how to write keynote speech

Here’s an Excellent Keynote Speech GUIDE: With 2 Great Examples

You’ve probably been asked to give a keynote speech and you are afraid of it. Well, if you’ve never done this before, then there’s no need to panic. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start with the basics, shall we?

So, what is a keynote speech?

Being asked to give a keynote speech in front of a large audience can be a little intimidating. However, it’s the greatest honor to be selected as a keynote speaker. That said, you must deliver the best speech you possibly can.

How to prepare a keynote speech

Keynote speeches are very important. With that in mind, it’s one of the best opportunities for you and your business. Therefore, if you’ve been asked to be the keynote speaker, take advantage of such an opportunity. But, first, you will have to prepare your speech:

1. Find out the theme for the day

Basically, there are three main types of speeches. They include motivational, educational, and entertaining speeches. Start by deciding the type of speech you’d like to go with. But whatever your choice will be, remember that you are going up there to add value to your audience and not brag about your achievements and who you are. Therefore, if you are not going to motivate, educate, or even entertain your audience, then there’s no reason for you do go up there. Don’t do it, period!

2. Outline your presentation

Before jumping into designing your presentation, the first step is to ensure you have a clear outline of your speech. The structure is vital to the design of your keynote speech and also to your delivery of it all.

Sadly, most speakers always skip this part. And, it’s usually visible in their delivery and line of thought. The best way to handle this situation is by creating a sort of blueprint for your presentation which will include:

3. Now fill each section

Make sure that you are brief and clear when filling each section. More importantly, don’t crowd up your content. You will also need to ensure you have most of the keywords in your mind. This will save you the time you use to check on your keynote speech instead of maintaining eye contact with the crowd.

4. Make the work visually attractive

5. add personal stories.

Play a game, add a question, or simply just maintain eye contact with your audience. This will help you gain their full attention throughout your speech.

6. Finally, rehearse

There’s no shortcut in this section. For you to present a killer speech in front of your audience without sounding nervous is through research. By rehearsing your speech several times, you can understand what it means to your audience and also see places where you can improve your speech.

Now that you already know how to get ready for your speech, let’s take on how to open a keynote speech.

The next points of discussion are: how to open a keynote speech, how long should a keynote speech be, and some great examples of keynote speeches. Before digging into that, let me add below some of the top related and interesting articles that can add to what you’re learning from this one. If any of the titles picks your interest, please click and open in a new tab, so you can check them out later. Enjoy!

8 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ACE ANY JOB INTERVIEW

Top 7 core interpersonal skills in leadership.

At any time, a leader is seen as one who guides one or more people to fulfill something stipulated; today, however, we understand that this journey comprises the achievement of results and the evolution, in some way, of all who participate in the process. Leaders are people with high power to inspire those around them,…

An Easy Guide to All 15 Types of Speech

How to open a keynote speech.

The audience will lean in to try and hear your first few words. And at that moment, the audience will form their first impression of you with the first words you utter. An example of the first opening words include, ‘um, good evening everyone….I’m happy to be here in front of you. I will like to thank you so-so-so-so much…..’

Before we go into how to open your keynote speech…

I would like to announce that you can get more insightful tips and how-to’s from our recently launched eBook, now available at Barnes & Noble , at $4.99. We tried to pack it with valuable information and price it below $5 to be as inclusive as possible with our pricing. Click below and Get a Copy!

Key tips on the opening statement in your keynote speech

How long should a keynote speech be.

You will know when the keynote does not last long enough when the message said by the speaker doesn’t have a deep effect on the audience. Additionally, the length of the keynote speech depends on the time allocated to the event.

Examples of Excellent Keynote Speeches

If you follow the instructions above, you won’t even need examples to sharpen your skills. However, here are some of the examples you can check out to give you a deeper understanding of keynote speeches

To wrap it all up…

A keynote speech is an incredible way to get over public speaking and be able to introduce yourself to the audience. It doesn’t matter the number of people in the gathering. Always remember to count every opportunity that comes your way.

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

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How to Write a Keynote Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keynote speeches are an important part of many events, from corporate conferences and seminars to graduations and charity galas. If you have been tasked with delivering a keynote speech, you may be wondering where to start and how to create a presentation that will resonate with your audience. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll provide you with the tools and tips to help you write a compelling keynote speech that will leave a lasting impression on your listeners.

Understanding the Purpose of a Keynote Speech

A keynote speech serves as the foundation for the entire event. It sets the tone, establishes the main theme, and creates a connection between the speaker and the audience. Before you start working on your keynote speech, it's important to understand the various elements that make up a successful presentation.

When preparing for a keynote speech, it's important to consider the audience and their expectations. The speech should be tailored to the specific event and audience to ensure maximum impact. This means taking into account the demographics of the audience, their interests, and their level of expertise in the topic being discussed.

Additionally, a good keynote speech should be well-structured and organized. It should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the audience's attention and set the tone for the speech. The body should provide relevant and interesting information, and the conclusion should summarize the main points and leave the audience with a memorable takeaway.

Defining a Keynote Speech

A keynote speech is a presentation that is intended to inspire, motivate, and engage an audience. It's an opportunity for a speaker to share their ideas, vision, and insights on a particular topic. Unlike other presentations, a keynote speech is designed to be memorable and impactful. Good keynote speeches are able to capture the audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout the presentation.

One of the key elements of a successful keynote speech is the ability to tell a story. People are naturally drawn to stories, and a well-crafted story can help to convey a message in a memorable and impactful way. The story should be relevant to the topic being discussed and should help to illustrate the main points of the speech.

The Role of a Keynote Speaker

The role of a keynote speaker is to act as a thought leader and inspire the audience by conveying a compelling message that is relevant and meaningful to the event. They represent the values and goals of the event, and their speech should be aligned with the overall theme of the conference or gathering. The speaker should also be able to connect with the audience on a personal level, creating a memorable experience.

Another important aspect of being a keynote speaker is the ability to engage the audience. This can be done through the use of humor, storytelling, and interactive elements. Engaging the audience helps to keep them interested and invested in the presentation, which can lead to a more memorable and impactful experience.

Setting the Tone for the Event

A well-crafted keynote speech sets the tone for the entire event. The speech should establish the main theme, outline the goals of the conference, and motivate the audience to become more engaged. The speaker must understand the challenges facing the audience and offer insights that will help them overcome those obstacles.

In addition to setting the tone, a keynote speech can also help to build excitement and anticipation for the rest of the event. By providing a memorable and impactful experience, the audience will be more likely to stay engaged throughout the event and take away valuable insights and information.

Overall, a keynote speech is an important element of any event. It sets the tone, establishes the main theme, and creates a connection between the speaker and the audience. By understanding the various elements that make up a successful keynote speech, you can create a presentation that is memorable, impactful, and tailored to the specific needs of your audience.

Knowing Your Audience

One of the key elements of a successful keynote speech is understanding your audience. The more you know about the people you are addressing, the better equipped you are to craft a message that will resonate with them.

Researching Your Audience

Before you start writing your keynote speech, it's essential to research your audience. You need to know what their interests are, what motivates them, and what challenges they are facing. This will help you tailor your message to their needs and create a connection with them.

Adapting Your Message to the Audience

Once you have researched your audience, you need to adapt your message to their needs. This means using language and examples that resonate with them. You want to craft a message that is not only relevant but also compelling and memorable.

Engaging the Audience

Engaging your audience is the key to a successful keynote speech. You want to connect with them on a personal level and create an emotional response. This can be done through the use of storytelling, humor, and interactive exercises. It's essential to keep the audience engaged throughout your speech, so they leave feeling inspired and motivated.

Crafting a Compelling Message

A keynote speech needs to have a clear and compelling message that resonates with your audience. You want to provide insights and offer a new perspective that will leave a lasting impact.

Identifying Your Main Points

Your keynote speech should have a clear structure that outlines the main points you want to convey to your audience. Identify the key messages you want to communicate and how they relate to the event's theme. Make sure these key points are relevant to your audience.

Developing a Strong Thesis

Your thesis statement is the central message of your keynote speech. It should be clear, concise, and compelling. Your thesis should capture the main idea of your presentation and should be an underlying theme throughout your speech.

Using Stories and Examples

Stories and examples are a great way to engage your audience and make your message relatable. Use real-life examples and stories to illustrate your main points and help the audience understand the impact of your message.

Organizing Your Keynote Speech

The structure of your keynote speech is essential to its success. Proper organization helps the audience follow your message and stay engaged from start to finish.

Creating an Outline

A clear outline is the foundation of your presentation. It helps you create a roadmap that outlines the key elements of your keynote speech and ensures that you don't miss any important points. The outline should be structured in a logical order that makes sense to your audience.

Structuring Your Speech

Your keynote speech should have a clear structure that follows your outline. Begin with an opening that captures the audience's attention and establishes the main theme. Move on to the body of your speech, which should be structured around your main points. Finally, conclude your speech by summarizing your message and leaving the audience with a clear call to action.

Balancing Information and Entertainment

The best keynote speeches strike a balance between providing valuable information and entertaining the audience. You don't want to overload your listeners with too much information, as they may become overwhelmed. Use humor, personal anecdotes, and real-life examples to keep the audience engaged and entertained.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Keynote Speech

Chatgpt prompt.

Please craft a speech that will serve as the main address at an event, providing a comprehensive and engaging overview of the theme or purpose of the occasion. This speech should be well-crafted and thoughtfully written, incorporating a clear and compelling message that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impression.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Writing a successful keynote speech takes time, preparation, and effort. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you'll be able to create a speech that is engaging, inspiring, and memorable. Remember, the key to a successful keynote speech is understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and delivering it in an organized and entertaining way. So, get ready to inspire and motivate your audience with your powerful keynote speech!

