool” .

3. Interest

If you’re passionate and know enough about your topic, I think it is safe to assume that you are interested in it. So, now enough about you, let’s think about your audience. Earlier in this article we spoke about how to gauge the demographic of your audience and based on that what sections of the topic you should pay attention to. The audience needs to find some value in your content to stick on till the second sentence. Work on building the quality of your speech by research and building your own knowledge. At the end of the day, you’ve learned something new and have a strong speech ready to provide your audience with a positive experience. Win-Win!!

If you would like to explore some more resources to gauge the best way to choose a topic, you can check out our video on the same:

To work on a speech with no real base is difficult, so we have gathered a few possible topics/themes you can cover in your Keynote Speech. These could also just be a simple, small section in your speech or you can base your speech completely on any of the following topics, the choice is yours!

  • Technology and its affect/impact in your industry.
  • Current Events – Eg: How the Pandemic has affected your industry.
  • Leadership and Obstacles – The whole “Career in this Industry” package.
  • Connecting your Niche to the theme.
  • What you think about the future prospects of this industry and how to adapt to them.
  • Multiple strategies and techniques which come in handy.
  • Assess the Future and sharing your plans about a specific / general topic based on the industry / theme.

Being a Keynote Speaker is both an honour and an opportunity to learn. Remember to do your research and build your content the best you can. It is important to work on yourself and be patient with your process. If you are confident with your content, you could even do an improv on stage and still kill it!

Public Speaking is a skill that takes its own sweet time to develop and grow. Working on it is a constant process and can come in many forms! One step at a time and you won’t get exhausted or frustrated. Good luck!

Hrideep Barot

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What Is a Keynote Speech? Plus 5 Steps to Help You Write One.

Eleni Kelakos August 24, 2020 Peak Performance , presentation skills training , public speaking training , speech coaching

You’ve been asked to deliver a keynote speech at an upcoming event.  And while you may be flattered by the request, you have a lot of questions, like: “What is a keynote speech anyway? What makes it different that other presentations?  How long should a keynote speech be? And how do I write a keynote speech

Before I answer those questions, let me congratulate you for having been asked to deliver a keynote speech.  Because being invited to give a keynote speech means that have developed a perspective, a public persona, or a big idea that is interesting enough to be featured in the spotlight. Professionally speaking, you have arrived! 

Typically, keynote speakers are experts in their field.  Some professional keynote speakers, like me and many of my colleagues in the National Speakers Association , are even paid to deliver their keynote speeches. Whether you are paid or not, giving a keynote address is both an honor and a fantastic opportunity to share your expertise what an appreciative audience.

What Is A Keynote Speech?

The answer to “What is a keynote speech?” is inherent in the very language of the question:  The words key and note .  Essentially, a keynote speech is a speech in which you establish and develop a main (key) theme and set an overall tone (note) for the event. Often, the subject of a keynote address or keynote speech is intended to reinforce—and rally the audience around– the event’s chosen theme.  For example, if the theme of an event is performing at your peak as a leader, there is a good chance that the keynote speaker will be delivering a speech that underscores that theme.

Keynote speeches can be informational, inspiring, entertaining, and motivating. The best keynote speeches contain a bit of each those elements, expertly woven together.   

What Makes A Keynote Speech Different Than Other Presentations?

One of the best ways to understand what makes a keynote speech different that other speeches or presentation is to understand what it is not :   A keynote speech is not a speech or presentation in which you teach skills or concepts on a deep, experiential, nuts and bolts level.  It’s a speech in which you are doing most of the work.

If you are asking your audience to do individual or group work in spoken or written form through more than half of your speech,  what you are delivering is either a training program or a workshop, but not a keynote speech.  This is not to say that keynote speeches can’t have interactive elements; many of the best do, but in doses small and simple enough to allow the members audience to ingest the lessons while maintaining a focus on the speaker. Overall, keynote speeches tease out their key theme at a much higher level of focus than more involved, granular, and usually more lengthy workshops, breakout sessions, or training programs ( like these ).

How Long Should A Keynote Speech Be?

A keynote speech is typically thirty to sixty minutes in length. 

Generally speaking, the shorter the keynote speech, the better.  This is especially true when delivering a keynote speech after lunch or dinner, when people are winding down over a meal (or even a cocktail or two) and have a shorter attention span.  Whatever time slot you’ve been given as a keynote speaker, it’s your job to stay within its parameters—even if the event is running late, and you have to shave ten minutes off your keynote speech.

How Do You Write A Keynote Speech?

The question “How do I write a keynote speech” is often the reason thought-leaders, speakers, and business leaders contact me for support in writing one.  Because, if you’ve never put a keynote speech together before, it can be daunting.  As I always tell my online group keynote coaching or individual keynote coaching clients, organizing and crafting a keynote speech is a creative process. This means your keynote speech will often dictate what it needs to be as you’re writing it. You must be willing to nudge it into being, and be patient as it unfolds.

If you’re wondering “So, how do you write a keynote speech?” I suggest you start by asking yourself the following five questions:

  • Who are the people the audience you are speaking to? The more you know about your audience, the more you can create a keynote speech that is relevant and of service to them.
  • What pain, problem or challenge are you there to shine a light on or solve on behalf of your audience?
  • Based on your answers to the first two questions, what is your big idea, the “key note” you are there to expand upon in your keynote speech?
  • What are the three main points, lessons, or takeaways you want make (and flesh out with stories, data, and other sticky evidence) that are in support of your big idea, and will make up the body of your keynote speech?
  • What can you choose to do to begin and end your keynote speech in a way that is maximally memorable and engaging?

If you are struggling to put together your keynote speech, don’t despair. You don’t have to go it alone. There are professional keynote presentation coaches who can help you turn your big idea into a magical, moving, memorable speech. 

Fill Your Keynote Speech With Who You Are

Whether you write keynote speech by yourself, or with the help of a trusted keynote presentation coach , remember this: The greatest resources you’ve got to draw upon are your unique experiences, expertise, and stories.  Fill your keynote speech with who you are and what you know. Be human and relatable, so your audience can connect more deeply with you.

And when the time comes for you to step up to the podium and give your keynote speech remember: Your words matter. Use your words responsibly. Use your words with intention. Use your words to change your world.  

Need support putting together your signature keynote speech? Check out my Build a Brilliant Keynote Online Group Course .

Would you rather work with me on e -on-one explore my keynote presentation coaching options..

How to Write an Effective Keynote Speech

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  • Sustainable Businesses
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Operations & Technology
  • Market Research
  • Business Law & Taxes
  • Business Insurance
  • Business Finance
  • Becoming an Owner
  • Western Washington University

It's an honor to be asked to deliver a keynote — you want to be at your best. The longer a speech is, the easier it is to get lost in the text. It might take a couple of hours or half a day to write a short speech , but a keynote can take weeks to draft, edit, and finalize. Organization and outlining can save you endless hours of revisions.

Writing a Keynote

There are four basic tenets to remember when you sit down to write your killer keynote.

  • Understand your audience. Who are they and how do they relate to your subject matter? What are their hot buttons? How can you get them to not just be in the audience, but to listen and agree? What are the words, phrases, or information points that will get heads nodding in agreement?
  • Start at the end . What do you want the audience to do? In a perfect world, what would every person be inspired to get up and do after listening to your speech? Everything in your speech should build up to that call to arms or point of resonance. If you bring the audience there in a straight line, or if you telegraph it, the speech will be boring. Try to add some humor.
  • Split it up into three parts – and split those parts into three. It's tough to tackle a 30-minute speech, but by splitting it into three sections of 10 minutes apiece, then taking those three sections and dividing them each into three, you can work on the 10 three-minute segments independently until they're polished. This isn't an iron-clad rule, but a technique that's a good way to make sure each part of your speech is balanced. If you simply write out the entire text, the structure might get lost. You could spend 15 minutes describing a problem and two minutes on the solution without realizing it.
  • Variety, variety, variety . If your speech is nothing but statistics, the audience may turn on you. Any sort of repetition must have a purpose. Too much of a good thing turns bad. A solid keynote speech has variety: stories about real people, examples from history, metaphors, interesting numbers, new ideas, and other exciting moments to keep the audience engaged .

Good vs. Great Speeches

A great speech doesn't simply string elements together. It weaves them like a tapestry and takes the audience on a roller coaster. Look at each section of the speech and ask yourself, "Which emotions will the audience feel? What about the section before and the section after?"

The speech shouldn't be random or repetitive. Even if you're talking about a tough issue, like hunger or disease or an economic downturn, there's a reason you're speaking — and that reason is hope for change. Thirty minutes of "this is a horrible, horrible problem" and "thank you for letting me speak" won't work.

Give the audience hope that they can make a difference or fuel for further contemplation on the topic, and offer concrete and specific courses of action, along with the rationale and expected outcome. Explicitly saying, "You can do something" is too direct. In Hollywood, they'd say that dialogue is "on the nose."

Tell real stories about average people, not billionaires or geniuses, who made a difference. Local people, if you can. Make it real to your audience.

There's probably somebody in the audience who will be affected by this issue or has worked as a volunteer or advocate. That person's story is rhetorical gold. Don't start with it, end with it.

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Become a Great Keynote Speaker – A Step by Step Guide

February 02, 2023

So, you’ve been asked to be a keynote speaker and give a keynote speech. How do you make sure your speech stands out and gets remembered? And what pitfalls should you avoid?

Writing and giving a keynote speech is a real skill.  and it’s a skill you can learn.  over the last 15 years we’ve helped hundreds of people with keynote speaker training. , do please call us and we’ll tell you about our conference keynote speaker coaching – it’s fast and good value..

These are the top Keynote speaker tips from the coaching team at Benjamin Ball Associates, based on our 15 years’ experience of supporting business leaders.

What is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote is more than an ordinary conference speech . Your keynote talk may be the reason people come to the event. It frequently sets the tone for the day. You’ll probably be the first speaker and that means your audience has high expectations .

Keynote speaking is also a powerful marketing opportunity. With these high stakes, the pressure is on you to deliver.

Contact us now for a free consultation

What makes a great Keynote speech?

You can only be a great event keynote speaker if you start with great content. That means writing a powerful keynote talk that your audience wants to hear. But what are the elements of a great keynote presentation? These keynote speech tips are some of the most important things to get right.

16 Top keynote speaker tips: how to give a keynote speech

Let’s look at each of those Keynote Speaker tips in turn.

1. Know your audience

A great keynote talk is about your audience .  Whatever the subject of your talk, when preparing your keynote, you need to talk about what it means for them.  For example:

  • If you are talking about new laws, then tell us how will these improve the lives of the audience. 
  • If you are talking about changes in your business, what will that means for those in the audience. 

This means you write your speech for your audience and no one else.   See how Dan Gilbert involves his audience in his talk. “The Surprising Science of Happiness”

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2. Have a clear intent to your keynote

Great talks have a singular purpose . You should decide exactly what you want to achieve with your keynote. The clearer your intent in your keynote address, the more likely you will achieve this. For example, in his TED talk, Christopher Emdin uses his six minutes to achieve his one objective. 

How to do this? Write your intent on a post it note and keep this over your desk as you prepare your talk.  This should be your guiding light.

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3. Prepare clear messages in your keynote presentation

Great talks are easy for your audience to listen to and understand. One way you can make it easy for your audience is by having clear messages that you want your audience to take away. We often use the TakeAway Test to check the clarity of our clients’ messages.

4. Tell stories when keynote speaking

Storytelling is at the heart of any great talk . One of our top bits of advice for clients is that “Facts get forgotten; Stories get repeated.” You can use stories in many ways – to start; to connect with your audience; to give examples; to illustrate what you mean. See how Susan Cain uses stories in her TED talk The Power of Introverts.

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You can learn more about powerful storytelling here

5. use all the tricks of great keynote speakers.

Speech writing is an art and a science. That’s why speech writing is a paid profession. Simon Lancaster, a well-known speech writer, talks about speech writing tricks including speaking in threes, using contrasts and metaphor in his TED talk. So, if you want help using these tools and turning your speech into an impressive Keynote address, please get in touch.

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What mistakes do you need to avoid in a keynote?

In our experience, these are the biggest mistakes made by speakers over and over again. Read this and make sure you don’t fall into any these public speaking traps.

6. Don’t be boring

It may sound obvious, but this is the key failing of keynotes. Because people don’t prepare properly, they deliver a mediocre speech. The good news is that it can be relatively simple to turn an ordinary conference talk into a powerful keynote . We’d be delighted to transform your draft into a compelling Keynote.

7. Don’t let your keynote speech be too formal

Great leaders speak using a conversational style. Short words, short phrases, simple words and colloquial phrases make a talk easy to listen to. Good writing is hard work, so keep at it until you know you have a great talk. Or use an experienced public speaking coach to help you draft your words.

8. A Keynote speaker does not give a sales pitch

Some of the worst keynote speeches are promotional pitches . Much better is to grab attention and demonstrate how good you are, rather than tell people how good you are. Let your audience conclude that you are brilliant – don’t tell them.

9. Don’t say too much

It is easy to try and cover too much in your talk. A common mistake is to pack your talk with more information. But the best talks tend to be simple and focused. We’ve improved more talks by cutting stuff than by adding stuff. A great talk will say less, but say it better.

10. A keynote speech is not an essay

The spoken word and the written word are completely different. You need to write for the ear, not the page. You need to learn how to write a keynote speech. This is where a speech writer or a public speaking coach are so useful because they can help you translate your ideas into powerful spoken language.

11. Don’t rely on PowerPoint

Prepare a great keynote speech first. Only then decide if you need visual aids. And visual aids do not need to be PowerPoint. A PowerPoint presentation is not the same as a speech.

How to give a keynote address

Once you have written a great talk, you then need to deliver it well. If you have a bad speech, it will be hard to deliver and you will never look good. But with a well-written keynote and a carefully prepared keynote speaker, you can be very impressive. These are some things that you need to consider:

12. Project your voice

The best Keynote Speaker is a performer. Speaking as you would in a small room will not work. You need to look and sound impressive to make an impact. What does this involve? You need to think about the energy you put into your voice; how you vary your pace and tone and how you command the room. Fortunately all these techniques can be learned. We do this every week for leaders giving keynote talks.

