What is a Keynote Speaker and How Do You Find the Right One?

A keynote speaker is a person who gives a speech that is meant to inspire the audience. This type of speaker is often thought of as an expert in their field and their speeches are meant to inform and educate the crowd. A keynote speaker can be hired for a variety of events, including conventions, conferences, and meetings. 

When choosing a keynote speaker, it is important to consider the audience and the theme of the event. The speaker should be someone who will resonate with the crowd and deliver a speech that is relevant to the event. There are many ways to find a keynote speaker, including using a speakers bureau, asking for referrals and finding them on LinkedIn (link to my linkedin profile)

What Are The Different Types Of Keynote Speakers?

There are many different types of keynote speakers, but some of the most popular include: 

* Celebrity speakers- these are people who are famous for their work in entertainment, sports, or another field. Hiring a celebrity keynote speaker can add star power to your event and help draw in attendees. 

* Industry leaders- these are people who have achieved success in their field and are considered experts in their industry. They can provide valuable insights and perspectives on trends and changes in the industry. 

* Motivational speakers- these speakers focus on inspiring the audience to take action. They often share personal stories and examples of how they have overcome obstacles in their own lives, global events and cultural shared experiences.

* Experts/Thought leaders- these are people who are at the forefront of new ideas and thinking in their field. They can provide valuable insights into new trends and changes that may impact the future of industry, culture and/or teams. 

It is important to consider the type of speaker that will best fit your event before making a decision. What do your attendees care about? Who will resonate with your audience? What are the messages and energy your attendees need most right now? Is your an event a ticketed event that may need a big celebrity name to attract attendees - or is it your annual all-hands team meeting and content/motivation is much more important to kick off the year ahead? There’s a lot to consider so what should you do?

How To Choose The Right Keynote Speaker For Your Event?

Now that you know more about some of the different types of keynote speakers that are available, it’s time to start thinking about how to choose the right one for your event. Here are some factors to consider: 

* The theme of your event- you want to make sure that the speaker you choose is someone who will be able to speak on the topics that are relevant to your event. For example, if you are hosting a conference on leadership, you may want to consider hiring an industry leader or motivational speaker. 

* The size of your event- if you are hosting a large ticketed conference, you may want to consider hiring a celebrity speaker or someone who is well-known in their industry. 

* Your event location- with today’s travel hiccups, hiring local may be a smart move if you’re hosting your event in winter with snow being a challenge. For example, I live here and keynote alot for Charlotte conferences and association meetings - it’s a win-win when you do not have to worry about travel delays with your speaker! 

* Your budget- hiring a polished, professional keynote speaker has a range of costs dependent on demand (among other things). When you consider hiring a keynote speaker, make sure you know your budget and consider offering a keynote speaker sponsorship option for sponsors if that is part of your event model.

Hiring a keynote speaker can be a great way to add value to your event. When choosing a keynote speaker, it’s important to consider the theme of your event, the size of your event, and your budget. There are many different types of keynote speakers available, so there is sure to be one that is perfect for your needs - a great keynote speaker can set the tone for your company’s year ahead, large event and happy attendees!

Rachel Sheerin is an award-winning keynote speaker, emcee and burnout expert. Interested in learning more about Rachel for your event? Contact us today!