How to Write a Keynote Speech

Last Updated: October 28, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 109,758 times.

A good keynote speech is gripping and inspiring. It sets the tone for the event, program, or conference, and it can really unify the audience. If you’ve been invited to write and give a keynote speech (congrats!), you might not be sure where to start, or maybe you’re looking for tips to elevate your speech to the next level. Either way, we’ve got you covered! This article will walk you through how to craft a memorable keynote speech from start to finish.

Brainstorming Ideas for the Keynote Speech

Step 1 Determine the purpose of the speech.

If there is a theme of the event, you may use this as your purpose or inspiration for the speech. For example, if the theme of the event is “Social Responsibility,” the purpose of your speech may be to explore your experiences with social responsibility on a professional and personal level.

Step 2 Identify the interests of your audience.

For example, if your audience is within an age range of 20-30 and are social responsibility advocates, you may make the speech light, engaging, and full of specialized language that you know your audience will understand.

Step 3 Come up with one to three key points for the speech.

For example, if you are writing a speech around the theme of social responsibility, you may focus on three key points: the history of social responsibility, the current state of social responsibility, and where social responsibility is headed next.

Step 4 Read examples of keynote speeches.

You can find the top keynote speeches of 2016 at https://www.bigspeak.com/best-keynote-speakers-of-2016 .

Crafting the Keynote Speech

For example, if you are writing a keynote speech on diversity in the classroom, you may tell a story about a student of color that you worked with in your classroom as a teacher.
You may also look in the news for a story about a student of color who publicly spoke out about difficulties with diversity in the classroom, preferably a news story based in your area or country.

For example, if the purpose of your speech is to discuss social responsibility in the corporate world, you may open with a fact about how consumers tend to buy more if a brand is socially responsible.

For example, your purpose may appear as, “I am here today to talk to you about social responsibility, the theme of this conference and the theme of much of my professional work.”

For example, you may make a funny aside that is self-deprecating, such as, “I wasn’t always a great teacher. Sometimes, I was known as the fun teacher or the angry teacher. Not always the great one.”

For example, you may highlight terms like “unity,” “engagement,” and “social consciousness” in your speech by returning to them at least twice. You may begin the speech by mentioning these terms and then return to them again later in the speech.

Step 6 Write the speech in your natural voice.

For example, you may use a funny saying that you use with your students in your classroom in the speech. Or you may use less formal words and terms to keep the tone of the speech conversational.

Step 7 Wrap up the speech with a call to action.

For example, you may have a call to action that refers to the story or fact you used at the beginning of your speech: “Just like my student who reached out to a peer in need, I ask you all now to be vulnerable, to try to reach out to someone in your community who needs help.”

Polishing the Keynote Speech

When you read the speech aloud, notice if you skip over any words. You may be able to remove any words you skip over for flow.
If you read the speech aloud to others, you can ask them for feedback. Ask them if they found any parts of the speech boring or hard to follow. Be open to getting constructive feedback on the speech so it is at its best.

Correct punctuation is especially important if you are going to read the speech aloud to an audience, as the punctuation will tell you when to pause or take a breath. Often, a comma means pausing in your speech and a period means taking a short breath.

Step 3 Revise the speech for clarity and length.

If there is a time constraint for the speech, you should also time yourself reading the speech to confirm it is within the limit.

Expert Q&A

↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mitch-ditkoff/post_3868_b_1868754.html
↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/Magazine/Articles/Six-Rules-of-Humor
↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffschmitt/2013/07/16/10-keys-to-writing-a-speech/#25d3cdba4fb7
↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/11-2-steps-of-a-conclusion/
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/reading-aloud/
↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/editing-and-proofreading-techniques

About This Article

A good keynote speech is inspiring and can set the tone for an entire event. Start your speech with an engaging anecdote to grab your listeners' attention. The story can be from your own experience and should relate to the topic of the event. Then, tell your audience what the purpose of your speech is. You might say something like, “I am here to talk to you today about social responsibility, which is the theme of the conference and the theme of my professional work." Use a little humor and a light-hearted tone to keep the speech engaging and make it more memorable. Make sure to write the speech along the lines of how you normally talk so it sounds natural when read out loud. At the end of your speech, finish with a strong call to action. This part of the speech should compel listeners to do something to help the cause. For example, if you're giving a speech for a humane society, you may encourage listeners to volunteer at their local shelter. To learn how to polish your keynote speech, read more from our Writing co-author! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Presentations
Public Speaking

What Is a Keynote Speech? (+10 Speaker Tips to Deliver Powerfully)

Bahasa Indonesia

Being asked to give a keynote speech can be a little intimidating, especially if you've never given one before. You may even be wondering: what is a keynote address?

Keynote speeches are important and being asked to give a keynote talk can be a great opportunity for you and your business. So, if you're asked, consider taking advantage of the opportunity. But first, you'll need to learn a little bit more about keynote speeches.

In this short tutorial, we'll cover what you need to know about giving a keynote message. We'll provide you with a keynote address definition. We'll provide you with some good keynote speech examples. Plus, we'll cover ten tips to help you become a better keynote speaker.

For valuable tips on how to create a top-notch presentation, be sure to download our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It'll help you master the complete presentation process.

What Is a Keynote Speech?

So, you're probably wondering what a keynote speech is and how it differs from any other speech you might give. A keynote address is typically given to set the theme for an event . Examples might include the main speaker at business conference or even a guest speaker at a graduation.

Keynote speakers are sometimes well-known figures or even celebrities. In other instances, depending upon the audience, they may just be someone who's very accomplished in their field. Keynote speakers are often paid for their services and a professional keynote speaker who is in demand can earn quite a bit. Even if you've never given a keynote message before, being asked to give one is both an honor and a great opportunity.

Keynote speeches are usually based on the speaker's own experiences and knowledge. They can also include motivational and inspirational elements. Effective keynote speakers often make use of storytelling as well. But the most important factor for keynote message success is audience engagement. The keynote speaker needs to capture and hold the audience's attention and set the tone for the entire event.

If you're trying to learn about a particular type of public speaking, hearing an example can help. One good example of a good keynote speech comes from Oprah Winfrey, who gave the keynote address at the 2018 commencement for the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. You can listen to her speech for yourself:

For even more examples of effective speeches, many of which could serve as keynote addresses, study this roundup of some of my favorite Ted Talks:

How to Make Your Presentation Stand Out With a Slideshow

If the keynote address you'll be giving will include a slideshow presentation, you need to make sure that slideshow is the best it can be. Part of making effective use of a slideshow is to make sure that your presentation design is attractive and eye-catching. Admittedly, this can be tough to do if you're not a professional designer.

Fortunately, there's any easy way to create an engaging slideshow even if you're not a designer yourself. Envato Elements is a great way to find beautiful presentation templates for any need. These professionally designed templates will help your slideshow to really stand out. Plus, you'll be able download stock photos, WordPress and web templates, graphics, and more—all for a single flat rate! Download as much as you need as often as you need it. This is just the type of service a busy professional needs.

But even if you're sure you're only going to give the one presentation and you don't need any of the other assets available through Envato Elements, we've still got you covered. You can purchase an affordable, one-time download of a professional slideshow template through GraphicRiver.

Now that you know where to find good slideshow templates, you may be wondering which templates to pick. The template roundup below can help:

Now that we've discussed how to use a slideshow for your keynote message, it's time to examine some tips for giving a better keynote speech.

Speaker Tips for Giving a Keynote Speech

You're pulling your keynote message together and you need to make sure it's effective. But it's been a while since you've given a speech, or maybe this is your first one. How can you make sure your speech is a success?

Here are ten tips for public speakers that'll help you deliver a powerful keynote address:

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is vital for any public speaker, but it's especially important for keynote speakers since it's vital that they establish rapport with their audience and also because they set the tone for the entire event. So, as early in the speech preparation as possible, give some thought to who you'll speaking to. Tailor your speech to their needs and interests. Ask yourself these questions:

Who'll be listening to this speech?
What do they already know?
What do they need to know?

What are these listeners interested in?

If you know nothing about your audience, try asking the contact person who invited you to speak.

2. Do Your Research

If you've been asked to give a keynote speech, there's a good chance that you're already quite familiar with your topic. But don't take that knowledge for granted. Double-check your facts. Also, look for recent developments and include any relevant updates to your material. Pay special attention to information that'll be useful to your listeners.

3. Tell a Story

Storytelling is a great way to connect with an audience. If you've got personal experiences that your audience can relate to turning those into a story can often help engage your audience. Even if you don't have personal experiences, you may be able to share the experiences of others. For example, sharing the story of how a client successfully overcame an obstacle may inspire your listeners—especially if they've faced a similar obstacle.

4. Consider Giving an Interactive Presentation

Adding an interactive element to your keynote message is another way to capture your audience's attention. There are several types of interactive elements you can add including getting audience feedback in real-time and incorporating a Q&A session into your presentation. To learn more about interactive presentations, review this tutorial:

5. Practice Your Speech

Like any other speech you might give, you should practice a keynote speech until you're very familiar with the material. Strive to know your speech topic so well that you could talk about it without your notes if you needed to. As you practice, use your presentation notes or outline as a prompt rather than reading your speech. If possible, practice the speech in front of a friend or family member who's willing to provide feedback. The following tutorial includes a checklist for practicing a speech that could be helpful:

6. Overcome Your Fear

Does the idea of getting in front of an audience and talking make you uncomfortable? Well, you're certainly not alone. Studies from the National Institute of Health (and other sources) have shown that as much as 77% of the general public may fear public speaking. With a keynote message the fear and pressure is sometimes greater since the presentation is such an integral part of the event. Fortunately, there are methods you can use to overcome the fear of public speak ranging from positive self-talk to body language and more. In the tutorial below you'll discover over 20 ways to fight the fear of public speaking:

7. Stay Focused on Your Goal

If you're giving a speech, it's easy to become distracted. Unfortunately, if you stray too far from your topic you're likely to lose the interest of your listeners. This is where your speaker notes can be particularly helpful. Make sure that your speaker notes are visible (and use a large enough font that you can read them easily). If you do lose your pace or feel you've gone off topic, don't be afraid of a brief pause while you check your outline. You can learn more about creating speaker notes to your presentation tool in these short tutorials:

8. Be Brief

Avoid overexplaining the topic of your keynote address. You can do this by stating each point once followed by your supporting detail for that point (including slides and other visual aids). Next, summarize the point and move on to the next point. If you expected the audience to react to a point and they don't respond in the manner you expected, resist the temptation to go back over the point. Finally, when your presentation is complete you can restate the main purpose of your talk. Being brief and being focused matter and the audience will appreciate you for it.