13. Use many pauses in your keynote

Pauses are the secret trick that the best speakers know. Pauses are powerful because they help your audience and they help you. As a rule of thumb, great speakers will use pauses every 5-10 words, and will frequently pause for somewhere between ½ – 2 seconds.

14. Own the stage

With your body language and your eye contact you can look impressive. A speaker will seen to be comfortable and will look as if being on stage is natural to them. All this is a trick. Many speakers feel nervous, but they have learned how to appear confident . We can help you look confident.

15. A keynote speaker will look the part

What you wear, how you behave and what you say must all link together. If what you are saying and how you say it do not match, you will lose your audience.

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16. Practise

The one thing that distinguishes great business keynote speakers from ordinary ones is the time they spend rehearsing their speech . Obviously, the more public speaking you do, the better your will get. So if you don’t speak frequently, dedicate extra time to practising your talk.

And by practising, you should keep improving and refining what you say. Never be happy with the first draft of your speech. The best speakers are editing right up to the last minute. And of course, call us in to help. We can transform you from a nervous speaker into a confident, compelling communicator.

How to Deliver The Best Keynote Speech

So, how do you prepare your next keynote talk you are welcome to use all the advice above. or, to make it simpler, we could help you., before you give your next keynote presentation, get in touch. we’d be delighted to help you prepare and deliver a compelling speech. our keynote speaker training is fast and efficient. we’ve been doing this for over 15 years and have trained thousands of business executives., transform your presentation skills with tailored coaching.

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Frequently asked questions about keynote speaking, how do i become a keynote speaker, what is the purpose of a keynote speaker, is it keynote address or keynote speech, what should a keynote speaker say, how do you start a keynote speech, or read another article..., how to scale your business – 8 low cost ways.

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What is the Purpose of a Keynote Speech?

Last Updated:  

June 12, 2024

What is the Purpose of a Keynote Speech? Adding Value to Events

A keynote speech is a powerful and influential form of public speaking that holds a significant place in various domains, including business, politics, and academia. While the purpose of a keynote speech may seem straightforward at first glance, a deeper understanding reveals its true value. 

In this article, we explore the multifaceted purpose of a keynote speech, shedding light on its role in informing, motivating, setting the tone, building credibility, and fostering collaboration.

Key takeaways on the purpose of keynote speech

  • Informing and Educating : A keynote speech aims to inform and educate the audience by sharing valuable insights, research findings, and trends.
  • Motivating and Inspiring : Keynote speeches have the purpose of motivating and inspiring individuals by incorporating personal anecdotes, success stories, and lessons learned.
  • Setting the Tone and Creating a Theme : Keynote speeches play a crucial role in setting the tone and creating a theme for events or conferences, capturing attention and establishing the overarching message.
  • Building Credibility and Enhancing Brand Image : Keynote speeches provide a platform to build credibility and enhance brand image for speakers and organisations, positioning them as authorities in their domains.
  • Facilitating Networking and Collaboration : Keynote speeches act as catalysts for networking and collaboration, attracting professionals from various industries and sparking meaningful discussions.
  • Overall Impact : A well-crafted keynote speech can leave a lasting impact, spark change, and empower individuals and organisations.

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Informing and Educating 

One crucial purpose of a keynote speech is to inform and educate the audience. Keynote speakers, such as those from Shapiro Negotiations , bear a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, making them valuable resources for disseminating information. 

By sharing insights, research findings, and trends, keynote speakers help the audience gain new perspectives and expand their knowledge base. A well-crafted keynote speech should provide valuable takeaways, leaving the audience with actionable information they can apply personally or professionally.

Motivating and Inspiring

Another essential purpose of a keynote speech is to motivate and inspire individuals. Keynote speakers often weave personal anecdotes, success stories, and lessons learned into their speeches to ignite passion, instil belief, and create a sense of purpose among the listeners. 

A powerful futurist keynote speaker can touch hearts, awaken dormant dreams, and propel individuals toward positive change. By sharing their journeys and triumphs, speakers connect with the audience on an emotional level, leaving a lasting impact.

Setting the Tone and Creating a Theme 

Keynote speeches also play a crucial role in setting the tone and creating an event or conference theme. As the opening or closing act, a keynote speech sets the stage, captures the audience's attention, and establishes the overarching message of the event. 

It is vital to align the keynote speech with the event's objectives and desired outcomes. Hence, if you crafted a keynote speech, it should have a cohesive and memorable experience for attendees, tying together various presentations and sessions under a unifying theme.

Building Credibility and Enhancing Brand Image 

Keynote speeches provide a platform for individuals and organisations to build credibility and enhance their brand image. When industry experts or thought leaders deliver compelling speeches, they position themselves and their organisations as authorities in their respective domains. 

A successful keynote speech can have a long-lasting impact on an individual's reputation. It can catalyse future opportunities, such as invitations to speak at other events or collaborations with influential figures.

Facilitating Networking and Collaboration 

In addition to disseminating knowledge and inspiring individuals, keynote speeches serve as catalysts for networking and collaboration. Large conferences and events attract professionals from various industries, providing an ideal environment for connecting with like-minded individuals. 

Keynote speakers often become the focal point of attention, attracting eager attendees to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. Leveraging the momentum generated by a keynote speech is crucial to fostering valuable connections and creating opportunities for collaboration.

Conclusion 

In summary, the purpose of a keynote speech extends far beyond delivering a memorable presentation. It involves informing and educating the audience, motivating and inspiring individuals, setting the tone and creating a theme, building credibility and enhancing brand image, and facilitating networking and collaboration. 

A well-crafted keynote speech can leave a lasting impact, spark change, and shape the trajectory of individuals and organisations. By recognising the multifaceted purpose of a keynote speech, we can fully appreciate its role in transforming events and empowering audiences worldwide.

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7 Steps To Preparing A Great Keynote Speech

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We’ve talked a lot about how you can become a keynote speaker and we’ve also covered some key tips on how best to deliver a speech. One aspect that has been slightly overlooked is speech preparation. Today we’re going to list 7 key steps to prepare a great keynote speech.

Before we begin, this post is meant for speakers who are at the beginning stage of their speaking career, speakers ready to take their speaking business to the next level or just anyone interested in presenting a speech in front of an audience, however big. 

Also read: 17 Presentation Techniques For A Great Keynote

1. Choose a theme for your speech

If you’re a beginner, you’re probably given an indication of what the theme of your keynote speech should be. For experience speakers, the scenario might be more along the lines of “It doesn’t matter what you talk about, everyone will love it anyway!”. In both cases, you still have some serious planning to do regarding the theme of your speech.

There are three basic types of speeches: educational, motivational and entertaining. Begin by deciding which of these you want to accomplish as your general purpose. Whatever you choose, remember that you’re going there to offer value to your audience, not to brag about who you are, what you’ve done or how much you like yourself. If you’re not educating, motivating or entertaining your audience, in other words if you aren’t delivering any real value, don’t do it.

Select a core message that you want to convey, based on your theme. Make sure that it contains:

Clarity: Aim to express your core message in a single sentence. If you cannot do this, you need more clarity.Passion: Your core message must be something you believe in.Knowledge: What do you know about this core message? Can you draw stories from personal experience? Have you researched the topic?

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2. Create a presentation outline

This is the first step we ask all of our clients to do before jumping into designing the entire presentation. Structuring your ideas is essential to both the delivery and the design of your keynote speech.

Many speakers, experienced or not, sadly skip this step more often than not. Like Andrew Dlugan points out, an outline is a blueprint for your presentation. That means:

It highlights the key logical elements. i.e. what points are being made to logically support the core message?It highlights the key structural elements. e.g. introduction, body, conclusion, stories, high-level conceptsIt links these elements together in a sequence, perhaps allocating very rough timings.It can also map out the transitions between elements, although this may be deferred to a later stage of preparation.

Also read: 18 PowerPoint Dos and Don’ts

3. Start filling in each section

Use keywords. This will help you convey a clear message and keep your audience’s attention. It’s also of great help to you when creating the flow of the presentation. Start with the topic of your presentation, your principal keyword will derive from that and will most likely be comprised in the presentation title. The structure of your presentation will give you another set of keywords.

Be brief and clear. Don’t crowd your slides. Instead, opt for no more than 2-3 sentences per slide and keep in mind your keywords. Think of them more like statements than sentences.

a keynote speech of

4. Make it visually attractive

Use visual elements to illustrate your ideas. Graphs and charts can help show relationships, comparisons, and change. Make sure to use these visual graphics to enhance your message and increase understanding. Too much of anything can lead to over stimulating your audience and losing their attention.

The relationships between the colors you’re using are also important. Limit the use of color to 2 to 4 colors/shades. Use colors that will stand out and will be easy on the eyes (dark backgrounds and light text is a good case practice.)

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5. Tell stories

Tell stories and anecdotes to help you illustrate your ideas and your research. This will definitely make your presentation more effective and memorable. In a UCLA study , students were asked to recall a series of speeches they had heard. Only 5 percent remembered any individual statistic, while 63 percent remembered the stories presented in those speeches.

“Things are not what they seem. It’s that to get people to sit on the edge of their chair or to get them involved in your story, the audience has to constantly discover something new.”

Howard Suber, UCLA

a keynote speech of

6. Connect with the audience

Invite your audience to engage with you. This will get them emotionally invested and it will differentiate you from inexperienced, nervous speakers.

Plan an inclusion of the audience in your presentation somewhere. It can be a slide with a question, a game or just an empty slide to help you connect with people and re-gain their full attention. You can try different things, from a simple show of hands, to requests for brief personal input, to role playing and games, to small group exercises- and their merits.

7. Rehearse, Rehearse, rehearse

By rehearsing your presentation several times you’ll be able to put yourself in the shoes of your audience and see what improvements you can make.

You can even record yourself giving the presentation. This will enable you to also work on your speaking rate and body language. It’s also a useful exercise for people who get nervous when they speak in public.

You should also try these mobile presentation apps.

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What is a keynote speaker? 7 things you need to know.

  • Updated on January 12, 2024

Wes Berry

  • Written and edited by Wes Berry

When you ask yourself, “ What is a keynote speaker? “, imagine being at an event where one person not only captures but also elevates the entire audience’s energy.

This individual, known as the keynote speaker , plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and delivering a message that resonates long after the event concludes.

In this article, we’re going to unravel the mysteries behind keynote speakers.

We’ll look at their roles, the unique traits that make them so influential, and the significant impact they have on events.

Whether you’re an event organizer or simply curious about the art of keynote speaking, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s begin our exploration into the captivating world of keynote speakers.

Professional keynote speaker addressing an attentive audience at a conference, exemplifying the role and essence of keynote speaking.

Defining a Keynote Speaker: An Introduction

When we think about the heart and soul of a major conference or event, the image that often comes to mind is of a captivating figure on the stage – the keynote speaker.

But what exactly makes a keynote speaker so integral to these events?

Let’s uncover this together.

More Than Just a Speaker

At first glance, a keynote speaker might seem like just another presenter.

However, they are so much more…

Let’s discuss:

  • The Tone Setter: They set the overall tone and theme of the event.
  • The Big Draw: Often, they are a major draw for attendees, sometimes being well-known personalities or experts in their field.
  • The Message Carrier: Their speech is not just about conveying information but inspiring and motivating the audience.

The Art of Keynote Speaking

Keynote speaking is an art form.

It requires a blend of skills and attributes.

Here are 3 things I personally like to focus on when speaking to an audience:

  • Storytelling: The ability to weave facts, anecdotes, and messages into a compelling narrative.
  • Engagement: They don’t just speak; they engage with the audience, often leaving them with thought-provoking ideas or questions.
  • Adaptability: Being able to connect with diverse audiences, tailoring their message to resonate with different groups.

The Impact of Their Words

The impact of a keynote speaker is far-reaching.

Think of it in terms like this…

  • They can inspire change , encouraging individuals and organizations to think or act differently.
  • Keynote speeches often become the highlight of events , remembered and talked about long afterward.
  • They have the power to ignite innovation and spark new ideas among their audience.

Keynote Speakers in Various Fields

Keynote speakers come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Below are just a few industries you can pull speakers from.

  • Business leaders, sharing insights on leadership and management.
  • Technology experts, unveiling the latest advancements and future trends.
  • Motivational speakers, uplift and encourage personal growth and development.

Are you starting to understand what a keynote speaker is now?

A keynote speaker is more than just a person who stands on a stage and talks.

They are the essence of the event, infusing it with energy, inspiration, and direction.

As we continue to explore the world of keynote speakers in the next sections, we’ll take a deeper look into their roles, traits, and the unforgettable impact they leave behind.

Professional keynote speaker addressing an attentive audience at a conference.

History and Evolution of Keynote Speaking

The art of keynote speaking is not a modern invention.

It’s a craft that has been refined over centuries, influenced by great orators and changing societal needs.

Let’s take a brief journey through the evolution of keynote speaking.

Ancient Roots

The origins of public speaking can be traced back to ancient civilizations.

Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates were early masters of rhetoric, using their oratory skills to educate and influence.

Roman statesmen like Cicero later elevated public speaking into an art form.

Their impact on the art of persuasion and public speaking is still studied today.

The Middle Ages and Renaissance

During the Middle Ages, the art of speaking took a more religious turn, with sermons and religious discourses becoming the primary form of public speaking.

However, the Renaissance reignited interest in classical rhetoric, and scholars began to study and teach the principles of Aristotle and Cicero once again.

The Rise of Keynote Speaking in Modern Times

As we moved into the modern era, the role of the public speaker evolved.

The Industrial Revolution and the rise of large-scale events brought a need for speakers who could captivate and inspire large audiences.

This era saw the rise of the keynote speaker as we know it today – a central figure, who sets the tone for events and conferences.

