February 23, 2023

Finding the right keynote speaker for your event is not just a matter of chance. A lot of effort and planning goes into hiring the right person to set the tone and make an impact on your audience.

The right keynote speaker has the power to inspire, motivate, and engage your audience, making your event a memorable and successful one. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best speaker for your audience?

In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when hiring a keynote speaker and how you can find the right voice for your event.

Define Your Event’s Objectives

The first step in choosing a keynote speaker is to define your event’s objectives. What is the purpose of your event?

Are you looking to inspire and motivate your attendees, educate them on a specific topic, or simply entertain them?

Knowing what you want to achieve with your event will help you determine the type of speaker that would best meet your needs. For example, if you’re looking to educate your audience, you may want to consider hiring a subject matter expert. On the other hand, if you want to inspire and motivate your attendees, a motivational speaker may be the best choice.

Consider Your Audience

Once you have defined your event’s objectives, it’s time to consider your audience. What are their needs, interests, and expectations?

Knowing your audience is critical in choosing the right keynote speaker. For example, if your audience is composed of executives and business leaders, you may want to consider a speaker who specializes in leadership and innovation. On the other hand, if your audience is made up of students, you may want to choose a speaker who can inspire and motivate them to reach their full potential.

Consider Your Budget

The next factor to consider when hiring a keynote speaker is your budget. Keynote speakers vary in price, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

It’s important to have a clear understanding of your budget before you start searching for a speaker. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you don’t overspend on a speaker who may not be the best fit for your event.

Get Our Guide: Curate the perfect fit for your event

Evaluate Their Style

Once you have a list of potential speakers, it’s time to evaluate their style.

How do they present their message? Are they engaging and dynamic, or do they rely on slides and other props? Do they have a unique presentation approach, or are they generic?

Evaluating a speaker’s style will give you an idea of whether they would be a good fit for your audience.

Check Their Availability

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential speakers, it’s important to check their availability.

Some keynote speakers are in high demand and may not be available for your event. It’s important to confirm the speaker’s availability as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

You may also want to consider alternative dates or times if the speaker you want is not available.

Review Their Testimonials and References

Finally, it’s essential to review a speaker’s testimonials and references before making your final decision. Testimonials and references are a great way to get an idea of a speaker’s performance, style, and ability to connect with an audience.

Look for testimonials from people who have attended events similar to your own and who can provide insight into how well the speaker performed. This could be done via Speaker Rating or Google Reviews

Finding the right keynote speaker for your event is not a task that should be taken lightly. A lot of planning and research goes into choosing the right person to set the tone and make an impact.

Navigating the World of Professional Speaking: Guide for Event Planners

Center Stage: Dr. Mary Kelly