9. Get Enough Sleep

You probably already suspect that you're not at your best when you go without sleep. Now science supports what you've always suspected—lack of sleep negatively impacts your performance . So, do your best to get a good night's sleep before your keynote talk. But that may be easier said than done--especially if you're at a business conference where there's a temptation to stay up late socializing and visiting with colleagues and potential clients. There are some practical steps you can take, even when you're traveling, to improve your sleep. You'll find some of those steps in this tutorial:

10. Share It Online

Once your keynote address is over, you can still benefit from it. One way to do that is to share your speech online. Sharing your speech online helps you to reach a larger audience than you initially spoke too. There are a number of ways to share your speech online, including:

YouTube. This popular site is useful for sharing video presentations.
Vimeo. Another site that can help you to share a live presentation.
Facebook live. You can live stream your presentation through Facebook.
Other social media . You can include a link to your presentation on most other social media sites.
Your website . Including a video on your own website can be a great way to impress clients and prospective clients.
SlideShare . If your keynote address included a slideshow presentation, you can share it on SlideShare.
Email . You can also share links to your keynote speech through email.

To learn more about sharing your keynote address, study these tutorials:

Make Great Presentations ( Free PDF eBook Download )

We also have the perfect complement to this tutorial, which will walk you through the complete presentation process. Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully.

Download our new eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It's available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter.

Your Takeaways

You've just been given a keynote definition and some examples of great keynote speeches to follow. Now that you understand what a keynote address is and why it's important, you'll want to make your keynote message as good as possible.

Even if you've never given a speech before, you can use the speaker tips in this article to give the best keynote address that you can. Once you've finished your keynote presentation, don't forget to share it for maximum impact. If you've enjoyed the tips in this tutorial, you may also enjoy our Fundamentals of Public Speaking Learning Guide .

Have you given a keynote speech? What tips or advice would you add for others?

Editorial Note: This content was originally published in 2018. We're sharing it again because our editors have determined that this information is still accurate and relevant.

Guide to Planning, Writing, and Delivering a Killer Keynote Speech

by Janice Tomich

Presentation Planning & Public Speaking Skills

Being invited to deliver a keynote address is a great honor.

It’s exhilarating. A compliment to your expertise.

I’m a public speaking coach . A client of mine recently was asked to deliver the keynote address at a large women’s tech event. She was new to public speaking. This was her first high-stakes conference opportunity.

She’s a seasoned leader in an industry with few female colleagues. Although she loves her job, at times her career has been rough. The conference organizers asked her to share her perspective with young women new to the field to help them navigate the inevitable difficulties of being a woman in tech—and also give them advice on how to enjoy the ride.

Her excitement and nervousness were palpable. That’s how it feels when you’re asked to give the keynote.

Being asked means that others value your ideas, thoughts, and vision. You know it’s a big opportunity. A keynote speech provides an opportunity to inspire others like no other.

But if you’ve been asked to share what you’ve experienced throughout your career (or even lifetime) it can be a daunting ask.

With the honor of delivering a keynote comes the responsibility to deliver an address that will inspire your audience to take action.

Table of Contents

What Is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech stands above other public speaking opportunities because event organizers make it the highlight of the agenda. Large events often leverage the keynote speaker to attract attendees.

The theme of a keynote is usually set by the event’s theme.

For multi-day events like conferences the keynote is often (but not always) scheduled on the last day. Scheduling the keynote for the end of the event builds excitement and anticipation. Other times the keynote is scheduled near the beginning of an event, and in this case the role of the keynote speaker is to set the tone. Knowing when you’ll be speaking (at the beginning or at the end of the event) impacts the type of keynote speech you should create.

A keynote speaker is usually given a substantial amount of time to speak, often 45 to 60 minutes over dinner. Unlike a shorter presentation, keynote addresses give you a brilliant opportunity to go deep. TO show the breadth of your expertise. To invite your audience along through the ups and downs, ins and outs of a storyline. Your speech can be complex and include unanticipated twists and turns (while of course staying on track with your core message.)

If you’re lost and unsure about how to make your presentation compelling, I can help.

How Long Should A Keynote Be?

There are only a few hard and fast rules about the length of a keynote speech:

The length of the speech is ultimately dictated by the amount of speaking time allocated by the event organizer.
The length of the speech should be however long it takes you to clearly and concisely deliver a speech that inspires your audience.

Essentially, just enough time and not too much.

P ro Tip: The amount of time allocated by the organizers is not always set in stone, especially in the early days of organizing an event. Keep the line of communication open with your organizer. The time frame might be open to adjustment or negotiation.

What Makes a Keynote Speech Compelling and Memorable?

Presenter giving a memorable, compelling keynote speech.

An engaging, inspiring keynote presentation encourages the audience to envision what they are capable of. The best keynote speeches don’t just inform—they compel the audience to take action.

Keep two things top of mind as you plan:

Focus on one main message (your throughline).
Put yourself in the hearts and minds of your audience. Think of this as a research project as much as an exercise in empathy. Take the time to learn about what your audience wants to know. Learn how they need to hear it.

Going back to my example, the key message of my client who keynoted at the tech conference was resilience .

How did this key message turn into a speech?

She told funny, heart-wrenching stories, including some stories which were excruciating for her at the time they happened. These stories showed her drive to succeed. She spoke candidly about the problems she had come up against in her career. Then she revealed how she solved these problems and the benefits that transpired. Throughout the whole speech, she tapped back into her key message— resilience.

How Much Time Should You Devote to Preparation?

More time than you think.

I have never had a client tell me, “I wish I had spent less time preparing my keynote.”

They’re always glad they invested a good amount of time. Feeling completely ready in the days leading up to the event is worth it.

Nancy Duarte, the author of Resonate , works with industry giants on their keynote speeches. Duarte recommends you spend 30 hours on content creation for a 1-hour speech. (This doesn’t include building the slide deck or practicing the speech).

Here’s my breakdown of the time it takes to be fully prepared to step on stage to deliver your keynote address:

30 hours to research your speech and develop the keynote content
30 hours to create your keynote slide deck
30 hours of practicing your delivery

90 hours likely seems like a lot of time, but that’s what it takes to create and develop an inspirational, career-boosting keynote.

Your first rough draft will be just that … rough. Keynote speech writing is never a one-and-done process. To really nail it you need to get feedback and let the speech, slide deck, and delivery evolve over time. The results are worth it.

How Much Lead Time Do You Need?

Keynotes are a rich opportunity to give an audience perspective into who you are and what you know.

You should allow for 3 months (and a minimum of 2 months) of lead time before you deliver your keynote.

However, life does not always go according to plan. You may not have a lot of time left to prepare. I offer a presentation coaching service called Crunch Time for when you’ve been asked on short notice (a speaker may have become ill) or you have been consumed with other projects and need support to deliver an engaging speech.

Planning a Keynote Speech: Who is your audience? What is your intention?

Planning out a keynote speech takes time — image of a presenter planning out a speech with post-it notes.

Your goal should be to take your body of work and experience and use that to resonate with your audience. Inspire them to action. Your words of wisdom will become part of their life experience and create a legacy which will stick with them for years.

“It’s all about the audience—not about you.” These are wise words I’ve never forgotten, delivered to us on the first day of class of my communication degree.

In my work supporting clients through presentation planning, I’m always checking in to ensure that the audience will be able to understand What’s In It For Them (WIIFT in marketing terms). Remembering to center on WIIFT is crucial. It’s the foundation for a successful keynote.

Your intention is important too—equally important, actually. Why are you giving the keynote? What do you want to have happen because of it? Knowing your own “why” and how it relates to the needs of your audience puts you on track to engage and inspire.

How To Write A Keynote Speech

1. establish your throughline.

After you have a good understanding of who your audience is and what your intention is in delivering your keynote it’s time to establish your throughline. Identify which theme or concept you want to speak about.

My client who was keynoting the tech conference planned to speak on resiliency, which is a broad topic. I encouraged her to dig deeper. Upon reflection, she realized that much of her success stemmed from her commitment to creating and building relationships.

She evolved the throughline. The theme of the keynote became developing resiliency through relationships .

2. Brainstorm with an open mind and big wall

Once you’ve decided on your throughline it’s time to find an open wall and a stack of post-it notes.

In freewriting-mode write down any and all ideas that come bubbling up that will support your theme. Take lots of breaks. I promise you’ll come back with fresh ideas each time.

3. Step back and group ideas into themes

Stand back once your wall is filled with ideas. Notice common themes. Place similar ideas into three groups.

What you see is three arguments or points of proof that support your throughline.

4. Pare down to the best ideas

Now sweep through and dispense of any of your ideas that strike you as weak or you don’t feel passionate about.