Today’s Keynote Speaker

Today, keynote speakers are a blend of educators, entertainers, and inspirers.

They are often chosen for their expertise, experiences, and ability to connect with an audience on a deeper level.

The digital age has also expanded keynote speaker’s reach, with speeches being broadcasted globally, transcending physical boundaries.

For a deeper dive into the history of public speaking and its evolution, check out this insightful article from History.com .

The journey of keynote speaking is a testament to the enduring power of the spoken word.

As we continue to explore this fascinating topic, we’ll uncover more about the roles, responsibilities, and lasting impact of keynote speakers.

Timeline depicting the history of public speaking, from ancient philosophers to modern speakers.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Keynote Speaker

Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a keynote speaker is crucial to appreciating their impact.

A keynote speaker does much more than just ‘speak.’

Let’s explore the multifaceted nature of this pivotal role.

Inspiring the Audience

A keynote speaker’s primary role is to inspire and motivate their audience.

They bring energy and enthusiasm that can transform an event’s atmosphere, making their speech a memorable experience.

Setting the Event’s Tone

The keynote address often sets the tone for the entire event.

A well-delivered keynote can create a positive mood, establish the event’s theme, and provide a framework for the discussions that follow.

Providing Expertise

Keynote speakers are usually experts in their field.

They share valuable insights and knowledge, offering the audience a unique perspective on relevant topics.

Engaging with the Audience

Effective keynote speakers engage with their audience, creating a two-way dialogue.

They encourage participation, provoke thought, and often leave the audience with impactful takeaways.

To better understand the importance of these roles in successful events, read this insightful piece from Forbes on the importance of great keynote speakers at events.

As we take a closer look into the art and science of keynote speaking, it becomes clear that these speakers are much more than just voices on stage.

They are the catalysts for change, inspiration, and new ideas.

In the next section, we’ll explore the characteristics that make a keynote speaker truly effective and memorable.

Infographic illustrating the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of speaking.

Characteristics of an Effective Keynote Speaker

What transforms a good speaker into a great keynote speaker?

It’s a combination of several key characteristics.

Let’s explore these traits that make keynote speakers not just heard, but remembered.

Confidence and Charisma

  • Confidence: Great keynote speakers exude confidence. They command the stage with assurance and poise, making their presence felt.
  • Charisma: They possess a natural charm and charisma that captivates the audience, making their message more impactful.

Expertise and Knowledge

  • Depth of Knowledge: They are often experts in their field, bringing a depth of knowledge that adds credibility to their message.
  • Lifelong Learners: Effective keynote speakers are always learning and evolving, keeping up-to-date with the latest in their field.

Ability to Connect with the Audience

  • Engagement: They know how to engage with the audience, making each listener feel like they are being spoken to directly.
  • Empathy: These speakers can relate to their audience, understanding their needs and addressing them effectively.

Communication Skills

  • Clear Messaging: They can convey their message in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.
  • Storytelling: Great keynote speakers are also great storytellers. They use stories to illustrate their points and connect on an emotional level.

Adaptability and Flexibility

  • Adapting to the Audience: They can tailor their message to resonate with different audiences.
  • Handling the Unexpected: A skilled keynote speaker can handle unexpected situations or questions with ease and grace.

These characteristics combine to create a speaker who doesn’t just deliver a speech but creates an experience.

For more insights into what makes a keynote speaker stand out, check out this article from Psychology Today .

In the next sections, we’ll explore the impact these speakers have on events and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Stay tuned to uncover more about the incredible world of keynote speaking.

Confident and charismatic keynote speaker engaging with a diverse audience, showcasing traits like expertise and the ability to connect.

The Impact of a Keynote Speaker on Events

Throughout this article, we’ve explored what a keynote speaker is, their history, roles, and the characteristics that make them effective.

Now, let’s dive into the profound impact these speakers have on events and their audiences.

Setting the Event’s Atmosphere

  • A keynote speaker often sets the tone for the entire event. Their energy, enthusiasm, and message lay the groundwork for what attendees can expect.
  • As we discussed in the ‘Roles and Responsibilities’ section, the right speaker can transform the mood and feel of an event.

Inspiring Change and Action

  • One of the most significant impacts of a keynote speaker is their ability to inspire change and action in their audience.
  • As highlighted in the ‘Characteristics of an Effective Keynote Speaker’ section, their expertise and persuasive communication skills can motivate attendees to think and act differently.

Facilitating Networking and Discussions

  • A compelling keynote speech can be a conversation starter, sparking discussions and networking among attendees.
  • This aspect ties back to the importance of engaging with the audience, a trait we emphasized earlier.

Educating and Informing

  • Keynote speakers often provide valuable insights and information, contributing to the educational aspect of the event.
  • Their depth of knowledge, a characteristic we’ve previously discussed, helps in enlightening the audience on specific topics.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

  • The message and delivery of a great keynote speaker often leave a lasting impression on the attendees, long after the event is over.
  • This lasting impact is a culmination of the various roles and characteristics we’ve explored in the previous sections.

The impact of a keynote speaker extends beyond the confines of the event.

They ignite ideas, inspire change, and leave a lasting imprint on their audience’s minds.

To understand more about the influence of keynote speakers on events, consider reading this insightful article from TED Talks , a platform known for its powerful keynote presentations.

As we move towards the conclusion of our exploration into the world of keynote speakers, we’ll next look at how to choose the right keynote speaker for your event, tying together all the aspects we’ve discussed thus far.

Energetically addressing a captivated audience, with visual elements symbolizing inspiration and the transformative impact of speeches.

How to Choose the Right Keynote Speaker for Your Event

Choosing the right keynote speaker is crucial for the success of your event. As we’ve seen in previous sections, a keynote speaker sets the tone, inspires change, and leaves a lasting impact.

Here’s a guide to help you select the perfect speaker for your event.

Understand Your Event’s Objective and Audience

  • Identify the main goal of your event and the type of audience attending. This will guide you in finding a speaker whose message aligns with your objectives.
  • Consider the demographic and interests of your audience to ensure the speaker can connect with them effectively.

Look for Expertise and Credibility

  • Choose a speaker who is an expert in the field relevant to your event’s theme, as discussed in the ‘Roles and Responsibilities’ section.
  • Check their credibility through past speaking engagements, publications, and audience feedback.

Evaluate Their Speaking Style and Ability to Engage

  • Every speaker has a unique style. Watch videos of their past speeches to gauge if their style fits your event.
  • As highlighted in the ‘Characteristics of an Effective Keynote Speaker’ section, their ability to engage and inspire the audience is crucial.

Consider Their Impact on Previous Events

  • Research the impact they have had on previous events. Did they inspire change or spark new ideas?
  • Feedback from previous event organizers can provide valuable insights into their effectiveness.

Ensure Logistical Compatibility

  • Confirm their availability for your event dates and consider any logistical requirements like travel and accommodation.
  • Discuss and agree on the fee and any additional expenses upfront to avoid surprises.

Selecting the right keynote speaker can elevate your event from good to unforgettable.

By considering these factors, you can find a speaker who not only delivers a great speech but also resonates with your audience and enhances the overall experience of your event.

For more detailed guidance on selecting keynote speakers, this article from Harvard Business Review offers great insights.

Having explored the various facets of keynote speakers, from their roles to their selection, we’re now ready to wrap up our journey with a conclusion that ties together all these insights.

Informative infographic detailing criteria for selecting the right speaker.

Conclusion: The Unforgettable Impact of a Keynote Speaker

As we reach the end of our exploration into the world of keynote speakers, it’s clear that their influence extends far beyond the stage.

From the ancient roots of public speaking to the dynamic presence of today’s keynote speakers, their role in shaping events and inspiring audiences is undeniable.

We’ve discovered that a keynote speaker is much more than just a figure delivering a speech.

They are the tone-setters, the inspirers, and the catalysts for change.

Their unique blend of confidence, charisma, and expertise empowers them to connect deeply with their audience, leaving a lasting impression that resonates well beyond the event itself.

Choosing the right keynote speaker, as we’ve outlined, is a critical decision.

It involves understanding your audience, recognizing the speaker’s ability to engage and inspire, and ensuring their message aligns with your event’s goals.

The right speaker can transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience, igniting minds and sparking innovation.

As you reflect on the insights shared in this article, remember that the power of a keynote speaker lies in their ability to weave stories, share wisdom, and inspire action.

Whether you’re organizing an event or simply attending one, the presence of a skilled keynote speaker can make all the difference, turning an event into a memorable journey of inspiration and learning.

Hopefully, this guide is useful for helping you choose your next keynote speaker!

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How to Present an Engaging Keynote Speech

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What is a Keynote Speech?

How long is a keynote speech, what makes a successful keynote speech, how to write a keynote speech - in 5 easy steps, how to start a keynote speech, how to end a keynote speech, tips for presenting an engaging keynote speech.

Keynote speeches are the heartbeat of any event, whether you're the event organiser delivering it or selecting a speaker to do so. They offer a chance to inspire and shape the event's narrative, leaving a lasting impact on delegates. The keynote's theme is typically aligned with the overarching theme of the event so crafting an engaging keynote speech is essential to connect with attendees and ensure the success of an event.

This guide will offer invaluable insights and practical tips for crafting, delivering, and perfecting a keynote speech from leading industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the art of keynote presentations, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to engage and inspire an audience.

A keynote speech is often the opening or closing address at an event and is designed to convey a central message, set the tone, and captivate the audience. In contrast to shorter presentations, keynote speeches provide an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into a subject matter and demonstrate the extent of the speaker’s expertise.

  • The purpose of a keynote speech is to convey a central message, set the event tone and engage audiences.
  • A keynote speech typically takes place during the opening or closing of a conference.
  • Keynote speeches are usually delivered by a notable expert, celebrity or prominent figure within the field.

A keynote speech should typically be between 30 - 60 minutes long, with the ideal duration falling around 45 minutes. This time frame allows for a focused, impactful presentation without overwhelming the audience.

  • Dedicate at least 60 minutes within the schedule for the keynote presentation.
  • Event organisers should coordinate with keynote speakers to ensure their presentation fits the allotted time.
  • You should always allow extra time within the schedule to accommodate audience engagement, questions, and potential overruns, as it's easier to fill extra time than to rush through a keynote speech.

A good keynote speech is characterised by its ability to inspire, educate, and engage the audience. It should have a clear message, captivating delivery, relatable stories, and a strong connection with the audience's needs and interests. Outstanding keynote speeches do more than just provide information; they inspire the audience to take action.

Here are the top three things to consider for a successful keynote speech:

  • Preparation time - Preparation time is paramount for keynote success, as it allows for content refinement and effective delivery. Keynote speeches often require weeks to months of preparation to ensure a well-structured and impactful presentation.
  • Audience research - In-depth audience research enables the speaker to tailor their content to meet the audience's expectations, making the speech more relatable and engaging.
  • Clear purpose - A clear purpose, goals, and intentions provide a roadmap for the speech, ensuring that the message is focused, concise, and aligned with the desired outcomes, making the keynote more impactful and memorable.

When writing a keynote speech, structure the speech in three sections: an engaging opening to capture the audience's attention, a substantive body with key messages and supporting content, and a compelling conclusion that summarises the main points and leaves a lasting impression.

To contribute to this guide, the team at ICC Belfast have enlisted the help of event industry experts who have created five easy steps on how to write an effective keynote speech:

1. Develop a Throughline

A throughline is the central theme or narrative thread that runs consistently through a keynote speech. It serves to connect various elements of the presentation, providing coherence and helping the audience follow the topic by reinforcing the core message and making the speech more impactful and memorable.

More than 900 businesspeople from across Northern Ireland and beyond are set to attend the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry President’s Banquet 2023 in ICC Belfast. The evening will be a celebration of global business leaders players, commemorating the membership organisation’s 240th anniversary in the company of Ireland Captain Johnny Sexton , who is making his first appearance of this kind since returning from the Rugby World Cup in France. Those lucky enough to have secured seats will hear Johnny in conversation with broadcaster, Holly Hamilton with the central theme focusing on leadership and what it takes to be the best.

Petrina McAuley from NI Chamber shares her top tips for developing a throughline through a keynote speech:

Define the core message:

  • When you identify the main message or theme you want to convey in your keynote speech, everything else falls into place. Decide on this from the outset and a structure will be set for your overall theme.
  • Ensure that your core message is clear, concise, and relevant to your audience's needs and interests.
  • Thread the core message consistently throughout your speech and this will provide focus both to you and attendees.
  • Connecting anecdotes, examples, and bringing the content back to your central theme will always maintain a cohesive narrative and reinforce your throughline.

NI Chamber Presidents Banquet 2023 | ICC Belfast

2. Brainstorm Ideas

Brainstorming ideas is crucial because it allows for the exploration of diverse perspectives and angles, helping to uncover unique themes and subtopic ideas. It enables a comprehensive understanding of the topic's full scope, facilitating the development of a rich and engaging keynote presentation that resonates with the audience.

The creation of ' The Virtual Delegate ,' a six-part digital event series, stemmed from a brainstorming session with ICC Belfast and international keynote speaker David Meade around the event industry's need to unite and address the widespread challenges during a period when in-person networking and substantial interaction were significantly limited. This initiative was watched by over 3,000 viewers on LinkedIn and was recognised with an Innovation Award as part of the annual Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) Excellence Awards .

David has become one of the most dynamic, engaging, and sought-after keynote speakers with a client list that features some of the world’s most successful organisations. His top tips when it comes to brainstorming ideas for a keynote speech:

Begin with mind mapping:

  • I always start with a mind map because this creates a central theme or topic in the centre of a blank page. Mind maps allow you to branch out with related subtopics and ideas in a non-linear fashion and mean you can always connect them back to the central theme.
  • I always like to expand each subtopic on the mind map with details, anecdotes, and supporting content and then refine later when I’m putting the final touches to my keynote speech.
  • No man is an island so collaborate with a team or trusted individuals to generate a wide range of ideas. The Virtual Delegate was an excellent example of coming together with like-minded people, brainstorming an idea and creating something innovative that had never been done before.
  • Brainstorming sessions will encourage open discussion and idea-sharing, and this creativity with diverse perspectives allows you to identify keynote themes and angles.

