Notes for Conference Keynote Speakers

If you are chosen to be a keynote speaker at an event, chances are you are already an engaging and wonderful speaker. However, if you could use a few tips for improving your keynote speech, this article is for you. Below are a few tips for conference keynote speakers that can help improve your presentation and make it more memorable for those who are in your audience.

Know Your Purpose and Stay on Topic

When you are the keynote speaker, it is essential that you stay on task and stick to your topic. Once you get the assignment of your topic, do extensive research and planning to make sure you are well-prepared with your presentation and speech. If you get off track or off subject, you will lose the attention of the audience. Being prepared and ready will increase your chances of being successful. Rehearsing doesn’t hurt, either!

Stay Connected

Connecting with, and staying connected to, your audience is very important in being a keynote speaker. The audience is there for a reason. They want to learn and be engaged and if they are not, it won’t matter what the topic is, you will lose their attention. Being in tune with the audience and connecting with them in some way will help gain and keep their attention. Your content in your speech should be informative but also entertaining enough to keep the audience’s attention.
Your delivery should be precise yet compelling. Whatever you can do to keep the audience’s attention will help you along the way. While you are called to be a comedian, telling a joke or funny story is a great way to connect with your audience. However, use jokes sparingly and appropriately. Also, keep in mind that your audience might have been in meetings and other speeches all day prior to yours, so do what you can to keep them involved.

Use Visuals

Let’s be honest, it is sometimes difficult to sit and listen intently to someone on stage without the use of a visual. Utilizing power point and other visuals will help make your presentation memorable and engaging. Being efficient in power point can truly add another level to your keynote speech and add a higher quality to your presentation. Using both words and images in your power point presentation, and possible music or videos will add an additional element to your speech.