5. Order your ideas

Place the ideas that remain into a logical order, so that they flow from one idea to the next. That’s your outline. Transfer these concepts to a Google Doc or put pen to paper. You’ve got the bones of a good keynote speech already.

Don’t write out a script word-for-word. Instead, think about what you want to speak about for each of your points. Flesh them out, making notes about what you want to say.

You’ve invested a large amount of time creating the content. Every component of a keynote is important. So now let’s focus on how you open, close, and title your keynote.

How To Open A Keynote Speech

I suspect you’ve been to at least a few presentations where you felt bored by the speaker after just a few minutes.

Too many speakers begin with a status quo opening such as citing their CV or meticulously outlining what they “want to talk with you about.”

You can do better.

My client started her keynote off with a dose of humor rooted in her own personal experience. She talked about the inappropriate clothes she wore to an interview and the hilarious story of what she did to gain access to the building.

Here are a few more ideas to open your keynote speech:

Start your speech by addressing the elephant in the room to address a negative bias your audience may be thinking. Perhaps you are quite young and your audience is older. You could begin by saying, “You are probably looking at me thinking she’s twelve years old and what could she know. And you’d be right…”
Quote a startling statistic. Often keynotes focus on living out dreams. This statement will have your audience’s interest piqued, “The average person has over 1,460 dreams a year”.
Begin a story that you can use to weave and thread your presentation together. You could begin by sharing a story of how a mentor helped. Throughout your presentation continue the story dropping the nuggets of wisdom of what your mentor said and how she helped.

It’s crucial that you grab your audience’s attention right from the start – that you hook them with your first words.

How To Close a Keynote Speech

Finish your keynote with clarity and power. I’ve listened to too many speeches and keynotes where the ending was weak. They didn’t live up to the energy of the body of work.

My client decided to loop back to the chain of events that happened before her interview, narrating how she hung in there, even when things weren’t going according to plan.

Here are some excellent approaches to closing your keynote powerfully:

Loop back to how you began your speech. If you began your speech by talking about the elephant in the room, tag back to provide assurance that you have.

Wrap up a story you teased in your opening and then threaded throughout the speech.

If you began your keynote with a stat or quote reference it again at the end by summarizing how you proved it was true.

A tenet I firmly stand by that it’s not good enough to just leave your audience inspired . You must leave them inspired to do somethin g. Close your speech with a clear call to action to do something tangible that will make a difference to them and/or their community.

Choosing a Title for Your Keynote

Your title is your audience’s first introduction to what they will hear. Finding the ‘right’ title makes them want to listen.

If a compelling title comes to mind before or as you are developing and creating your speech, write it down. But don’t worry if you’ve planned out your whole speech and still don’t have a title idea. The best titles often come to us right at the end. You’ll have lots of ideas to play with when you’ve finished gathering your content.

Here is a trick while working with an editor at Inc.com: first craft a title, then play with variations of that title by using words that will get attention or have an inherent hook embedded within them.

Here’s an example of how I played with titles before settling on one for this article:

My initial ideas were

Both titles are merely functional. They’re lackluster and don’t reflect the complexity of the article itself, which goes beyond merely “writing” a keynote.

I rephrased it to expand on the topic and add a bit more punch:

Better, but I knew I could do better.

I liked it. It is more eye catching and it indicates a comprehensive “guide” that promises not just a “how to” article, but in-depth advice that speaks to creating an excellent keynote that will be well received.

Invest the time in finding just the right title. It’s worth it. It piques your audience’s interest from their first interaction with you.

How To Practice Your Keynote Speech

Practice is an essential part of speech preparation. Image of a presenter practicing their keynote without an audience.

Don’t put off practicing until the last minute. Conversely, don’t over-practice until you sound like a robot and have diluted every ounce of passion out of your presentation.

Making good use of your practice time is easy.

I’ve written an extensive guide on how to rehearse for a presentation and I’ve also written on this topic for Inc.com . Read them for tips and techniques to learn your keynote speech easily so you can walk on the stage confidently knowing you’ll nail it.

I have never had a client tell me they wished they had practiced less. I encourage you to practice only as much as you need to and not a second more.

P ro Tip: When you have a few spots that are giving you difficulties just practice those sections. It’s a poor investment of your time to practice your keynote over and over in its entirety if only a few sections are tripping you up.

Sucheta Misra Associate VP Inclusion & Diversity and Social Impact Leader

Tips For Creating Your Slidedeck or PowerPoint Presentation

My take on PowerPoint is that it’s a powerful tool that has been dropped into the laps of people who, more often than not, don’t have the training or experience to wield it effectively.

Before PowerPoint, marketing and communication teams would strategize over the best content for the slides. Graphic designers would create them.

These are the three most important things to know about your slide presentation:

If slides won’t add or support your presentation don’t use them.
Create your slides so that they are primarily image-based with a limited amount of text.
If you are not a graphic designer hire one. It’s worth it for the stroke of elegance and professional edge they will add. A graphic designer will bring your deck to life.

The best keynote slidedecks are primary image-based—keep the text to a minimum. Finding the right images (like the stunning ones on this screen) takes time. Consider hiring a graphic designer for the task.

If you do decide to use a slidedeck ensure it helps your audience connect the dots and visualize what you are sharing with them.

What To Do Before You Deliver Your Speech

I’m often backstage supporting clients at their events. It’s exhilarating to feel the energy of speakers waiting to go on stage. You can feel the excitement … hearts pounding and voices warming up.

Here are a few tips and techniques professional speakers use to ready themselves, calm their nerves , and warm up their voice before giving a keynote speech:

If you find yourself not sleeping well or experiencing anxiety in the days leading up to your speech try 4 – 7 – 8 breathing . Three or four rounds should have you feeling calmer and able to fall back to sleep.
Keep yourself hydrated. The day before your event up your water intake. This will keep you feeling energetic and your voice lubricated.
Make sure you get a good sleep before your keynote. Lack of sleep will knock you off your game.
Fifteen minutes before your keynote move your voice up and down through your natural register with vocal exercises so you can use your voice like the fine instrument it is.
Just as you are about to speak, if you suffer from dry mouth, take these lozenges to help you articulate with ease.
When you arrive at the podium take a few deep breaths, feel your feet on the floor, touch a favourite amulet such as a ring or necklace…and away you go!

What You Should Do After Your Speech

When you end your speech you’re still not quite finished yet.

Connect with people from your audience. Gather feedback. Some of the richest relationships you will create will happen if you take the time to talk with people after your speaking event. If you have the opportunity, ask for presentation feedback to help you learn what worked and what didn’t.

Image of two women chatting—after your keynote, be sure to connect with audience members one-on-one.

Don’t ask if they enjoyed your keynote because the response will probably be, “It was great!” Instead, ask what they took away that will make a difference in their life. Ask them what nugget stuck with them. The answers to these questions will provide information to improve your next keynote.

Having your keynote recorded provides a brilliant learning opportunity. Many of my clients tell me they can’t/won’t watch a recording of themselves. I ask them to separate themselves from their egos and embrace the opportunity to learn. You can gain insight into what landed and what didn’t by your audience’s reactions.

Ask for presentation feedback from a trusted advisor. Don’t ask family and friends. A trusted advisor or mentor has the perspective to provide unbiased feedback that your family and friends won’t be able to. A trusted advisor will be able to expertly able to weigh in about your content, your delivery, and the effectiveness of your speech. ¯

Keynote speeches are complex. They have lots of pieces that need to fit together to create an easy, simple flow and to hold your audience in your hands so they will be inspired and learn from you.

Do you need help with your upcoming keynote speech to make sure your audience will leave challenged to take action and be inspired? Let’s chat and learn how I might help. Here’s access to my calendar to schedule a time to talk.

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What is a Keynote Speech: How to Leave a Lasting Impression

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As an event planner or someone responsible for organizing a conference or seminar, you understand the importance of finding the right keynote speaker.

A keynote speech sets the tone for the entire event, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. In this article, we will explore the world of keynote speeches and share insights on how to write and deliver a captivating keynote.

What is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech is a powerful presentation given by a keynote speaker at the beginning or end of an event.

It is designed to capture the audience’s attention, set the tone, and provide key takeaways that attendees can apply to their lives or work. A well-crafted and captivating keynote speech can inspire, motivate, and leave a lasting impact on the audience.

The Role of a Keynote Speaker

A keynote speaker plays a crucial role in the success of an event. They are experts in their field, often seasoned speakers who have honed their craft over years of experience.

A keynote speaker not only delivers a thought-provoking speech but also brings a unique perspective, shares personal stories, and engages the audience through humor, emotion, and relatability.

Writing a Captivating Keynote Speech

Writing a compelling keynote speech requires careful planning, organization, and a deep understanding of the audience. Here are some key steps to follow:

Understand Your Audience: Before writing your speech, spend time researching your audience. Who are they? What are their interests, challenges, and goals? Tailor your message to resonate with them.

Define Your Key Message: Every keynote speech should have a central theme or message that you want the audience to take away. Clarify this message and make it memorable.

Craft a Powerful Opening: Grab the audience’s attention from the start with a captivating story, intriguing statistic, or thought-provoking question. This will set the tone and create a sense of anticipation.

Organize Your Speech: Structure your speech logically and engagingly. Begin with an introduction, then move on to key points or stories, and end with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your key message.

Use Personal Stories: Personal stories are a powerful tool to connect with the audience emotionally. Share experiences or anecdotes that relate to your key message and make it relatable to the audience.

Incorporate Visuals: Visual aids such as slides or props can enhance your speech and make it more engaging. Use visuals sparingly to support your key points and avoid overwhelming the audience.

Practice and Rehearse: Delivering a flawless keynote speech requires practice. Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure smooth delivery, confident body language, and effective use of pauses and intonation.