David Meade | The Virtual Delegate | ICC Belfast

3. Choose Key Talking Points

Refining ideas and selecting the strongest three topics as key talking points is vital for maintaining focus and clarity in your keynote speech. It ensures that the audience isn't overwhelmed with information and can absorb the most impactful content, making your message more memorable and engaging.

In 2023, ICC Belfast hosted a gathering of senior leaders from across Northern Ireland, where they renewed their dedication to driving economic growth in the city. The event featured an interactive session with renowned international speaker, author, coach, and educator, Andy Fell . The ‘ What Winners Do’ session, which was delivered by Andy, focused on the importance of collaboration in advancing the shared objective of enhancing Belfast's reputation as destination for business events.

Andy shares his top tips for choosing key talking points:

Consider your audience relevance:

  • As the keynote speaker you need to deliver something that is relevant and engaging and what I like to do is evaluate the potential topics and base my speech on the target audience's needs and interests.
  • I also like to prioritise topics so that they address specific pain points or provide valuable insights that will engage and resonate with the audience.
  • Assess the potential impact of each topic on the audience. Consider which topics are likely to leave a lasting impression and always make your message memorable.
  • Remember to remove weaker topics that lack depth, resonance, or relevance, ensuring your speech is focused and compelling.

Andy Fell | What Winners Do | ICC Belfast

4. Decide on a Keynote Structure

Speech structure is crucial for maintaining a seamless flow and ensuring appropriate timing during a keynote presentation. A well organised structure helps the speaker transition smoothly between sections, making it easier to stay on schedule and engage the audience effectively.

As a member of Visit Belfast’s executive leadership team, Rachael McGuickin leads a multi-award winning team where she is currently Director of Business Development, Sustainability and Transformation. Rachael is responsible for promoting Belfast internationally as a leading business events, cruise and group tour destination and often delivers keynote speeches in order to attract inclusive and sustainable growth for the ‘ World’s Best Conference and Events Destination ’ 2023.

Rachael’s top tips when deciding on a keynote speech structure:

Use a three-act structure:

  • I will always divide my keynote speech into three acts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • The introduction captures attention, the body delivers key messages, and the conclusion summarises and leaves a lasting impression.
  • Never underestimate the introduction, you have less than five minutes to grab and keep the audience’s attention or you lose them. I always use a story, an unusual fact or statement to try and keep the focus of the audience in the introduction section.
  • Create an outline with clear signposts as this will guide the audience (and you!) through your speech.
  • Use transition phrases, visuals, and summaries to indicate the start and end of each section as it brings structured to your speech and enables well-paced delivery.
  • It will always take you longer than you think!
  • It is so easy to take away from a great keynote by speaking for too long and your content will lose impact.
  • It is a privilege to speak to an audience – never overstay your welcome.

Team Belfast C&IT Awards 2023 | ICC Belfast

5. Draft and Redraft

Creating a first draft allows you to capture your initial ideas and thoughts without the pressure of perfection, providing a foundation for your keynote speech. The refinement through editing enhances clarity, coherence, and impact, ensuring that your message is effectively conveyed and resonates with the audience.

One Young World ambassador, author and social impact officer for Education Authority , Aimée Clint , has an extensive portfolio when it comes to delivering speeches. In 2019 she was named Europe's Top Entrepreneur Under 20 after she pitched her idea at the event in London, and walked away with a £10,000 investment. In 2023, at the One Young World Summit in Belfast, she hosted 24 sessions on the Reckitt Accelerating Impact stage in Hall 2A .

Aimée’s top tips for drafting a keynote speech:

Create an initial draft:

  • Begin drafting your speech by freely expressing your ideas and key points without worrying about perfection.
  • The initial draft is all about getting your thoughts on paper and structuring the speech.

Follow an iterative editing process:

  • Review your draft multiple times as this will refine your content, structure, and flow.
  • Pay attention to clarity, coherence, and engaging elements such as storytelling and audience engagement.

Aimée Clint | One Young World 2023 | ICC Belfast

Start a keynote speech with an engaging introduction. You could open with a captivating anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quote. Capturing attention from the beginning is crucial, as it sets the tone, piques the audience's interest, and draws them into the speech, increasing the likelihood of them staying engaged throughout.

Here are some ideas for starting a keynote speech:

  • Interesting fact - Begin your keynote with a surprising statistic or intriguing piece of information related to your topic. For instance, ‘Did you know that in the next five years, our world will generate more data than in the entire history of humanity?’
  • Humorous statement - Lighten the mood by starting with a joke or anecdote that relates to your topic. For example, ‘They say the best way to survive a business meeting is with humour, so let's start with a joke.’
  • Engaging story - Capture your audience's imagination by opening with a personal or relatable story that connects to your message. For instance, ‘Let me take you back 15 years in a small café in Ireland, where a chance encounter changed the course of my life.’

It's important to finish a keynote speech with a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. You can wrap up by summarising key points, offering a call to action, or inspiring the audience. Ending on a high note ensures that your message resonates and motivates the audience to act or remember the core message.

Here are some ideas for ending a keynote speech:

  • Summarise key points - Conclude your keynote by summarising the key takeaways of your speech, reinforcing the central message. For example, ‘In summary, we've explored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in today's ever-changing world.’
  • Call to action - Inspire your audience to take action by providing a clear and compelling call to action. For instance, ‘Now, I challenge each of you to take the first step toward implementing these principles in your own lives and workplaces.’

ICC Belfast's top tips for presenting an engaging keynote speech cover four key areas:

  • Maximise on storytelling - Storytelling resonates with audiences as it adds relatability and emotion to your message, making it more memorable and engaging.
  • Utilise language - Employ various linguistic techniques, such as humour, metaphors, alliteration, and repetition, to keep the audience's attention and bring your concepts to life.
  • Use more than words - Beyond content, consider the tone of voice, cadence, body language, and eye contact to enhance your keynote. Visual aids can also complement your message effectively.
  • Recover from mistakes - Learn how to recover gracefully from any errors during your presentation through practice and preparation, ensuring a smoother delivery.

Presenting a Keynote at ICC Belfast

ICC Belfast provides expert support for keynote presentations during conference events:

  • Flexible event spaces - ICC Belfast offers a range of versatile event spaces, from intimate seminar rooms to the impressive Main Auditorium , capable of accommodating up to 2,000 delegates. This diversity ensures that you can choose the perfect setting for your keynote presentation, tailored to your audience size and preferences.
  • Award-winning production services - With state-of-the-art technology and award-winning  production services , ICC Belfast enables you to deliver impactful keynote presentations. High-quality sound and lighting, advanced AV equipment, and professional technical support ensure a seamless and engaging experience for both speakers and audiences.
  • Flexible configurations - The venue's flexible space configurations and theatre-style seating options allow for optimal audience engagement, clear sightlines, and audiovisual setup to ensure your message reaches every attendee.

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Successful as a keynote speaker: How to give a perfect keynote speech

Successful as a keynote speaker: How to give a perfect keynote speech

More and more people dream of a career as a keynote speaker. Standing on stage, with the spotlight only on you, speaking about your heartfelt topic. 

Easier said than done. Because what actually makes a good keynote speaker? What does a keynote speaker talk about and how should a good keynote be structured?

If you want to find out what's behind the profession of keynote speaker and how you can become one too, then you should continue reading this post carefully now.

What is a keynote speaker?

A keynote speaker is an expert who shares his or her expertise on a particular topic with the audience. Keynote speakers often speak on topics related to personal development, entrepreneurship or society.

In doing so, they pursue the goal of sharing their knowledge or providing food for thought that moves the audience to critical reflection. Keynote speakers are therefore often invited to company events to get the audience present in the mood for a particular topic and to motivate them.

The keynote itself is often characterized by good Storytelling and personal anecdotes, which should emotionally engage and trigger the audience. An emotional trigger helps to awaken a deeper interest in the topic. This is especially important for rather dry topics around numbers, data and facts.

A keynote speaker is therefore not only a provider of knowledge, but also a motivator at the same time. The decisive keyword in this context is Infotainment .

Infotainment refers to the clever combination of knowledge and entertainment that a good keynote speaker should possess. This requires rhetoric at the very highest level, as well as the prerequisite, Expert in a particular field (e.g. digitization).

If a keynote speaker combines the art of infotainment with terrific rhetoric and expert knowledge, he can achieve great things. A good example of this is Steve Jobs, for example, who skillfully combined dry knowledge with entertainment and thus made a topic (computers) that many people found boring respectable.

What does a keynote speaker talk about?

The most important thing for a good keynote speaker is: a burning passion for the topic. Because every keynote speaker has a specific topic that he wants to bring closer to people. However, it is not only about pure knowledge transfer, but also about an emotional and important message for the listener.

Every good keynote should therefore have a clearly recognizable message that runs like a thread through his speech. Because that is what the audience will remember at the end of the day. And that's exactly what a good keynote speaker should aim for: a message that moves emotionally, inspires people and stays in their minds.

There are no limits to your choice of topics and the resulting message. Anika Tiegs, for example, is incredibly successful in talking about her experiences and her life change to a dominatrix. Her clear message is: "Be yourself and don't apologize for it!"

The more own experiences and emotions you have done with your topic, the more credible you come across. Your message is based not only on theoretical, but on real experiences - and that impresses and inspires.

However, it's just as important to remember that your topic may be completely new, shocking, or triggering to most listeners. Depending on the emotion you want to elicit with your keynote, you can tweak a number of different levers to achieve the desired response. 

Your keynote should be structured in such a way that the audience can follow you without any effort. You want to know how to do that? Then read on now.

What makes a good keynote?

The keynote is the backbone of any keynote speaker, as it contains the structure and thread that turns your topic into an inspiring message.

Another characteristic of a really good keynote is that it entertains and engages the audience. If you start boringly and don't build up any tension in the first 10 seconds, you will quickly lose the audience to their smartphone or the person sitting next to them.

In particular, exciting details, interesting quotes, funny pictures or bizarre facts trigger interest in your audience and you already have their attention. At the beginning of your keynote, for example, you can also pose a question or assertion that you only resolve at the end of your keynote, thus creating an arc of suspense.

Abundance of information is a quality feature

The wealth of information within your keynote is also an important quality feature. Convincing people of your topic in just 18 minutes is not that easy. That's why many keynote speakers tend to pack far too much information into their keynote, which virtually overwhelms the listener. In the worst case, your important message will not be perceived at all. So less is definitely more here.

Moreover, the power of pauses is vastly underestimated by many keynote speakers. Speakers who insert short pauses between topic sections and sentences not only give themselves, but also their audience a mental break. That way, your audience can process information better and you can catch your breath in between.

Last but not least, one thing above all is important for a good keynote: your body language and rhetoric. Nothing emphasizes your statements more than the right gestures and facial expressions. However, you should make sure that your movements do not appear too hectic and restless and rob you and your keynote of credibility.

So in summary there are 5 points , which make your keynote really good:

  • Not a boring start : The first 10 seconds of your keynote are crucial
  • Create suspense Exciting details, facts or quotes make your keynote directly more interesting.
  • Less is more : Too much information in a short time cannot be processed by your audience, so less is more
  • Take breaks Let not only your audience, but also yourself take a breath now and then and make short breaks.
  • Your body language Your gestures and facial expressions, when used correctly, can positively support your message.

good keynote

How to become (a good) keynote speaker?

A keynote speaker who cares about delivering properly on stage and getting his message across clearly, unmistakably and inspirationally does one thing above all: practice, practice, practice!

Because your Keynote can be the best keynote in the world - if you don't work on your performance, i.e. your body language, rhetoric and stage presence, you will be less well received by the audience. After all, you are the sole entertainer on stage and all eyes are on you.

Some people are born speakers, others have to work harder to become a good keynote speaker. But how does one actually become a keynote speaker? Can anyone make it to the big stage and is there training for those who want to improve their skills?

Unprotected professional title

One thing first: The profession of "keynote speaker" is not a protected job title. Basically, anyone can call themselves one. However, there are only a few keynote speakers who have really mastered their craft and can deliver good keynotes.

In general, it can be said that you should definitely think about a corresponding keynote speaker training if you pursue the goal of enriching the world with your knowledge and your own message. Because in such a training you get the necessary tools at hand, with which you not only shine on stage, but also create a really good keynote.

You will learn which techniques you can use to inspire the audience and convince them of your content and, above all, how to say goodbye to your stage fright.

Learning rhetoric from scratch

But the most important thing you learn for your success on stage? Rhetoric! Rhetoric is a special linguistic craft that you learn from scratch in your training as a keynote speaker. With the right methods and a lot of practice, you will be able to convince your audience and establish a connection between you and them. 

So again, at a glance - this is what you learn in a keynote speaker training:

  • Systematic structure
  • Communicate message clearly
  • Inspire and captivate the audience
  • How to use rhetorical stylistic devices skilfully
  • How to trigger the emotions of your audience

Would you like to become a keynote speaker yourself and raise your rhetorical skills to a professional level? Then find out now about our Speaking training THEKEY.

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How to Create a Keynote Speech

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What Is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech is a kind of speech that has a main underlying theme. The keynote speech is generally used in gathering such as a political and industrial convention. On the other hand, the keynote speech also has a purpose to motivate and inspire the audience just like a persuasive speech .

The Anatomy of a Keynote Speech

  • Prepare your keynote speech ahead of time.
  • Deliver it to a small audience, get feedback and use it to a larger audience.
  • Learn from the keynote speech of other great speakers.
  • Select your topic carefully.
  • Convince, engage, and make the audience aware of what you are saying.
  • Ask for feedback from your audience.

How to Create and Deliver an Effective Keynote Speech?

