How a Keynote Speaker Can Make or Break an Event

You've put in months of work organizing your upcoming conference. The venue is booked, sessions are planned, and attendees have registered. But there's one big wildcard that could make or break your event: the keynote speaker. As the opening act who sets the tone for everything that follows, this individual is crucial. According to AAE, surveyed event organizers say that the top three most important considerations when choosing a keynote speaker are budget (75.5%), relevant speaking topics (65.7%), and compelling stories (52.4%). Here's what you need to know to make sure your speaker selection is a success.

Consider Relevance

One of the top considerations is finding a keynote speaker whose topic is relevant to your audience. You want someone who can speak directly to the interests and needs of the people in the room. Do your research to find speakers who are true experts on issues or trends that are top of mind for your industry. A relevant keynote gets attendees excited and primes them for the sessions to follow.

Focus on Fit

Another top priority is finding a speaker who fits within your budget constraints. Big names come with big fees, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank. Consider up-and-coming speakers or thought leaders from related fields who can deliver a great keynote at a fraction of the cost. Also, don’t underestimate the power of referrals. Asking your network for keynote speaking recommendations can uncover affordable options a simple web search wouldn't find.

Look for Intriguing Narratives

Event planners also rank a speaker's ability to tell compelling stories as a top priority. A keynote packed with dry statistics and bullet points is forgettable. Look for a speaker who uses humor, personal anecdotes, and emotion to drive their points home. Storytelling brings key messages to life and forges powerful connections with the audience.

Do Your Homework

Don’t leave the keynote speaking selection to chance. Take time to thoroughly research potential speakers’ backgrounds, speaking styles, and presentation topics. Check out videos of past talks to get a feel for how they connect with crowds, and read reviews or testimonials to make sure they have a track record of delivering impactful keynote addresses. The more due diligence you do upfront, the more confident you’ll feel in your choice.

You have the chance to set the stage for an unforgettable event with your opening keynote. Keep these priorities in mind during your search process to find someone who informs, inspires, and engages your attendees. With the right keynote speaker, you’ll be kicking things off on just the right note. If you're looking for an engaging keynote speaker, reach out to With Joe Rivera today.