Engage with the Audience: Interact with the audience throughout your speech. Ask rhetorical questions, encourage participation, and create moments of connection. This will keep the audience engaged and make your speech memorable.

Tips for Giving a Motivational Keynote Address

Giving a keynote speech can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You have the unique opportunity to captivate an audience, inspire them, and leave a lasting impression. In this section, we’ll share some valuable tips to help you deliver a powerful keynote speech that engages your audience, conveys your message effectively, and ensures a memorable experience.

1. Know Your Audience Inside Out

Understanding your audience is crucial to giving a successful keynote speech. Research their demographics, interests, challenges, and goals. This knowledge helps you tailor your message to resonate with them and ensures that your content is relevant and relatable.

Connect with your audience by addressing their specific needs and aspirations. By showing that you understand them, you’ll build trust and captivate their attention from the start.

2. Craft a Clear and Compelling Key Message

Every great keynote speech has a clear and compelling key message. Define the central theme or idea you want to convey to your audience.

Keep it concise and memorable so that it resonates long after your speech concludes. Your key message should guide the entire structure and content of your speech, ensuring a cohesive and impactful presentation.

3. Start Strong with a Captivating Opening

The beginning of your keynote speech sets the tone for the entire presentation. Capture your audience’s attention from the outset with a powerful, attention-grabbing opening.

Engage them from the first moment with a captivating story, intriguing statistic, or thought-provoking question. A strong opening creates a sense of anticipation and hooks your audience, making them eager to hear more.

4. Structure Your Speech for Impact

A well-structured keynote speech keeps the audience engaged and enhances their understanding of your message. Organize your speech in a logical and impactful manner.

Begin with an introduction that establishes your credibility and builds rapport with the audience. Then, present key points or stories that support your key message. Finally, wrap up with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your main ideas and leaves a lasting imprint on your audience.

5. Use Stories to Connect Emotionally

One of the most powerful tools in a keynote speech is storytelling. Personal stories create an emotional connection between you and your audience. Share experiences or anecdotes that illustrate the key points of your speech.

Make them relatable and highlight the lessons learned. Emotionally compelling stories will leave a lasting impact, making your message memorable and inspiring.

6. Engage and Interact with Your Audience

Keep your audience engaged throughout your keynote speech by actively involving them. Ask rhetorical questions, encourage participation, or create moments of interaction.

This can be in the form of brief audience discussions, polls, or exercises. Interaction fosters connection and helps to break up the presentation, making it more dynamic and enjoyable for your listeners.

7. Utilize Visual Aids Effectively

Visual aids, such as slides or props, can enhance your keynote speech when used effectively. Use visuals sparingly and purposefully to support your key points, helping to reinforce your message visually.

Ensure your visual aids are clear, easy to read, and visually appealing. Remember, your spoken words should always be the main focus, with visual aids serving as supporting elements.

8. Practice, Practice, Practice

Delivering a flawless keynote speech requires practice and rehearsal. Practice speaking your speech out loud multiple times, focusing on your delivery, timing, and body language.

Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. This process allows you to refine your speech, build confidence, and ensure a smooth and impactful delivery.

9. Embrace Authenticity and Passion

Authenticity and passion are key to delivering a compelling keynote speech. Be true to yourself, speak from the heart, and let your enthusiasm shine through.

Your genuine passion for your topic will captivate and inspire your audience. Avoid trying to mimic someone else’s style or delivery. Embrace your unique voice and let your authenticity be the guiding force behind your speech.

10. Leave a Lasting Impression with a Memorable Conclusion

The way you conclude your keynote speech is just as important as how you start it. Summarize your main points, reiterate your key message, and provide a clear call-to-action for your audience to take away.

End on a high note, leaving your listeners feeling inspired and motivated. A memorable conclusion ensures that your speech lingers in their minds and prompts them to take action.

Finding the Right Keynote Speaker

When hosting a successful event, finding the right keynote speaker is paramount. This individual will not only set the tone for your gathering but also leave a lasting impression on your audience.

In this section, we will delve into the important factors to consider when searching for the perfect keynote speaker who will elevate your event to new heights.

Experience Speaks Volumes

Experience is a key ingredient in the recipe for a successful keynote speech. Look for speakers who have a proven track record of captivating audiences and delivering impactful presentations.

Seek out those who have spoken at similar events or within your industry, as they will have a better understanding of your audience’s needs and interests. Experienced speakers bring a certain expertise and authority that can leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

Expertise in Your Industry

While experience is important, finding a keynote speaker with expertise in your specific industry is a game-changer. These speakers have a deep understanding of the challenges, trends, and opportunities within your field.

They can relate to your audience on a deeper level and provide insights and anecdotes that resonate. By selecting a speaker with industry expertise, you are ensuring that your attendees receive targeted and relevant information that they can apply to their own work or lives.

Communication Skills that Command Attention

A keynote speaker may have an impressive resume and extensive knowledge in your industry, but if they lack communication skills , their impact will be diminished. Look for speakers who possess excellent public speaking abilities.

They should be able to engage the audience, hold their attention, and deliver their message with clarity and conviction. Seek out speakers who can combine storytelling, humor, and audience interaction to create a memorable experience.

Aligning with Your Event’s Goals

Every event has its own unique goals and objectives. When searching for a keynote speaker, it is crucial to find someone who aligns with your event’s overarching purpose. Consider what you want your attendees to take away from the event.

Do you want them to feel inspired, motivated, or educated? Look for speakers whose message and style resonate with your desired outcomes. Review their past performances and testimonials to gauge if they can deliver the results you are seeking.

Recommendations and Reviews

One of the best ways to find a keynote speaker is through recommendations from trusted sources. Industry colleagues, friends, or even professionals who have previously worked with speakers can provide valuable insights and firsthand recommendations.

Additionally, online platforms and speaker bureaus offer reviews and ratings from past clients, allowing you to make an informed decision. By tapping into the experiences of others, you can gain a sense of a speaker’s trustworthiness and suitability for your event.

Interviewing Potential Speakers

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential keynote speakers, it’s time to conduct interviews. This step allows you to assess their compatibility, professionalism, and understanding of your event.

Prepare a list of questions that delve into their experience, approach to speaking, and familiarity with your industry. During the interview, observe their communication style, responsiveness, and willingness to collaborate. A successful partnership with your speaker is essential for a seamless and impactful event.

Reviewing Past Performances

Before making a final decision, take the time to review recordings or videos of the potential speakers’ past performances. This will give you a firsthand glimpse into their presentation style, stage presence, and ability to engage an audience. Look for speakers who exhibit confidence, charisma, and an authentic connection with the audience.

Pay attention to their ability to tell compelling stories, convey key messages, and create an energized atmosphere. Trust your instincts and select a speaker who resonates with you and your event’s vision.

A well-crafted keynote speech has the power to captivate, motivate, and inspire an audience. By understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and delivering it with passion and authenticity, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience.

The right keynote speaker can elevate your event, set the tone, and create a memorable experience for attendees. So, take the time to find the perfect fit and unleash the power of a captivating keynote speech.

From novice to expert: Keynote speaking tips from the pros

Michael Duarte

Do you want to become a keynote speaker? Or perhaps you have been asked to give a keynote speech? The excitement of your big moment is subsiding, and now you’re wondering: where do you get started?

We at Duarte have worked with thousands of keynote speakers (and some of us are keynote speakers ourselves), so let us give you the keynote speaking basics and how you can take your skills to the next level.

What is a keynote speech?

A “keynote speech” used to mean the primary remarks at a formal gathering. Think of a major industry conference with a speaker’s headshot plastered to a foam board on an easel, posted outside an event hall doorway. Or a high-profile guest speaker giving a motivational keynote speech at a company’s annual internal event.

Over the years, the practical definition has gotten a bit more relaxed. When someone says, “I need to give a keynote speech,” they might mean they are headlining a major event. Or they might mean they are one speaker taking the stage, but there are other speakers who will also be giving their own keynote speeches. They could even mean they’re just giving a speech on an important topic — main stage or not.

As far as we’re concerned, if a group of people are gathering because they want to listen to your uninterrupted point of view on a topic, then you’re giving a keynote speech. There are probably some purists who’d disagree with us, but for practical purposes, we’d consider all of these keynote speeches:

A vision talk
A sales kickoff
A speech at an industry conference
A commencement address
And even an acceptance speech

The reasons we think these all count as keynotes is because of the similarities they share in creating and delivering a good one.

What is a keynote speaker?

A keynote speaker is the person who gives the keynote speech. Generally, this person has an expertise or unique point of view that other people want to hear.

Business leaders are often required or asked to give a keynote speech at their internal events, like all teams meetings and company kickoffs. They are also called to take the stage for big customer or industry events. And some business leaders are tapped to give commencement speeches, like Elon Musk at USC or Sheryl Sanberg at Berkeley .

Here are some of our favorite keynote speech examples

RTI International was able to capture their audience’s attention and garner praise during their keynote speech at the 50th Annual IFDTC Conference. They partnered with Duarte to figure out what would resonate with the visuals before they went to work creating an engaging storyline with powerful visuals.
Salesforce was able to wow their 170,000 in-person and 15 million virtual attendees at their annual event, Dreamforce. CEO Mark Benioff had an on-stage guest in the form of their AI Engine, Einstein, thanks to Duarte’s mix of augmented reality, animation, sound effects, slides, and a bit of production magic.
Duarte CEO, Nancy Duarte, gave a TEDx talk that has reached over 3 million views. In the keynote speech she reveals the hidden structure that the greatest communicators and persuaders have used over thousands of years. The audience walked away with a new tool they could use to become a riveting communicator.

Where to find great conference keynote speakers

It’s also common for authors and experts to take the stage as a keynote speaker. If you’ve got the need and the budget, you can get Tony Robbins, Brene Brown, or Daymond John to speak at your event.