  • Use stories.  Since the keynote speech is all about giving a  motivation speech , what better way to do that than to use stories, true or fictional to inspire the audience and gives a good example of the topics of the speech.
  • Add humor.  Adding funny events or moments from your experience or from other experience also gives value to the speech and the best way to engage the audience.
  • Repeating a simple message.  By repeating a simple message in your keynote speech in pdf shows that you are making your core idea more memorable.

The Keynote Speech Outline

  • The introduction.  The first part of your keynote introduction speech . Introduce yourself and acknowledge the audience. Tell the audience what you are going to talk about and what benefits they can get.
  • The body.  Also called the main point. This is the heart of your keynote speech and this is the part where you deliver your entire speech and explain your main topics and ideas.
  • The conclusion.  Summarize what you have just said and give something that the audience will be left thinking after your keynote conclude speech . Also, use this part to thank the organization for inviting you.

Elements of a Keynote Speech

  • Engagement.  How the audience is engaged in your keynote speech is one of the most important elements of this speech in word . A good speaker knows how he can engage the audience so that the audience will not feel bored and still have the interest in listening to the keynote speech.
  • Insight.  It’s not all about engagement, a good keynote speech also offers a valuable lesson to the audience and it needs to teach the audience something they did not know before attending.
  • Organization.  But, how the keynote speech is organized also matters. The keynote speech must have a structure or a speech outline that plot out the main points and effectively divide the main points into subtopics. This way, the speaker can explain and expand each topic.
  • Variety.  A good keynote speech does not repeat its subject or the main points, neither does give the audience a bunch of information after information. Varying its subject or topics and ensuring that this has a huge relevant to the audience will make it more successful.
  • Flow.  It is also best to consider the flow of the keynote speech example . A good keynote speech has a natural flow to it. it should be like a story where there is the beginning, middle, and end.

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Hosting a Keynote Speaker

  • April 11, 2024

Hello, wonderful readers! I’m Jessica Cox, and I’m excited to share with you this ultimate guide to planning and hosting a keynote speaker. With 19 years of experience as a motivational speaker, having spoken in 28 countries and engaged audiences from a single person to 40,000 in virtual and in-person events, I’ve learned what it takes to deliver a great keynote speech.

A keynote speaker can significantly influence the success of an event by inspiring and enlightening attendees. This guide is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions when selecting and hosting a keynote speaker. Whether you’re organizing a corporate conference, a community event, or an educational seminar, the insights shared here will help ensure your event is a resounding success. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your next event truly unforgettable with the right keynote speaker.

What is a Keynote Speaker?

When it comes to events, the term “keynote speaker” often takes center stage. But it’s important to understand that not all speakers are keynote speakers. As someone who has worn many hats, including keynote speaker, closing speaker, guest speaker, and meeting speaker, I can tell you that each role serves a distinct purpose in an event.

A keynote speaker is typically the highlight of the event, setting the tone and theme with an impactful and inspiring speech. They are often the main attraction and can influence the audience’s perception of the entire event. On the other hand, closing speakers wrap up the event with a powerful message, guest speakers contribute their expertise on specific topics, and a meeting speaker will usually address a particular department gathering that may not involve the whole company.

While using “keynote speaker” as a search term can bring up some of the best speakers, it’s crucial to use the right terminology for your event’s needs. If you’re looking for a speaker to fill a specific role, consider using more niche terms like “closing speaker” or “guest speaker” in your search. This approach can help you uncover hidden gems and ensure that you find the perfect speaker for your event. Remember, the key to a successful event is not just finding a great speaker, but finding the right speaker for the right moment.

Why Hire a Keynote Speaker?

As an event planner, bringing a keynote speaker on board is like adding a secret ingredient to your recipe for a successful event. It’s about creating a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved.

For you, the event planner, a keynote speaker is a game-changer. They’re the heartbeat of your event, setting the tone and energy right from the start. A great keynote speaker attracts a crowd, not just with their name but with the promise of an engaging and inspiring experience. They add a touch of credibility and prestige, making your event the one everyone talks about.

Now, let’s talk about the attendees, the heart and soul of the event. They’re there for a journey, and a keynote speaker is their guide. Attendees walk away with more than just notes; they carry inspiration, new perspectives, and a spark to ignite their personal and professional growth. The right keynote creates a shared experience, a sense of unity, and opens doors for networking and connections that last long after the event is over.

So, why hire a keynote speaker? Because they’re the bridge between your event’s goals and the audience’s experience. They’re the magic that transforms a good event into an unforgettable one. For both event planners and attendees, a keynote speaker is the key to unlocking an extraordinary event experience.

How Do I Identify a Good Speaker?

Finding the perfect keynote speaker is a bit like detective work. You’re on a mission to uncover the best match for your event’s theme, goals, and energy level. And while you could sift through speaker bureaus, sometimes the answer is just a click away on a professional speaker’s website (hint: you might be on one right now!).

First, nail down your event’s theme and objectives. Are you aiming to inspire? Educate? Motivate? Once you have a clear vision, the search for a speaker who embodies those goals begins. You’re not just looking for someone who can talk for an hour; you’re looking for a storyteller who can captivate, engage, and leave a lasting impression.

Experience is key. A seasoned speaker knows how to navigate the ebb and flow of an audience’s attention, keeping them hooked from start to finish. And let’s not forget about energy! The right speaker can match the vibe of your event, whether it’s a high-octane conference or a more subdued seminar.

In short, identifying the ideal keynote speaker is about finding that perfect blend of relevance, experience, and energy. And when you find that match, you’re not just filling a time slot; you’re setting the stage for an unforgettable event.

What Should a Keynote Speaker Talk About?

When it comes to crafting the perfect keynote speech, it’s all about finding that sweet spot where inspiration meets action. A keynote speaker should weave a narrative that aligns seamlessly with the event’s theme, whether it’s diving deep into the company culture to understand the broader context or naturally syncing with the theme through their own experiences.

But it’s not just about fitting in with the theme; it’s about elevating it. A great keynote speech should inspire and motivate the audience, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and drive. It should be a call to action, providing practical insights and strategies that attendees can take away and apply in their own lives.

And let’s not forget the power of personal stories. Sharing personal anecdotes and experiences adds a layer of depth and relatability to the speech. It’s these stories that often resonate the most and leave a lasting impact on the audience.

In essence, a keynote speaker should create a speech that captivates the audience, aligns with the event’s goals, and drives them to action, all while sharing a piece of their own journey. It’s a delicate balance, but when done right, it can turn a good event into an unforgettable one.

What is Expected from a Professional Speaker?

A keynote speaker is more than just the highlight of your event; they’re the heartbeat that keeps it alive. From the moment you book them to the final round of applause, their role is crucial in making your event a success. So, what should you expect from a keynote speaker?

First and foremost, professionalism is key. A great speaker respects your time and the effort that goes into organizing an event. They’re punctual, well-prepared, and ready to deliver a speech that resonates with your audience.

Curiosity is another hallmark of a top-notch speaker. They want to know all about your event – its theme, style, and energy – so they can tailor their speech to fit like a glove. It’s this attention to detail that can turn a good speech into an unforgettable experience.

Now, let’s talk about responsiveness. We all know that speakers can be busy, jet-setting around the globe to inspire audiences far and wide. But a prompt response, ideally within 36 hours, is a sign of a speaker who values your collaboration. Just remember, if they’re in a different time zone, they might be delivering a speech while you’re hitting send on that email!

And then there’s the tech rehearsal – the unsung hero of any keynote speech. It’s like checking your flight itinerary before boarding; you wouldn’t want to end up in Barrow, Alaska, when you were dreaming of Barbados. Imagine the speaker stepping up to deliver their speech, only to find the microphone is on a vacation of it’s own. Now that’s a chilly surprise nobody’s packed for!

How Can You Maximize the Value of a Speaker?

Maximizing the value of a keynote speaker is like tuning an instrument to perfection – it makes the whole performance sing. Start by collaborating with your speaker before the event. Share key details about your audience, goals, and theme to tailor their message for maximum impact.

Next, turn up the volume on promotion. Use the speaker’s reputation to your advantage by highlighting their presence in your marketing efforts. This builds anticipation and draws in a larger crowd.

Engagement is the name of the game. Beyond the keynote, consider setting up a book signing, a Q&A session, a photo op, or a add on workshop with the keynote speaker. These activities provide a personal touch and allow the audience to connect with the speaker on a deeper level.

Feedback is your friend. After the event, collect audience insights to gauge the keynote’s effectiveness. This helps you and the speaker understand what worked well and what could be improved.

Lastly, be upfront with your requests. Before signing the contract, communicate your ideas about the extras you want from the keynote speaker. Whether it’s emceeing the event or leading a workshop, clear communication ensures everyone’s on the same page.

And that’s a wrap! We’ve navigated through the skies of planning and hosting a keynote speaker, from finding the right fit to ensuring they soar at your event. I hope you’re now feeling ready to take the controls and pilot your next event to new heights.

Remember, a great keynote speaker is the engine that propels your event forward, leaving a trail of inspiration in their wake. So, take these insights, add your unique flair, and prepare for a smooth landing into an unforgettable experience for your attendees.

If you’re in search of a keynote speaker who can elevate your event with a story of overcoming adversity and inspiration, I’d be thrilled to be considered for your next gathering. Let’s connect and chart a course for an extraordinary event!

Here’s to making your next event not just good, but extraordinary!

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How Long Should A Keynote Speech Be?

How Long Should A Keynote Speech Be

How long is a keynote speech? When it comes to delivering one, finding the perfect duration is crucial. It should be a question in every event organizer’s mind. In this article, we’ll explore the ideal length for a keynote speech and provide insights on how to keep your audience engaged and captivated throughout your presentation.

Understand Your Audience

The length of your keynote speech should primarily depend on your audience. Consider their attention span, interests, and the nature of the event. For corporate audiences or industry conferences, a 30 to 45-minute keynote is often suitable. However, for more diverse or general audiences, shorter speeches of 20 to 30 minutes might be preferable.

Content Relevance

The relevance of your content plays a significant role in determining the ideal length of your keynote speech. Ensure that your speech is focused and concise, delivering valuable insights or a compelling message. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy anecdotes that can detract from your main message.

Engagement and Interaction

Keeping your audience engaged is paramount. If your speech extends beyond 45 minutes, consider incorporating interactive elements such as Q&A sessions, polls, or audience participation activities. These breaks in your presentation can re-energize your audience and maintain their interest.

Time Constraints

Consider the overall schedule of the event. Keynote speeches should fit seamlessly into the agenda without causing delays. Work closely with event organizers to determine your allotted time and adjust your speech accordingly.

Practice and Rehearsal

Regardless of the chosen length, thorough practice and rehearsal are essential. A well-prepared speaker can deliver a powerful message in a short amount of time. Practice your speech multiple times to refine your timing and delivery.

Visual Aids and Multimedia

Incorporating visual aids and multimedia elements can enhance your keynote speech . However, use them sparingly to avoid extending the length of your presentation. Visuals should complement your message and add value without overwhelming the audience.

Audience Interaction Techniques

Engage your audience through various interaction techniques. Ask thought-provoking questions, share relatable stories, or invite volunteers to participate. Active audience involvement can make your speech more memorable and impactful.

Maintaining Energy and Enthusiasm

Longer keynote speeches require speakers to maintain high energy levels and enthusiasm throughout. Practice techniques to keep your energy up, such as proper breathing and vocal projection. Inject enthusiasm into your delivery to captivate your audience.

Post-Keynote Follow-Up

After your keynote speech, consider ways to continue the conversation with your audience. Provide resources, handouts, or access to additional content related to your speech. Encourage attendees to connect with you on social media or through your website for ongoing engagement.

Feedback and Evaluation

Seek feedback and conduct a self-evaluation after your keynote speech. Analyze what worked well and where improvements can be made. Feedback from attendees and event organizers can help you refine your future presentations.

The ideal length for a keynote speech depends on factors such as your audience, content relevance, engagement strategies, time constraints, and your ability to captivate the audience. By considering these factors, along with visual aids, audience interaction techniques, maintaining energy and enthusiasm, post-keynote follow-up, and feedback and evaluation, you can deliver a memorable and impactful keynote address that resonates with your audience.

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What Would Ted Lasso Say? Jason Sudeikis Just Ditched His SHRM Keynote Speech to Go Watch Caitlin Clark

Believe or don't. the 'ted lasso' creator didn't believe in hr enough to show up to give a speech..

Jason Sudeikis.

Ted Lasso would never cancel on you at the last minute because he wanted to do something fun, but Ted Lasso creator Jason Sudeikis would and did. Sudeikis was slated to be the keynote celebrity speaker at the Society for Human Resource Management annual convention this past weekend, but he canceled at the last minute.

To go to a basketball game.

Granted, it was to see Caitlin Clark, but here's the thing about basketball-- there will be another game . 

I have very strong feelings about celebrity speakers at conventions, and this proves them all. Even though you may never organize a conference, the lessons apply on the management level as well. Here's why you should rethink using celebrities as role models.

Celebrities don't care about your business

Could it be any more obvious that Sudeikis doesn't give a flying fig about SHRM? The man who created the people-savvy Ted Lasso character just flat-out doesn't care about the HR professionals who wanted to see him.

It's doubtful that any high-priced speaker you hire has a deep and abiding love for your industry. In fact, they likely do not even know much about your industry. This doesn't mean they aren't good speakers--it's just that they don't know much about your industry.

Of course, sometimes this is fine, as the goal is a pep talk or feel-good speech. But the celebrity most likely won't bring business value.

Actors are not their characters

Everyone loves Ted Lasso, but Sudeikis is not Ted Lasso. That can be hard to keep in mind. Even though Sudeikis created Lasso, they aren't the same person--after all, do you really think Stephen King goes around murdering people? Lasso is a character, just as the scary clown in It is a character.

