Executing a truly impactful keynote experience is both an art and a science. It requires careful planning, strategic implementation, and a deep understanding of the audience.

In this article, our team of seasoned keynote speaker booking agents share tips and strategies that can help event organizers maximize the impact of their conferences and events. With decades of experience between them serving and working within the events industry, their invaluable advice will help you unlock the transformative potential of keynote speeches.

Book a Pre-Event Call with Your Keynote Speaker

Bryce Moloney, Speakers Spotlight’s Senior Vice President, has been an esteemed member of our sales team since 2008. With over 16 years of experience, Bryce knows what it takes to help clients ensure they’re setting themselves up for success when engaging an expert speaker. The number one thing he recommends clients do to maximize the impact of a keynote event — whether its virtual or in-person — is to book a pre-event call with their speaker.

These pre-event calls are an opportunity for clients to debrief their speaker on many important details, including:

• Why they wanted to hire a keynote speaker for their audience.
• The unique situation their audience is in and the opportunities or challenges facing their organization.
• Their desired outcomes and objectives from this keynote presentation.

The better the debrief, Bryce says, the better prepared the speakers will be. More insider information helps a conference speaker tailor their content to your audience and their unique needs, support the desired messaging of your company, and set the correct tone for the overall event.

Hear more from Bryce in the video below:

Leave Time for a Q&A

Delivering a captivating keynote presentation is just one part of the equation. Sometimes, the real magic happens during the question-and-answer (Q&A) session that follows. This unscripted discussion between a speaker and their audience not only adds a new dimension to the experience but can also play a pivotal role in fostering deeper engagement and understanding.

These unguarded, unanticipated exchanges, Bryce said, add texture to the audience’s experience, creating a more dynamic atmosphere. Speakers Spotlight’s Chief Operating Officer Paula Sage — who was a long-time client before joining our team — agreed with Bryce, adding that she always enjoyed incorporating Q&As because they give the speaker a chance to showcase more of their personality. This adds an extra element of authenticity that can enrich the overall event experience.

Q&As are also a true test of knowledge, added Martin Perelmuter, Speakers Spotlight’s Co-Founder and President. The ability to navigate unscripted questions with confidence demonstrates a true mastery of the subject matter and fosters a genuine dialogue with the audience. This can create a transformative experience that resonates long after the event has ended.

Discover more about the true value of a speaker Q&A in the video below:

Never Underestimate the Power of an Introduction

You may be surprised to hear this, but an introduction can actually make or break a keynote event!

A keynote speaker’s introduction serves the crucial role of setting the right tone, establishing credibility, and building anticipation among an audience. It also provides essential context for the speaker’s message. It can help the audience understand the relevance and significance of the upcoming presentation while also aligning the speaker’s expertise, background, and accomplishments with the event theme and/or objective.

Watch Martin dig further into the important role an introduction plays in the success of a keynote event with Kelly MacDonald, Speakers Spotlight’s Executive Vice President. Both have three decades of experience working in the speaking industry and have attended their fair share of events to understand the power an introduction has in elevating a keynote speech to the next level. 

Work with an Expert Team

Speakers Spotlight has been serving the speaking and events industry since 1995 and proudly represents some of the world’s most renowned keynote speakers and leading industry experts.

Whether you’re organizing a global conference, corporate summit, or public event, contact us to learn how we can help you find the right speaker for your audience.

This marks the launch of our new content series, Behind the Spotlight — your ticket to the inner workings of the speaking industry. This monthly series will feature our incredible team — one of the most experienced in the industry — sharing tips and insights to help meeting and event planners maximize the impact of their events through the power of a great speech.