And then there are capital C celebrities. Actors, directors, musicians, and athletes often turn their experience and personal stories into keynote speech material. Celebrities like Oprah , Mike Rowe , and Tim Tebow have all taken the stage. Just reach out to their publicists or PR teams to get a quote for a keynote speech from them.

How to become a keynote speaker

But you don’t have to be an executive or celebrity to give a great keynote speech. Public speaking is a learnable skill, and a good keynote speech is one that moves an audience to action. That action could be:

A behavior, like committing to a new process or making a purchase
A belief, like trusting leadership or changing their minds
Or it could be a feeling, like renewed confidence or heightened optimism

In summary, if you want to become a great keynote speaker, you probably need to brush up on your delivery skills , and you want to make sure you can write a great keynote speech.

How do you write a keynote speech?

If writing your keynote speech seems daunting, just remember there are tried and true methods you can follow.

1. Start with the audience

You are only a keynote speaker if there’s an audience there to listen to you. It’s your job to complete a thorough audience analysis so you can be sure you’re creating a keynote speech that will resonate with them. Picture the audience in their seats, ready to listen. Now ask yourself:

Who are they?
Why are they here?
What do they fear?
What do they need to hear from me to be inspired, persuaded, etc?

Once you know your audience, you’re ready to think about your content.

2. Write out your Big Idea™

Your keynote speech should only have one central idea you want the audience to care about. This is what we call your Big Idea . Sounds easy, right? But it can be tricky to narrow your focus, especially when you’re deep into writing your content and designing your slides.

It’s why you want to force yourself to write down a single sentence in the form of a Big Idea that includes:

Your unique point of view
What’s at stake for the audience if they do (or don’t) adopt your point of view

Keep that sentence where you can see it and hold yourself accountable to only include content in your keynote speech that fits your Big Idea.

3. Put your content into a story structure

Sure, you could list out a bunch of facts and data points while sticking to your Big Idea. That’s one way to write a keynote speech. But as storytelling experts, we don’t recommend it. Instead, you should put your keynote speech outline into the persuasive story structure of “what is and what could be.”

The “what is” part of your speech is the current reality your audience is facing, a reality that’s not so great or even detrimental. The “what could be” part of your speech is what’s possible if their current reality changes. It’s a tease of the better world where the problems of today don’t exist. Throughout your keynote speech, you’ll move back and forth between “what is” and “what could be.”

4. End with a call to action and a new bliss

The best keynote speeches are explicit about what the audience should do next. Make sure to include a call to action , whether it’s a detailed next step they can take or a belief you want them to adopt. Then, wrap it all up with a picture of the world when they fully adopt your point of view.

How do you give a keynote speech?

Depending on your perspective, giving the keynote speech may be harder or easier than writing it. There’s one group of keynote speakers who have anxiety about getting up in front of an audience. That makes sense because keynote speaking is opening yourself up to a vulnerable spot.

There’s another group of keynote speakers who would rather skip the writing and just get on the stage. They’re ready to feed off the energy of the crowd!

Step 1: Develop the content

Our expert opinion: don’t be like group #2. If you want to give a good keynote speech, you need to put the work into developing the content. We have lots of training workshops on this, from Resonate® (learning how to build a persuasive presentation) to Duarte DataStory® (when your keynote speech needs to involve a lot of data and charts.

Now, you need to practice it.

Step 2: Practice your delivery

The best way to practice is to create a similar environment to the one you will be keynote speaking in. If you’re giving a virtual keynote speech, spend time making your virtual setup solid . Check your lighting, mic, background, and internet connection. Then, hit record and present your keynote speech, uninterrupted, start to finish. Finally, it might hurt, but watch that recording. Make a note of content changes and delivery tweaks you’d like to make.

If you’re giving a keynote speech in-person, see if you can get a rehearsal in the actual space where you you’ll be presenting. You’ll want to get a sense of:

How to move across the stage
How you’ll react to the lighting
How you’ll sound on the mic
Where your confidence monitor with your speaker notes will be
How your slides will appear behind or to the side of you, etc.

If you can’t get into the space ahead of time for a rehearsal (again, we recommend you be brave and make the ask), then you should still run your own stand-and-deliver rehearsal. When you practice your keynote speech aloud , in the way you intend to perform it, you’re more likely to deliver it authentically and drive your audience to action.

Step 3: Get peer feedback

You could also try to get a peer or leader to watch you practice. Give them specific content or delivery areas to critique. Maybe you want to make sure there are a few moments of light-heartedness or humor, so you want your peer or leader to let you know if it’s landing. Maybe you have a habit of using filler words, so you need your peer or leader to let you know if it’s distracting. Keynote speakers are rarely a good judge of their own skills, so it helps to enlist the help of someone else.

How long is a keynote speech?

If someone tells you that all keynote speeches have a specific length, run away. That person is either lying to you or they’re misinformed. Keynote speeches range in length based on many factors, like on who the audience is you’re speaking to, whether it’s a virtual keynote speech or in-person, and what else is on the agenda.

As you prepare for an upcoming keynote speech, you need to ask questions.

If you are a conference or corporate keynote speaker, ask the organizers what length they’d like you to cover.
Also ask them if there’s a possibility that the other speakers/agenda items will run long or fall short of their estimated time.

That way, you can save the day with extra content or with the forethought about content you would cut to help the entire event run on time.

If the organizers offer you a keynote speech length that seems wildly too long or wildly too short for you, don’t be afraid to offer alternatives or push back. Sometimes event staff are just relaying length guidelines set by something else. You’ve been approached for this keynote speaking opportunity because you have an expertise to share. You can also use that expertise to help them craft the right experience for the audience.

The benefits of getting a keynote speaker coach

Whether you’re just getting ready to write a keynote speech, or it’s almost time for you to give the keynote speech, you might want to seek out keynote speaker coaching . Keynote speaker coaches are skilled at public speaking, and offer personalized, action-oriented feedback.

A trained speaker coach can help you with:

Coming up with your keynote or thought leadership idea
Analyzing your audience
Putting your content into story form
And leading delivery-focused rehearsals with you

They can even evaluate your keynote speech once it’s all said and done so you can continue to improve the way you give a keynote speech in the future. For more details behind the curtain, learn what it’s like to work with a speaker coach in this article.

Working with a keynote speaker coach can also help you refine your skills for other professional situations. Keynote speaking skills translate nicely to:

One-one-meetings
Sales pitches
Internal meetings
Media interviews

Once your keynote speaking skills start to become second nature, you’ll find you have an easier time incorporating story and delivering your message in a comfortable, dynamic, and empathetic way.

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker coach, Duarte Speaker Coaches have worked with executives and leaders at brands such as Microsoft, Salesforce , Blackberry, Google, VMware, Bumble, HubSpot, Snap, Cisco, and many others.

If you’re not quite ready to invest in a keynote speaker coach, but you want to start developing your delivery skills, try out our keynote delivery workshop, Captivate™ .

Are you looking for a conference keynote speaker for your upcoming event? Check out this lineup of Duarte keynote speakers .

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10 Steps How to Write a Keynote Speech

Learning how to write a keynote speech is an essential skill that can significantly impact your listeners, whether you’re addressing a business conference, an educational event, or a community meet-up. A keynote is more than just a talk; it’s an opportunity to inspire, inform, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. To craft a speech that resonates and sticks with your listeners, it’s crucial to combine relevant content with a compelling delivery. This guide will take you through the necessary steps to create a keynote speech that not only conveys your message effectively but also engages and moves your audience.

Writing a keynote speech requires a thoughtful approach to structuring your content and presenting it in a way that captures and retains the audience’s attention. It’s about balancing informative content with a captivating presentation style to maintain audience engagement throughout the session. The following sections will provide you with a step-by-step process to construct a keynote that not only delivers your main message clearly but also makes a memorable impact on your listeners. By the end, you should have a solid understanding of how to craft a keynote speech that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

What is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech is the main talk at an event or conference, setting the mood and focus for everything else that follows. It’s usually given by someone important or knowledgeable who aims to get the audience excited and thinking. The purpose of a keynote is to share important ideas or messages in a way that’s interesting and motivates people to learn or do something new. A good keynote talk should grab the audience’s attention, make sense to them, inspire them, and stick in their minds even after the event is over.

Key parts of a great keynote speech include:

Interesting Topic: Keeps the audience listening.
Clear Message: Easy for everyone to understand.
Motivating: Gets people excited or ready to act.
Unforgettable: Stays with the audience afterwards.
Encouraging Action: Makes people want to do something with what they’ve learned.

How to Write a Keynote Speech?

1. understand your audience.

Before you start writing your keynote, spend time understanding who will be in your audience. Consider their age, profession, interests, and what they hope to gain from listening to you. This knowledge will help you tailor your message to resonate with them, ensuring your content is relevant and impactful. When you speak directly to your audience’s needs and expectations, you create a stronger connection and increase the likelihood that your message will be well-received and remembered. You can read more about how to understand your audience here .

2. Define Your Core Message

Identify the one main idea you want your audience to remember after your speech is over. This core message should be clear, concise, and impactful. All elements of your speech should support or relate back to this central idea, ensuring a coherent and focused delivery. Having a well-defined message helps prevent your speech from becoming disjointed or meandering and makes it easier for your audience to follow and remember your key points.

3. Start Strong

Your opening sets the tone for the entire speech and determines whether your audience will be engaged or not. Begin with something that will catch their attention immediately—this could be a startling statistic, a provocative question, or a personal anecdote. A strong start not only captivates your audience but also establishes your credibility and sets up the audience for the main content of your speech, making them eager to listen to what you have to say next.