Every public figure is a character of sorts. Their public face can be very different from their private face. How many of us think of Dr. Cliff Huxtable when we think of Bill Cosby? Cosby is a brilliant speaker and comedian, but that doesn't make him a good person. And we all thought Ellen Degeneres was the queen of nice until we learned she was not .

I don't believe at all that a horrible person can't give a good speech. Plenty of horrible people are incredible orators. But when you hire a keynote speaker, remember, you're hiring a person--not their onscreen persona.

Use your money wisely

There is no doubt that some people decided to attend SHRM precisely to hear Sudeikis speak. Celebrities can increase attendance and income at your event. That's why event organizers hire them.

But the cost is high. Celebrity Talent says Sudeikis charges between $300,000-$499,000 for a keynote address. Former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton earned $153 million in paid speeches prior to Secretary Clinton's run for president in 2016. I don't know how much SHRM paid President Clinton to speak last year, but I (and many other HR professionals) questioned the value of having a leader famous for having an affair with an intern speak at an HR conference . 

SHRM doesn't pay its other, less well-known speakers, and only reimburses travel for a few of them. For the $300,000 Sudeikis charges, you can pay a lot of travel.

Of course, some celebrities are high-quality people and high-quality speakers. Al Roker stepped in to take Sudeikis's place, and by all accounts was delightful . 

Whether or not the draw of celebrity is worth it is a question you have to consider. ( Incidentally, Roker's fees are between $50,000 and $100,000 ). Certainly, the right celebrity increases your turnout. But will they bring value to the event? Will they help attendees be better at their jobs? Will you get enough additional attendees because of the celebrity to make their astronomical fees worth it?

You don't have to have a celebrity to have a good conference. You can pay industry speakers to add value to the conference with the money you save.

I'm sure Sudeikis won't suffer permanent damage from blowing off HR people. And with a $20 million net worth , he probably won't miss the fee. But hopefully, his actions will make people consider just why they are bringing in a particular high-dollar speaker.

One last note: Sudeikis was supposed to speak about  mental health, workplace culture, and empathy . It seems he's not an expert on any of these--except maybe his own mental health, which he bolstered by attending a sporting event.

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

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Xbox Boss Phil Spencer to Kick Off PAX West 2024 With Storytime Speech

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PAX West 2024 kicks off with a “storytime” speech from Xbox boss Phil Spencer, co-organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade have announced.

At PAX West 2024, which runs from August 30 to September 2, the Microsoft Gaming CEO will take to the main stage to deliver an “informative and engaging talk on his expansive career in the games industry, spanning 30 years and several Xbox console generations.”

Spencer, who has led Xbox for a decade and now also runs Activision Blizzard after an acquisition spending spree, was recently interviewed at IGN Live to talk about all things gaming, including recent announcements and upcoming hardware.

However, Spencer has also recently overseen drastic cuts at Microsoft’s gaming business that have seen 1,900 staff let go and a number of high-profile studios shut down . Speaking to IGN's Ryan McCaffrey at IGN Live earlier in June, Spencer briefly commented on the shock decision to shut Redfall developer Arkane Austin and Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks as part of the sweeping layoffs.

"The closure of any team is hard obviously on the individuals there, hard on the team," Spencer said. "I haven't been talking publicly about this, because right now is the time for us to focus on the team and the individuals. It's obviously a decision that's very hard on them, and I want to make sure through severance and other things that we're doing the right thing for the individuals on the team. It's not about my PR, it's not about Xbox PR. It's about those teams.

"In the end, I've said over and over, I have to run a sustainable business inside the company and grow, and that means sometimes I have to make hard decisions that frankly are not decisions I love, but decisions that somebody needs to go make.

"We will continue to go forward. We will continue to invest in what we're trying to go do in Xbox and build the best business we can, which ensures we can continue to do shows like the one we just did."

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

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Microsoft has a long list of video games in development at its various studios, including Call of Duty Black Ops 6 at Activision, Avowed at Obsidian, Doom: The Dark Ages at id Software, and many more. Spencer has also teased an Xbox handheld , which may be revealed later this year. Microsoft has said it’s going big at Gamescom in August, too, with Blizzard set to show off Diablo 4 expansion Vessel of Hatred and World of Warcraft expansion The War Within .

All this comes amid the backdrop of increasingly tough times for the video game industry, which has seen thousands of staff laid off in the last two years. For Microsoft, whose Xbox Series X and S consoles are struggling for sales in the face of tough competition from Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, the pressure is on to deliver in gaming.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

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Trump doubles down on abortion restrictions, Louisiana Ten Commandments law as he courts Christian voters

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WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump called on a conference of Christian conservative voters to get out and cast their ballot this fall, and he stressed his position that states should set their own abortion restrictions even as some attendees pushed for a national ban.

Speaking to a Faith & Freedom Coalition conference on Saturday, Trump said states should make separate decisions on abortion policy and noted that his three Supreme Court appointees were pivotal in overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022.

But he also said efforts to enact a federal ban on abortion have hurt previous Republican candidates in closely contested states. Abortion rights advocates have notched several victories in recent ballot initiatives, and Democrats widely campaigned on abortion access in the 2022 midterm elections

"We have to get elected – you have to be able to win, " Trump told the group of religious Republicans at one point, arguing that fighting for a national abortion ban could be risky for the GOP. The Faith & Freedom Coalition has said it will work toward restrictions at the state and federal levels.

At other points, Trump said that "we cannot sit home" and "we need Christian voters to turn out."

Trump backs Louisiana Ten Commandments law

In repeatedly reminding religious conservatives to "get out and vote," Trump stressed his many agreements with them – including support for a new Louisiana law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms.

Numerous groups have pledged to sue Louisiana over the legislation, saying the push would virtually erase the line between church and state.

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law earlier this week. The first state to take such action, Louisiana's push mandates a poster-sized display of the religious rules in “large, easily readable font” for kindergarten classrooms up to state-funded universities starting in 2025.

During a speech that lasted well over an hour, Trump also received cheers for supporting home schooling and private religious schools and pledging to close the Department of Education if he's elected to another term in the fall.

While several Republican candidates have backed the same idea, the Department of Education's responsibilities are wide ranging, from providing financial assistance for students from low-income families to addressing discrimination complaints through their Office for Civil Rights.

'Vote, vote, vote!'

Above all, Trump called on the Christian voters at the conference and around the country to vote this fall.

When Faith & Freedom coalition members broke out into into a "USA! USA!" chant, Trump urged them to stop the chanting and focus on getting themselves and their friends out to vote.

"Go out and vote, that's all I ask," he said. "Don't say 'USA, USA, we love Trump USA ... and then November 5 comes along - or any of the previous days, you know, the early voting - and then you say, 'darling, I'm just a little tired; I think I'll skip the vote' ... You can't do that!"

Later, when members of the crowd re-started the "USA" chant, others responded with: "Vote, vote, vote!"

More than 75% of White evangelical protestant voters were estimated to have backed Trump in 2020 against President Joe Biden. But estimates also showed that all Catholic voters were almost evenly split between Trump and Biden during the last presidential election.

Turnout and the purple states

Voter turnout was a theme for several speakers at the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference.

Michael Whatley, the chairman of the Republican National Committee , told attendees that voters of faith could make the difference in the states that will likely decide the election, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Whatley said the Republicans want to expand the list of battleground states to include places like Virginia and Minnesota.

"We're going to win these purple states because of you," Whatley told the conference on Saturday.

Trump, a long-time foe of mail-in balloting , alluded to the practice in reminding religious conservatives about early voting in many states prior to Election Day on Nov. 5.

"It used to be one day," Trump said. "Now it's, you know, two months."

Trump has long criticized mail-in voting, claiming without evidence that it's prone to corruption. But many Republican officials say it is essential to a viable voter turnout operation, so the Trump campaign has made it a major focus for this presidential election, including appeals to organizations like the Faith and Freedom Coalition.

Trump and Biden gear up for debate

Trump, who also scheduled a Saturday night rally in Philadelphia and a Friday event in Chesapeake, Virginia, made a late acceptance this week to address the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference.

Both events came less than a week before a pivotal campaign event: His first debate with President Joe Biden .

Biden is expected to make abortion a major topic in Thursday's clash, arguing that – whatever the presumptive Republican nominee says – Trump and his party are determined to ban abortion throughout the country.

Sarafina Chitika, spokesperson for the Biden campaign, said Trump's appearance proves that "you are the company you keep."

"The people who’ve devoted their lives and careers to banning abortion nationwide know they can trust Donald Trump to do the same," she said.

During his speech to the group of religious conservative voters, Trump repeated that even if states want to restrict abortion, he supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and life-threatening medical emergencies.

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The IFRS Foundation is a not-for-profit, public interest organisation established to develop high-quality, understandable, enforceable and globally accepted accounting and sustainability disclosure standards.

Our Standards are developed by our two standard-setting boards, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). 

About the IFRS Foundation

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IFRS Accounting Standards are developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The IASB is an independent standard-setting body within the IFRS Foundation.

IFRS Accounting Standards are, in effect, a global accounting language—companies in more than 140 jurisdictions are required to use them when reporting on their financial health. The IASB is supported by technical staff and a range of advisory bodies.

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Standards and frameworks, using the standards, project work, products and services.

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IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards are developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). The ISSB is an independent standard-setting body within the IFRS Foundation.

IFRS Sustainability Standards are developed to enhance investor-company dialogue so that investors receive decision-useful, globally comparable sustainability-related disclosures that meet their information needs. The ISSB is supported by technical staff and a range of advisory bodies.

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Education, membership and licensing, complexity in focus—keynote address by the iasb chair.

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Andreas Barckow, Chair of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), delivered a keynote address at the IFRS Foundation Conference on 24 June 2024.

Introduction

A very warm welcome to everyone. It is a great pleasure to see so many of you joining us at this year’s conference , whether you are here in person or participating virtually from around the world.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the role that your engagement and your expertise play in improving financial reporting. Every one of us here is a member of the financial reporting ecosystem. We value and respect your efforts to achieve our shared mission to bring transparency, accountability and efficiency to financial markets around the world. Thank you for your participation. And thank you in advance for the insights you will be bringing to all the discussions taking place today and tomorrow.

From uncertainty to complexity

At last year’s conference , I spoke to you about the role of financial reporting in uncertain times. As we come together at this year’s conference, I want to explore a related but distinct issue that we face in our service of the public interest—complexity.

Complexity and uncertainty might not be twins, but they are definitely relatives. They often coexist and influence each other, but they also present distinct obstacles to the financial reporting environment.

Complexity is not a new phenomenon in human history. But modern complexity is very much rooted in today’s economic world. At the heart of the matter is the growing complexity of business transactions. The evolving complexity of the business environment has led to increasingly complex business transactions, which ultimately end up being reflected in financial reporting.

But it is not just transactions that are more complex. The business world has plenty of evidence of companies having to operate with more complexity in their supply chains, for example. We also face a multitude of other risk factors that, when coupled with the rapid pace of change, introduce an additional layer of complexity. All these factors continuously shape and reshape our business environment, compelling all of us to adapt to new realities.

The effect of complexity is felt throughout the entire financial reporting landscape—by companies, investors, auditors and standard-setters alike. The layers of complexity can be a barrier to effective decision-making. They have the potential to make it harder for companies to effectively communicate their story to investors, and for investors to understand and properly use financial information. Complexity also poses challenges for auditors in exercising their professional judgement when auditing financial statements and providing assurance to financial reports more widely.

Larger institutions may have the resources to navigate complexity, but smaller players might struggle to keep up, particularly when they are grappling with several layers of complexity at the same time.

Now, some might argue that we at the IASB are also a source of complexity, both from the perspective of those who apply IFRS Accounting Standards to prepare financial information and those who use the financial reporting outcomes produced by the Standards. That—in our efforts to faithfully represent the economic realities of today and tomorrow—our Accounting Standards have become more elaborate. And there is some truth to this argument.

However, it is important to recognise that unpicking complex transactions does not mean isolating a single issue and treating it as an individual problem to be solved. Instead, we must acknowledge the inherent complexity of the economic landscape.

In our desire to be helpful, we often provide additional guidance and clarity. However, every line we write to supplement our core principles and requirements runs the risk of inadvertently creating complexity. In this regard, the IASB is in the same boat as you, navigating the choppy waters of complexity, striving to chart a course that balances the need for better information with the desire for simplicity and understandability.

Our approach

So how are we, as the IASB, approaching this challenge?

We need to strike a balance between overreacting and underreacting to complexity. Although complexity can be daunting, I believe we can also use it as an opportunity to develop effective solutions and drive positive changes. The fact remains that even though we face complexities, investors remain committed to allocating capital to companies and economies that offer growth potential. The global capital flows remain remarkably resilient, even in the midst of complexity.

As an international organisation serving a global audience in almost 150 jurisdictions, we recognise that embracing complexity is an integral part of our reality. Our stakeholders have diverse needs and varying levels of familiarity with our work. Central to our approach is the need to balance their diverse requirements by carefully weighing up the costs and benefits of our actions.

In line with this commitment, we recently published two new Accounting Standards, IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements and IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures . IFRS 18 is a real-world example that enhances the comparability of financial statements. IFRS 19 is an IASB initiative that simplifies accounting for eligible subsidiaries, thereby saving time and reducing costs for companies.

Tangible steps

Let me highlight six additional areas in which we are taking tangible steps to manage complexity.

First, we are striving to master the complexity in our own work. As I mentioned, some complexity in Accounting Standards is inevitable if we are to remain relevant and reflective of the real world.

However, I also believe that we at the IASB must carefully consider where and how we can do more to reduce complexity and improve the accessibility of our Standards. We need to be ever more judicious in where we focus our efforts and resources. To this end, we are encouraging greater collaboration and consistency among our technical project teams to avoid redundancies and contradictions in our Accounting Standards.

Second, we are prioritising. Our agenda consultation process—in which you participate—gives us a clear direction in which to focus our efforts to benefit all our stakeholders. It helps to keep our literature relevant and tuned to your needs.

However, it is important to note that prioritisation is an ongoing process, not just limited to agenda consultations. We make prioritisation and de-prioritisation decisions throughout the five-year cycle. In all these decisions, we strive to balance urgency with cost to the system, aiming to be mindful of complexity. This approach means that we remain responsive to emerging needs while managing resources effectively.

Third, we are focusing on how we can help you to address complexity. Our goal, in fact the very DNA of the IFRS Foundation, is to help stakeholders make better-informed decisions by providing them with the tools to cut through complexity. Whether through clearer standards, more consistent application guidance or more accessible communications, everything we do is aimed at this fundamental objective. We are committed to making our educational materials available to our global stakeholders in several languages and formats to increase understandability.

Fourth, we know that the way stakeholders access and use information has evolved significantly. Companies, investors and regulators are looking for efficient ways to search, extract and compare financial disclosures among companies and jurisdictions. To address this need, we have long had the IFRS Accounting Taxonomy to facilitate the reporting of information in a computer-readable format.

Recently, we have significantly increased our efforts to explain the IFRS Accounting Taxonomy and its benefits to a wider audience. We have been actively working to bring more parties into the taxonomy ecosystem. This work has involved close collaboration with regulators to foster wider adoption and use of the IFRS Accounting Taxonomy. Our efforts are yielding positive results, as evidenced by the recent acknowledgement from IOSCO.

The fifth area in which we are striving to address complexity is in our work with the ISSB. The IASB is working closely with the ISSB to address the growing demand for connectivity. There has been a shift in perspective on the role of financial statements within the broader corporate reporting system. Although financial statements have traditionally been viewed as the central focus of corporate reporting, the rise of sustainability reporting and the formation of the ISSB have created new expectations for reporting that connects financial and sustainability-related information to meet investor needs.

This collaborative effort aims to promote an approach to corporate reporting that seamlessly connects both sides of the ‘reporting coin’. Later today, the Vice-Chairs of both boards, Linda Mezon-Hutter and Sue Lloyd, will illustrate how this connectivity is being achieved and will discuss the practical consequences of this connectivity for you.

Sixth, our commitment to impartiality means that we carefully examine the evidence and follow where it leads. This approach ensures that our decisions are as objective and as well informed as possible.

One example is our recent handling of the Pollutant Pricing Mechanisms project. During our Third Agenda Consultation, this project received attention from respondents, but it was not rated as highly as projects on Intangibles or the Statement of Cash Flows. Consequently, we placed it on our reserve list, to be initiated only if resources became available before the next Agenda Consultation.

Since that decision, we have received calls from stakeholders to prioritise this project. However, true to our principles, we are carrying out an evidence-based assessment to determine objectively whether the situation has indeed changed enough to warrant reprioritisation.

This methodical approach reflects our professionalism and intellectual integrity. Through careful analysis and evidence-based decision-making, all carried out transparently in public meetings, we navigate complexity and deliver high-quality Standards that serve the capital markets.

Working together

In conclusion, we can all play a part in managing complexity. At the IASB, we are committed to doing our part—to develop International Financial Reporting Standards that lead to better decision-making. But we cannot and, indeed, should not do so alone. Managing complexity for better decision-making requires a collaborative effort. It requires all of us to work together.

I urge you to stay engaged with us and with our work. Keep sharing your perspectives and the challenges you face. When we begin consultations, respond to them with your full expertise. As we move forward, I want the IASB to remain agile and responsive and to work with you to ultimately serve the public interest.

But we are asking for more than just feedback. We want a true dialogue. Contact us proactively, just as we do to you. If you disagree with our proposals, help us by telling us what alternative solutions we should consider to solve complex problems.

And there is no better time to start this dialogue than right now. You will be hearing from my fellow IASB members and technical staff throughout this conference. Let’s use this time together to have meaningful discussions about how we can collectively address complexity and improve financial reporting.

Thank you very much for listening.

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Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter Delivers Keynote at Open Markets Institute's “Fixing the Information Crisis Before It's Too Late (for Democracy)”

Washington , DC United States

Thank you for the introduction, Kai. Thank you to the Open Markets Institute and The Guardian US for organizing today’s event. I am happy to be here for this important conversation. I could not imagine a more important topic.

The free flow of information and the exchange of ideas is the lifeblood of our cultural lives and our democracy. Humans need connections to one another like they need air and water. And a democracy needs citizens to exchange information and ideas. That is what democracy is all about: competing ideas in a debate that plays out freely over time. With freedom of thought and expression, democracy thrives. In contrast, the first goal of the tyrant is to control thought and information.

That is why the Founders made freedom of speech the very first right protected in our Bill of Rights. They understood deeply and personally the threats that government could pose to the marketplace of ideas on which democracy depends.

Ben Franklin was not just a champion of a free press and free speech, but a journalist and publisher himself. He committed to that work because he believed in “the sacred liberty of the press” and “the liberty of discussing the propriety of public measures and political opinions.” [1] So the Constitution fervently protected the public from government control of the press and of speech.

In the modern era, there are new threats to the marketplace of ideas. The Founders could not have imagined private corporations with the power to shape, control, or stifle freedom of speech on a national scale. It was just inconceivable in an era when the town square was … a square in the middle of town.

The only electric bottleneck Ben Franklin ever encountered was tied between a kite and a key. He could not have imagined that one day that wire would carry every Federalist Paper, all of journalism, all debate, every kind of connection between citizens. 

If he had, Franklin would have immediately seen the threat we face today. If a single platform of 1’s and 0’s hosts the marketplace of ideas, whoever controls that platform controls our thoughts, and our democracy will not survive .

Today we are confronting that challenge. The rise of dominant platforms in the marketplace of ideas threatens journalism, the exchange of information, and the marketplace of ideas. Powerful corporations that stand between citizens and writers, musicians, artists, and journalists exert enormous control and influence.

This is a dynamic that is playing out in many different areas. I would like to talk today about journalism, publishing, and AI in particular. These are industries where dominant intermediaries act as gatekeepers to the information commons. And as gatekeepers, they have the ability to extract more than their fair share from both sides of the market.

But this is about so much more than the price or output of these products and services. What is at stake is speech itself. Private corporations decide what ideas are worthy, whose voices are amplified, and what messages are disseminated and to whom. What is at stake is the very way in which people gather information and make decisions, and the very existence of the people who live to share their ideas, thoughts, and creations.  

Franklin might have also seen the solution to this problem. In a world where information flows over cables between silicon chips, we need more than just the one strand he tied to his kite and key.

Competition between many platforms means a small number of dominant platforms do not have outsized power over speech. And when there are more competitors, journalists and content creators have more opportunities to bargain for the value of their content, while consumers have the ability to vote with their feet.

That is a world where private citizens can benefit from different viewpoints and make informed decisions about how they want to live their lives. Where competition among many online platforms flourishes, no one company can exercise control over the flow of information in our democracy.

In the absence of competition, there are few if any incentives to compete to offer solutions for common problems. But competition can constrain behavior and even facilitate market-based solutions—whether it be how to fairly compensate creators of content, or how to combat the spread of false information and harmful content online.

Today, I would like to talk about three areas where this dynamic is playing out.

Journalism is under threat in large part due to consolidation in the advertising market.

The statistics are staggering. In 2023, an average of 2.5 newspapers closed each week. [2] Since 2005, the country has lost one-third of its newspapers. [3] And it has lost two-thirds of its newspaper journalists in that same period. [4]

This is in no small part due to the ripple effects from changes in how advertising works. Traditionally, news organizations have relied on subscriptions and advertising to fund their reporting and to pay their journalists. But with the rise of the Internet, readers increasingly turned to online aggregators for news.

Today, the majority of Americans prefer to get their news on a digital device, rather than from TV, radio, or print. [5] Americans now get their news from news websites, searches, and from social media. [6] Social media is especially prominent. According to a recent survey, about half of U.S. adult today get news from social media at least sometimes. [7]

This means that powerful platforms are acting as middlemen between newspapers and readers. Digital advertising dollars now go to these middlemen, rather than to the journalists and news organizations that do the reporting.

In turn, newspapers now depend on these platforms for the distribution of their content. They need the platforms to reach the readership, and they have little negotiating power. And without sufficient advertising revenue, independent journalism suffers.

Competition is a key piece of the puzzle toward a solution to these problems. Competition paves the way for innovation and the development of new business models and new economic relationships.

Inter-platform competition could shift the balance of power and create different bargaining dynamics for newspapers. Competition among digital advertisers can lead the way toward a fairer compensation structure for those who do the on-the-ground reporting and write the articles.

Again, what is at stake here is not just the price of the newspaper. It is about journalism itself. It is about whether our society can support the journalists that do the hard work of separating truth from falsehood to shed light on the most important issues of our day. Without the journalists who do this work, our democracy cannot thrive.

The trend toward consolidation has threatened another industry necessary for ideas to flourish — publishing.

The Antitrust Division brought a successful challenge to halt the merger between Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster. These are two of the largest book publishers in the industry. The proposed merger would have consolidated the “big 5” publishers into the “big 4” — further tightening the oligopoly that authors faced.

But our challenge to that merger was not just based on a theory that the price of books would increase due to reduced competition. It was that the merger meant that authors would receive lower advances. That would not only harm authors, but ultimately, it could lead to fewer books and a diminished diversity of viewpoints as fewer authors would invest the time and effort to write the next best-seller.

Authors and books are more than just economic units. They are vital to the marketplace of ideas and the public discourse.

Our victory in that case protected the vital competition for books. It was a victory for authors, for readers, and for the free exchange of ideas.

  • Artificial Intelligence

Last but not least, let me turn to AI.

AI will reshape all of the information and content industries. It will change the way we consume our news. It will affect the way in which content is created. And it will change the way that we interact with information.

Without meaningful competition, the same threats that plague journalism will spread to all other content creation markets.

Generative AI leverages human creations. Journalists, authors, artists, musicians — all types of human creativity become inputs into large-scale AI models that can swallow up and regurgitate their work.

AI carries the potential to create dominant companies that can exploit monopsony power at levels we have never seen before — a dominant buyer for all of the world’s ideas.

But what incentives will there be to create if the ideas of our writers, actors, and entertainers, can simply be taken without just compensation and through the exercise of monopsony power? What incentives will there be for journalists to seek out the truth when their work is uncompensated?

What does it mean for our society if we cannot protect those who live to share the ideas and creativity with the world?

The future of free expression depends on how we answer these questions as a society. Our democratic values depend on our ability to save ideas. We must do all we can to promote competition and innovation in the industries necessary for ideas and democracy to flourish.

[1] Benjamin Franklin, An Account of the Supremest Court of Judicature in Pennsylvania, viz., The Court of the Press , The Founders’ Constitution, https://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/amendI_speechs16.html (emphasis and capitalization omitted).

[2] David Bauder, Decline in Local News Outlets is Accelerating Despite Efforts to Help , Associated Press (Nov. 16, 2023, 10:30 AM), https://apnews.com/article/local-newspapers-closing-jobs-3ad83659a6ee070ae3f39144dd840c1b.

[5] News Platform Fact Sheet , Pew Research Center (Nov. 15, 2023), https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/news-platform-fact-sheet.

[7] Social Media and News Fact Sheet , Pew Research Center (Nov. 15, 2023), https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/social-media-and-news-fact-sheet.

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University of South Florida

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Main navigation, cas chronicles, mathematics professor delivers keynote address for yeshwantrao chavan college of engineering.

  • June 26, 2024
  • Accomplishments

Dr. Hemant Pendharkar , a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics , was recently invited to deliver a keynote talk as part of Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering (YCCE) 2nd International Faculty Development Program (IFDP). The event, which was held in April, focused on “21st Century: Recent Trends, Challenges, and Future Roadmap for Transitions in Technological Generations.”

Dr. Hemant Pendharkar, professor and campus associate chair, Department of Mathematics and Statistics. (Photo courtesy of Hemant Pendharkar)

Dr. Hemant Pendharkar, professor and campus associate chair, Department of Mathematics and Statistics. (Photo courtesy of Hemant Pendharkar)

According to YCCE, this year's IFDP was “an esteemed gathering to engage presentations on the aforesaid theme from prominent intellectuals, academicians, and industry experts for the professional development of faculty members from different institutions across India and around the world. The FDP aims to provide attendees from diverse engineering disciplines with broad perspectives and a vision for enhancing their research and development activities.”

Pendharkar was one of 17 speakers who delivered remarks to faculty members, industry experts, and researchers in engineering and science fields, with the goal of strengthening attendees’ understanding of applications of their respective domains of research in engineering, learning about recent trends and challenges in technological generations, and widening their perspective and vision for future research and development activities.

Specializing in operator algebras (C*-algebras), his keynote centered on applied algebra and algorithms and highlighted the philosophical aspects of discovering mathematical connections with quantum information theory.

Formally titled “Entanglement of Structures,” Pendhardkar explored a range of explorations from artists’ imagination to cyber security professionals’ dream security locks, and a few similar examples from other areas of industry. He also discussed mathematical considerations of embedding, entanglement, and separability from a philosophical perspective.

“Embedding may be considered in many different ways – given an object, how do you ‘insert’ another and have it sit seamlessly, but yet, bring its properties that did not (seem to) exist before? For example, vectors with integer coordinates (lattice points) don’t multiply, but when coordinates of vectors (lattice points) are considered as coefficients of polynomials, then with polynomial multiplication, we induce multiplication on lattice points,” Pendharkar explained. “Hard problems in lattices such as the shortest vector problem, or the closest vector problem were tackled by embedding specific collection polynomials, called ideals of polynomials.”

From an applied sense, Pendharkar shared that hard problems in lattices are being used for developing cryptographic protocols.

“Decryption is at least as hard as solving these seemingly impossible problems. And, in a way, by embedding certain ideals of polynomials, and solving these hard problems, we eliminate such ‘ideal’ lattices from being used in lattice-based cryptography. The work that I did in this area was supported by the Office of Naval Research Fellowship (Summers of 2016-2018) for my stay at the Space and Naval Warfare laboratory, Joint Base Charleston,” he said.