4. Structure Your Content

Organize your speech into a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should introduce your core message and outline what you will cover. The body should delve into your main points, providing evidence and examples to support each one. Finally, the conclusion should tie everything together, reinforcing your core message and leaving the audience with something to remember. A logical structure helps guide your audience through your speech and aids their understanding.

5. Make It Personal

Incorporating personal stories or anecdotes can make your speech more engaging and relatable. Sharing your experiences or lessons learned can help illustrate your points in a way that resonates with the audience, making your message more memorable. However, ensure that your stories are relevant and add value to your message, rather than serving as mere distractions.

6. Use Simple Language

Clarity is key in a keynote speech. Use simple, straightforward language to ensure that your audience can easily understand and absorb your message. Avoid jargon, acronyms, or overly complex vocabulary that might confuse or alienate listeners. Remember, the goal is to communicate your message effectively, not to impress with fancy language.

7. Engage Your Audience

Keep your audience interested and involved by making your speech interactive. Ask questions, invite audience participation, or include brief activities that reinforce your points. Engagement helps maintain attention and can make your message more impactful, as active participation enhances memory retention and makes the experience more enjoyable for listeners.

8. Incorporate Visuals

Visual aids can help illustrate your points and add interest to your presentation. However, it’s important to use them judiciously—make sure each visual serves a clear purpose and supports your message. Avoid cluttered slides or irrelevant images that can distract from your content. When used effectively, visuals can enhance understanding and retention of your message.

9. Practice Your Delivery

Rehearsing your speech multiple times is crucial to delivering it confidently and smoothly. Practice helps you refine your timing, work on your intonation and pacing, and become more familiar with your material. It also allows you to identify and fix any awkward phrasing or transitions, ensuring your delivery is polished and professional.

10. End With a Call to Action

Conclude your speech with a clear call to action, encouraging your audience to take a specific step or change their thinking based on your message. A strong ending leaves a lasting impression and maximizes the impact of your speech, making it more likely that your audience will remember and act on your words.

10 Quick Tips for Crafting an Engaging Keynote Speech

Know Your Audience: Understand the demographics, interests, and expectations of your audience to tailor your message accordingly.
Define Your Message: Clearly identify the main idea or message you want to convey and ensure all parts of your speech align with this central theme.
Start Strong: Begin your speech with a compelling opening that grabs attention, whether it’s an intriguing fact, a thought-provoking question, or a relatable story.
Structure Your Content: Organize your speech into a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Ensure each section flows logically into the next.
Make It Personal: Share personal stories or experiences to create a connection with your audience. This can make your message more relatable and impactful.
Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon and complex language. Speak clearly and concisely to ensure your audience understands and retains your message.
Engage Your Audience: Use rhetorical questions, interactive elements, or brief activities to maintain interest and encourage audience participation.
Incorporate Visuals: Use slides, videos, or other visual aids to reinforce your message, but ensure they are clear and not overly distracting.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times to refine your delivery, timing, and to feel more confident on stage.
End With a Call to Action: Conclude your speech with a clear and compelling call to action, inspiring your audience to think or act differently based on your message.

How to Write an Effective Keynote Speech

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It's an honor to be asked to deliver a keynote — you want to be at your best. The longer a speech is, the easier it is to get lost in the text. It might take a couple of hours or half a day to write a short speech , but a keynote can take weeks to draft, edit, and finalize. Organization and outlining can save you endless hours of revisions.

Writing a Keynote

There are four basic tenets to remember when you sit down to write your killer keynote.

Understand your audience. Who are they and how do they relate to your subject matter? What are their hot buttons? How can you get them to not just be in the audience, but to listen and agree? What are the words, phrases, or information points that will get heads nodding in agreement?
Start at the end . What do you want the audience to do? In a perfect world, what would every person be inspired to get up and do after listening to your speech? Everything in your speech should build up to that call to arms or point of resonance. If you bring the audience there in a straight line, or if you telegraph it, the speech will be boring. Try to add some humor.
Split it up into three parts – and split those parts into three. It's tough to tackle a 30-minute speech, but by splitting it into three sections of 10 minutes apiece, then taking those three sections and dividing them each into three, you can work on the 10 three-minute segments independently until they're polished. This isn't an iron-clad rule, but a technique that's a good way to make sure each part of your speech is balanced. If you simply write out the entire text, the structure might get lost. You could spend 15 minutes describing a problem and two minutes on the solution without realizing it.
Variety, variety, variety . If your speech is nothing but statistics, the audience may turn on you. Any sort of repetition must have a purpose. Too much of a good thing turns bad. A solid keynote speech has variety: stories about real people, examples from history, metaphors, interesting numbers, new ideas, and other exciting moments to keep the audience engaged .

Good vs. Great Speeches

A great speech doesn't simply string elements together. It weaves them like a tapestry and takes the audience on a roller coaster. Look at each section of the speech and ask yourself, "Which emotions will the audience feel? What about the section before and the section after?"

The speech shouldn't be random or repetitive. Even if you're talking about a tough issue, like hunger or disease or an economic downturn, there's a reason you're speaking — and that reason is hope for change. Thirty minutes of "this is a horrible, horrible problem" and "thank you for letting me speak" won't work.

Give the audience hope that they can make a difference or fuel for further contemplation on the topic, and offer concrete and specific courses of action, along with the rationale and expected outcome. Explicitly saying, "You can do something" is too direct. In Hollywood, they'd say that dialogue is "on the nose."

Tell real stories about average people, not billionaires or geniuses, who made a difference. Local people, if you can. Make it real to your audience.

There's probably somebody in the audience who will be affected by this issue or has worked as a volunteer or advocate. That person's story is rhetorical gold. Don't start with it, end with it.

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Master the art of keynote speech: expert tips, keynote speech mastery: expert tips for success.

Keynote speaking is a powerful tool that can make or break an event. Whether it’s a business conference, a fundraising gala, or a product launch, the keynote speech sets the tone for the entire event and takes it to the next level. Crafting and delivering an impactful keynote address requires a unique set of skills that differ from those of regular speeches. In this blog post, we will take you through the art of keynote speaking, covering everything from understanding the essence of a keynote address to choosing your speech topic, structuring your speech, engaging your audience, and overcoming common challenges. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the tips and tricks needed to deliver an unforgettable keynote speech that inspires and motivates your audience.

Introduction: How to write a keynote speech

When crafting a keynote speech, it’s essential to focus on capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for the event. By tailoring your speech to the theme of the event and the needs of the attendees, you can ensure that your message resonates with them. To make your keynote speech memorable, use storytelling, humor, and personal anecdotes. Engage your audience by starting with a clear message or theme and an attention-grabbing opening that shows empathy towards their needs. Throughout your speech, maintain organization and focus, using transitions to smoothly move between ideas. End your speech with a strong call-to-action or takeaway message. Enhance the impact of your presentation by using visual aids and engaging body language.

Brief overview of the significance of a keynote speech in setting the tone for an event.

A keynote speech plays a vital role in setting the tone for an event, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. It gives the keynote speaker the opportunity to inspire, motivate, and leave a lasting impression on the audience. By addressing the core message or theme of an event, program, or conference, a keynote speech brings clarity to the attendees and establishes a framework for the rest of the program. Delivering a successful keynote speech requires a strong presence, eye contact, and the ability to capture the audience’s attention from the very beginning. When done well, a keynote speech can leave a lasting impact on the audience and contribute to a memorable event.

The difference between a regular speech and a keynote address.

A keynote address goes beyond a regular speech, offering a unique and memorable experience for the audience. While a regular speech focuses on conveying information, a keynote address aims to inspire, motivate, and challenge the audience’s thinking. Being offered the opportunity to deliver a keynote address is a great honor. Keynote speakers are chosen for their name recognition, expertise, and ability to deliver a powerful message. Unlike a regular speech, a keynote address is typically delivered at the beginning of an event, setting the tone for the rest of the program. Keynote speakers often work with a speakers bureau to ensure they match the event’s theme and audience’s expectations.

Understanding the Essence of a Keynote Address

A keynote address aims to leave a memorable impression on the audience, inspiring and motivating them. It provides direction, guiding individuals towards success and personal growth. Keynote speakers have the opportunity to connect with the audience on a deeper level by sharing personal stories, insights, and lessons learned. Delivering a successful keynote speech requires hard work, preparation, and an understanding of the event’s topic. With the power to shape the event’s narrative, keynote speakers have the ability to make a lasting impact. Understanding the needs and interests of the audience is essential, as well as utilizing effective communication techniques such as body language, storytelling, and visual aids. Keynote speaking requires practice and confidence to deliver a powerful message that resonates with the audience, just like the last time you were at an event.

The primary goal and purpose behind delivering a keynote speech.

Delivering a keynote speech serves several key purposes. Firstly, it allows the speaker to establish credibility and showcase their expertise in a particular field. By sharing their knowledge and unique perspective, they build trust with the audience. Additionally, a successful keynote speech should inspire and motivate listeners. It should leave them feeling energized and ready to take action towards their goals. Engaging the audience throughout the speech is critical; a captivating keynote speech captures attention and maintains interest. The speaker aims to deliver a specific message or theme effectively, ensuring that the audience understands and internalizes the intended takeaway. Finally, building a connection with the audience is vital for enhancing engagement and making the message resonate on a personal level.

How a keynote address can inspire, motivate, and provide direction to an audience

Keynote speakers have the ability to inspire and motivate their audience by sharing their experiences, insights, and knowledge. They can provide direction and vision for organizations and teams, guiding them towards success. Connecting with the audience is crucial for a keynote speaker to make a lasting impression. Keynote speaking is also a powerful way to build credibility and visibility within an industry. Effective presentations require good preparation, storytelling skills, and audience engagement techniques. By incorporating these elements, a keynote address can leave a profound impact on the audience, inspiring them to take action.