Pendharkar offered a comparison to such as it relates to an artist’s craft.

“It is a generally overused line: that Communication is over the internet – a channel that may be available for eavesdropping. But how about trying to precisely decode, nay replicate, how an artist comes up with a specific color using a combination of different colors? Different colors communicate but the channel of communication is within the artist’s imagination. Even the artist may not be able to replicate that combination precisely,” he explained.

Quantum information (entanglement and separability) seems to offer the path to such secrecy.

“Personally, in this lifetime, if I could get into the way of thinking of late Professor William Arveson and how he enjoyed writing his papers on this subject, as well as, how Adi Shankaracharya figured the Advaita Vedanta (अद्वैत वेदान्त) philosophy, it would address my restlessness.”

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  • Media Center

Secondary 5G Innovation: Charting a New Course for Business Success

[Shanghai, China, June 27, 2024] During MWC Shanghai 2024, James Chen, President of Carrier Business at Huawei, delivered a keynote speech. He noted that while primary innovation unleashes technology dividends, secondary innovation accelerates business success, and pointed out that 5G is currently undergoing secondary innovation.

China has built the world's largest and most advanced 5G networks, and by May this year, the number of 5G users in China exceeded 890 million, accounting for over 52% of the global total. Bolstered by this incredible progress, information and communications technologies like 5G are rapidly developing into an integral part of every sector and domain in China.

During his keynote entitled "Secondary 5G Innovation: Charting a New Course for Business Success", Chen said, "China's success in 5G is a result of ceaseless exploration, effective practices, and endless innovation. Just as James Watt's improvements to the steam engine sparked the Industrial Revolution, secondary 5G innovation is expected to accelerate monetization in three areas – user scenarios, network-cloud-intelligence synergy, and ecosystem collaboration – for a new stage of business success."

chenhao

James Chen delivering a keynote

Scenario innovation: Reinventing the value of user groups and scenarios to accelerate multi-metric network monetization

Today, China has 150 million registered livestreaming users. Thanks to 5G's high uplink speeds and priority-based network access, operators in the country can meet these users' requirements for videos that offer higher definition and zero stuttering. Furthermore, more than 15 provincial operators in China have released livestreaming packages with guaranteed uplink speeds.

Networks are becoming increasingly capable of supporting new features like user- and service-specific acceleration, deterministic experience, and visualized user perception, and these advances will extend livestreaming to more scenarios, user groups, and applications. The value of user groups and scenarios will thus be reinvented, accelerating network monetization through different metrics. 

Integrated innovation: New gateway to industry IoT services through network-cloud-intelligence synergy

New Calling and cloud phone services will serve as a gateway to more individual digital services, while Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and Internet of Video Things (IoVT) services create new opportunities for industry connectivity. Innovation that integrates 5G, cloud, and AI will drive such services forward.

AI-generated content (AIGC) is only the starting point for New Calling to deliver unparalleled user experience. With the incubation of more consumer- and business-oriented high-value application scenarios, such as replacing traditional enterprise hotlines with AI assistants, New Calling will become even more engaging, convenient, and valuable.

Cloud phones can already deliver experiences that almost match those of physical phones. Delivering 2K resolution and latency as low as 100 ms, cloud phones are well on their way to offering higher-resolution display and smoother interaction that are comparable to those found on a physical phone.

For IoV and IoVT, RedCap technology can support connectivity services with optimal performance, at optimal cost. The RedCap ecosystem for chips, modules, and devices is already mature, meaning it allows operators to quickly establish industry benchmarks. With contiguous network coverage, alongside new capabilities like slicing and edge cloud computing, new high-value applications will be developed to support new IoT services for industries, such as smart manufacturing and industrial automation.

Collaborative innovation: E2E industry collaboration boosts video service traffic

Current video services, whether short videos, long videos, or video calls, typically deliver 540p or 720p resolution, meaning user experience has much room for improvement. As part of its efforts to improve consumer experience and maximize China's leading network capabilities, Huawei advocated "moving towards a full HD era" at the recent event "HD China: Forum on High-Quality Development of Mobile Video in the AI Era". Huawei also called on players from across the industry to collaborate on breakthroughs in glasses-free 3D content, technology, and experience, so that everyone can benefit.

In terms of 5G business success, monetization will rely heavily on reinventing the value of user groups and scenarios; services strategies will require network-cloud-intelligence synergy; and collaboration on new types of video services will be key to boosting network traffic. Concluding his speech, Chen stated that Huawei will go all out to support operators in propelling secondary 5G innovation and embracing commercial 5.5G to take 5G business success to the next level.

MWC Shanghai 2024 will be held from June 26 to June 28 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stands E10 and E50 in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).

2024 will mark the first year of commercial 5.5G, and F5.5G gigabit optical network deployment has already begun. Synergies across networks, cloud, and intelligence are set to give rise to pervasive intelligent applications and increasingly diverse user experiences. Together with global operators, industry professionals, and opinion leaders, Huawei will dive into exciting topics at this year's MWC Shanghai, like how to amplify 5G's success in the 5.5G era and how to tap into the potential of operator revenue growth to bring us even faster to the intelligent world. For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2024 .

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is a Keynote Speech? (+10 Speaker Tips to Deliver Powerfully)

    Keynote speeches are usually based on the speaker's own experiences and knowledge. They can also include motivational and inspirational elements. Effective keynote speakers often make use of storytelling as well. But the most important factor for keynote message success is audience engagement.

  2. How to Write a Keynote Speech

    3. Come up with one to three key points for the speech. A good keynote speech will have at least one to two key points, or takeaways, that the audience can engage with. Write down one to three key points that expand on the main purpose of your speech. These could be one to three terms that you are going to discuss in detail, or one to three ideas.

  3. Here's an Excellent Keynote Speech GUIDE: With 2 Great Examples

    1. Find out the theme for the day. For any first-timer, you will probably be given the theme for the day by the event organizer. But if you are an experienced speaker, I'm sure everyone will applaud anything you say. All the same, both scenarios still require you to plan and organize your thoughts for your speech.

  4. Guide to Planning, Writing, and Delivering a Killer Keynote Speech

    The best keynote speeches don't just inform—they compel the audience to take action. Keep two things top of mind as you plan: Focus on one main message (your throughline). Put yourself in the hearts and minds of your audience. Think of this as a research project as much as an exercise in empathy.

  5. What is a Keynote Speech: How to Leave a Lasting Impression

    A keynote speech is a powerful presentation given by a keynote speaker at the beginning or end of an event. It is designed to capture the audience's attention, set the tone, and provide key takeaways that attendees can apply to their lives or work. A well-crafted and captivating keynote speech can inspire, motivate, and leave a lasting impact ...

  6. What Is a Keynote? 5 Things You Should Know

    A keynote is a defining presentation or speech centered around the main theme of an event. The term "keynote" in relation to speaking is based on the musical term "key note," or the note around which the key is based. Just like a musical 'key note' defines the harmony of a composition, a keynote speech lays down the central theme or ...

  7. How to Write a Keynote Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

    A keynote speech is a presentation that is intended to inspire, motivate, and engage an audience. It's an opportunity for a speaker to share their ideas, vision, and insights on a particular topic. Unlike other presentations, a keynote speech is designed to be memorable and impactful. Good keynote speeches are able to capture the audience's ...

  8. What Is a Keynote Speech & How to Deliver One With Impact?

    A Keynote Speech, usually given at the beginning of the event, focuses on the central idea or theme for the event and elaborates on the same. It is given by someone noteworthy of presenting the same, like a professional or experienced scholar of the topic and sets the tone for the event. Keynote Speeches could also have presentations and other ...

  9. What Is a Keynote Speech? Plus 5 Steps to Help You Write One

    Essentially, a keynote speech is a speech in which you establish and develop a main (key) theme and set an overall tone (note) for the event. Often, the subject of a keynote address or keynote speech is intended to reinforce—and rally the audience around- the event's chosen theme. For example, if the theme of an event is performing at ...

  10. 8 Essential Keynote Speaker Tips You Should Know

    A keynote is a principal presentation or speech that introduces an event and is usually given by a famous speaker. It sets the frame and tone of the event by introducing a novel or big idea. The best keynote speeches are all inspirational and cover an important idea.

  11. From novice to expert: Keynote speaking tips from the pros

    A "keynote speech" used to mean the primary remarks at a formal gathering. Think of a major industry conference with a speaker's headshot plastered to a foam board on an easel, posted outside an event hall doorway. Or a high-profile guest speaker giving a motivational keynote speech at a company's annual internal event.

  12. How to Write an Effective Keynote Speech

    It's an honor to be asked to deliver a keynote — you want to be at your best. The longer a speech is, the easier it is to get lost in the text. It might take a couple of hours or half a day to write a short speech, but a keynote can take weeks to draft, edit, and finalize.Organization and outlining can save you endless hours of revisions.

  13. The Purpose of a Keynote Speech: Unveiling Its true Meaning

    A keynote speech is a presentation that sets the underlying tone and summarizes the core message or most important revelation of a meeting, conference, or event. It serves as the bridge between what was and what could be. A well choreographed keynote speech can ignite passion, spark discussion, and provoke thought.

  14. Master The Art Of A Keynote Speaker

    A keynote speech is not an essay . The spoken word and the written word are completely different. You need to write for the ear, not the page. You need to learn how to write a keynote speech. This is where a speech writer or a public speaking coach are so useful because they can help you translate your ideas into powerful spoken language. 11.

  15. What is the Purpose of a Keynote Speech?

    Keynote speeches also play a crucial role in setting the tone and creating an event or conference theme. As the opening or closing act, a keynote speech sets the stage, captures the audience's attention, and establishes the overarching message of the event. It is vital to align the keynote speech with the event's objectives and desired outcomes.

  16. 7 Steps To Preparing A Great Keynote Speech

    2. Create a presentation outline. This is the first step we ask all of our clients to do before jumping into designing the entire presentation. Structuring your ideas is essential to both the delivery and the design of your keynote speech. Many speakers, experienced or not, sadly skip this step more often than not.

  17. What is a keynote speaker? 7 things you need to know

    Keynote speeches often become the highlight of events, remembered and talked about long afterward. They have the power to ignite innovation and spark new ideas among their audience. Keynote Speakers in Various Fields. Keynote speakers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Below are just a few industries you can pull speakers from.

  18. How to Present an Engaging Keynote Speech

    A keynote speech is often the opening or closing address at an event and is designed to convey a central message, set the tone, and captivate the audience. In contrast to shorter presentations, keynote speeches provide an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into a subject matter and demonstrate the extent of the speaker's expertise.

  19. Successful as a keynote speaker: How to give a perfect keynote speech

    Infotainment refers to the clever combination of knowledge and entertainment that a good keynote speaker should possess. This requires rhetoric at the very highest level, as well as the prerequisite, Expert in a particular field (e.g. digitization). If a keynote speaker combines the art of infotainment with terrific rhetoric and expert ...

  20. How to Create a Keynote Speech?

    A keynote speech is a kind of speech that has a main underlying theme. The keynote speech is generally used in gathering such as a political and industrial convention. On the other hand, the keynote speech also has a purpose to motivate and inspire the audience just like a persuasive speech. The Anatomy of a Keynote Speech. Prepare your keynote ...

  21. The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Hosting a Keynote Speaker

    With 19 years of experience as a motivational speaker, having spoken in 28 countries and engaged audiences from a single person to 40,000 in virtual and in-person events, I've learned what it takes to deliver a great keynote speech. A keynote speaker can significantly influence the success of an event by inspiring and enlightening attendees.

  22. How Long Should A Keynote Speech Be?

    The length of your keynote speech should primarily depend on your audience. Consider their attention span, interests, and the nature of the event. For corporate audiences or industry conferences, a 30 to 45-minute keynote is often suitable. However, for more diverse or general audiences, shorter speeches of 20 to 30 minutes might be preferable.

  23. What Would Ted Lasso Say? Jason Sudeikis Just Ditched His SHRM Keynote

    The 'Ted Lasso' creator didn't believe in HR enough to show up to give a speech. Newsletters; Subscribe ... Celebrity Talent says Sudeikis charges between $300,000-$499,000 for a keynote address.

  24. Xbox Boss Phil Spencer to Kick Off PAX West 2024 With Storytime Speech

    PAX West 2024 kicks off with a "storytime" speech from Xbox boss Phil Spencer, co-organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade have announced. At PAX West 2024, which runs from August 30 to September 2 ...

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    During his speech to the group of religious conservative voters, Trump repeated that even if states want to restrict abortion, he supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and life-threatening ...

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    The fifth area in which we are striving to address complexity is in our work with the ISSB. The IASB is working closely with the ISSB to address the growing demand for connectivity. There has been a shift in perspective on the role of financial statements within the broader corporate reporting system.

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    Former President Trump delivered the keynote address at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's Road to Majority Conference just days ahead of his first debate with President Biden

  28. Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter Delivers Keynote at Open

    Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter Delivers Keynote at Open Markets Institute's "Fixing the Information Crisis Before It's Too Late (for Democracy)" ... ideas. The Founders could not have imagined private corporations with the power to shape, control, or stifle freedom of speech on a national scale. It was just inconceivable in an ...

  29. Mathematics professor delivers keynote address for Yeshwantrao Chavan

    Dr. Hemant Pendharkar, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, was recently invited to deliver a keynote talk as part of Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering (YCCE) 2nd International Faculty Development Program (IFDP).The event, which was held in April, focused on "21st Century: Recent Trends, Challenges, and Future Roadmap for Transitions in Technological ...

  30. Secondary 5G Innovation: Charting a New Course for Business ...

    [Shanghai, China, June 27, 2024] During MWC Shanghai 2024, James Chen, President of Carrier Business at Huawei, delivered a keynote speech. He noted that while primary innovation unleashes technology dividends, secondary innovation accelerates business success, and pointed out that 5G is currently undergoing secondary innovation.