Choosing Your Keynote Speech Topic

When choosing your keynote speech topic, it’s essential to consider your target audience and their interests. Think about your expertise and unique perspective, as this will help you bring a fresh and insightful angle to your speech. Research current trends and events in your industry to stay relevant and engaging. Your chosen topic should inspire your audience and leave a lasting impression. Practice and refine your speech to ensure that it resonates with your audience at the end of your speech.

Tips for selecting a topic that resonates with the event’s theme and audience.

When choosing a topic for your keynote speech, it is crucial to thoroughly research the event and understand its objectives and target audience. This will help ensure that your topic aligns with the event’s theme and goals, making it the perfect topic of the event. Consider the audience’s interests, knowledge level, and expectations to make the topic relevant, engaging, and actionable. Avoid common or overused topics and offer a unique perspective that resonates with the attendees. By selecting a topic that truly connects with the event’s theme and audience, you can deliver a memorable and impactful keynote speech.

The importance of relevance and timeliness in a keynote address.

Tailoring the message to specific audiences and events is crucial for a keynote speaker. It ensures that the audience can connect with the content on a deeper level. Additionally, incorporating personal anecdotes and stories adds an element of relatability and makes the keynote more engaging and memorable. To maintain relevancy, it is essential for the topic of the keynote speech to align with current events and trends. Using accessible language and avoiding jargon further enhances the speaker’s ability to effectively communicate with the audience. Ultimately, a successful keynote address should leave the listeners feeling inspired and motivated.

Structuring Your Keynote Speech

Structuring your keynote speech is crucial for delivering a compelling and impactful presentation. To capture your audience’s attention from the start, begin with a strong opening that grabs their interest. Introduce yourself and your credentials to establish credibility with the audience. Outline the main points of your speech in a logical flow to ensure clarity and coherence. Use stories, examples, and anecdotes to make your points more memorable and relatable. Incorporate visuals like slides or videos to enhance your message and engage your audience visually. Finally, end your keynote speech with a clear call to action or takeaway that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Crafting a compelling introduction to grab attention.

To craft a compelling introduction that grabs attention during your keynote speech, there are several effective techniques you can employ. One approach is to start with a captivating personal anecdote that immediately draws the audience in and creates a connection. Another option is to begin with a thought-provoking question that gets the audience thinking and actively engaged from the start. Alternatively, you can use a powerful quote that sets the tone for your keynote speech and captures the audience’s attention. Opening with a surprising statistic or fact can also be an effective way to grab the audience’s attention right from the beginning. Lastly, consider engaging the audience from the start by sharing a relatable and relevant story that they can connect with. By incorporating these strategies into your introduction, you can create a captivating opening that sets the stage for the rest of your keynote speech.

Building the body of the keynote speech with clear points and supporting evidence.

To build a compelling keynote speech, it’s crucial to break it down into clear sections, each highlighting a main point. These main points should be supported by strong evidence, whether it’s research, data, or personal experience. Visual aids, such as graphs or charts, can enhance the audience’s understanding of these main points. Additionally, incorporating storytelling techniques can make the main points more relatable and memorable. Finally, ensure there is a logical flow in your speech, seamlessly connecting your main points. This way, your audience will be engaged and gain valuable insights from your keynote speech.

Concluding with a memorable and impactful message.

In order to leave a lasting impression on your audience during your keynote speech, it is crucial to have a strong and impactful conclusion. One way to achieve this is by summarizing the main takeaways of your speech, reinforcing the core message that you want to convey. Additionally, ending your speech with a call-to-action can inspire the audience to take a specific next step, whether it’s signing up for your newsletter or taking action on a cause. Leaving the audience with a powerful, thought-provoking question to contemplate can also make your message stick in their minds. Another effective technique is to close your speech with a personal story or anecdote that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impression. Lastly, finishing off with a strong, memorable quote that encapsulates your message can leave a powerful impact on the audience and make your speech more memorable for your next keynote. By incorporating these techniques into your keynote speech, you can ensure that you conclude with a memorable and impactful message that resonates with your audience.

Engaging Your Audience

To truly engage your audience during a keynote speech, it’s crucial to establish a personal connection. By sharing stories and experiences, you make your message relatable and create a sense of authenticity. Incorporating humor at appropriate moments keeps the audience entertained and attentive. Visual aids, such as slides or videos, can enhance your presentation by adding visual interest and supporting your key points. Additionally, encouraging audience participation through Q&A sessions or interactive group activities makes them feel involved and invested in your speech. These techniques ensure that your audience remains engaged throughout your keynote address.

Techniques to maintain audience interest and engagement throughout the keynote address.

To maintain audience interest and engagement throughout a keynote address, it is crucial to start with a strong opening that captures their attention. Storytelling is an effective technique to connect with the audience and make the presentation memorable. Incorporating humor and relatable examples keeps the audience engaged. Visual aids such as slides or videos break up the presentation and make it more interactive. Finally, ending with a strong closing leaves a lasting impression on the audience’s attention. By incorporating these techniques, a keynote speaker can ensure a captivating and engaging presentation.

The role of storytelling, anecdotes, and real-life examples in a keynote speech.

Storytelling, anecdotes, and real-life examples play a crucial role in a keynote speech. They have the power to engage the audience, making the message more memorable. By incorporating storytelling, speakers can create a narrative that captures attention and resonates with the listeners. Anecdotes provide specific examples related to the topic being discussed, simplifying complex concepts and enabling the audience to understand and relate. Real-life examples add credibility and authenticity to the speaker’s message, making it more impactful. However, it’s important to strike a balance between these elements and the overall purpose of the keynote speech. Practicing delivery and timing ensures seamless integration of storytelling, anecdotes, and real-life examples, enhancing the effectiveness of the speech.

Visual Aids and Presentation Tools

Visual aids play a crucial role in enhancing a keynote presentation. They help to capture and maintain the audience’s attention, making the message more memorable and impactful. There are various types of visual aids that can be used, including slides, videos, and props. When creating slides, it’s important to ensure they effectively convey the main points and complement the speaker’s message. Presentation tools like PowerPoint and Keynote can be used to create visually appealing slides and seamlessly integrate them into the presentation. Additionally, the speaker’s body language and non-verbal communication also play a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of visual aids.

Enhancing your keynote address with effective visuals and multimedia.

To enhance the impact of your keynote speech, it’s important to use visual aids and multimedia elements effectively. When selecting visuals, prioritize relevance, quality, and their ability to support your message. Consider incorporating videos and animations to add variety and interest to your presentation. Ensure that all attendees, including those with disabilities, can access and engage with your visuals and multimedia. Practice your delivery with these elements to seamlessly integrate them into your keynote address. Remember, visuals and multimedia should enhance, not distract from, your overall message.

Tips for integrating slides, videos, and graphics without overshadowing the speech.

When incorporating slides, videos, and graphics into your keynote speech, it is essential to strike the right balance. These visual aids can enhance your message and engage the audience, but they should never overshadow your speech. One important tip is to ensure that your visuals align with the theme of the event and support your key points. Additionally, make sure you have enough time to prepare and practice with the multimedia elements, as last-minute adjustments can be distracting. Remember, the focus should always be on your words and delivery, with the slides, videos, and graphics complementing your message.

Practicing and Perfecting Your Keynote Speech

To deliver a successful keynote speech, ample practice is vital. Dedicate enough time to rehearse your speech and ensure you feel confident and prepared. Seek feedback from trusted individuals who can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. This process allows you to refine your message and delivery, ensuring clarity and impact. Overcoming common challenges, such as nerves, technical glitches, or unexpected interruptions, requires adaptability and composure during your keynote address. By practicing and perfecting your keynote speech in its entirety, you maximize your ability to engage and inspire your audience with your message.

The value of rehearsal in delivering a confident keynote address.

Rehearsing your keynote speech multiple times is crucial in delivering a confident and impactful presentation. By practicing, you internalize your message and become more familiar with the content, allowing you to deliver it with confidence. Taking the time to rehearse helps ensure a polished presentation, allowing you to work on your body language and eye contact with the audience. Additionally, rehearsing allows you to identify any areas of your speech that may need improvement, giving you the opportunity to address them beforehand. Seeking feedback and making refinements further ensures clarity and impact.

Seeking feedback and making refinements to ensure clarity and impact.

To ensure clarity and impact in your keynote address, it’s essential to seek feedback from trusted colleagues or a speaking coach. Their insights can provide valuable guidance for refining your message and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your speech. Continuously working on refining your keynote speech is crucial for making a strong impact on the audience. By incorporating feedback and making necessary adjustments, you can gauge the clarity and impact of your speech, ensuring that it resonates with the audience and delivers the intended message. Seeking feedback and making refinements are critical steps towards delivering a powerful and impactful keynote speech.

Overcoming Common Keynote Speech Challenges

To ensure your keynote speech captivates the audience, utilize storytelling techniques that hold their attention. Smoothly handle any technical glitches that arise, maintaining the flow of your speech. Craft strong call-to-actions that inspire the audience to take action after your address. Overcome nerves by practicing relaxation techniques before delivering your keynote. Be prepared to deal with unexpected interruptions without losing focus. By employing these strategies, you can overcome common challenges and deliver a memorable and impactful keynote speech.

Addressing common pitfalls and challenges in crafting and delivering a keynote speech

Crafting and delivering a successful keynote speech requires careful consideration of common pitfalls and challenges. To maintain a strong and professional speaking presence, it’s essential to avoid filler words like “um” and “uh.” Captivate the audience by crafting your speech with a clear main message and theme. Strategic use of visual aids can enhance their understanding of your keynote address. Tailor your speech to the event’s topic, ensuring relevance and engagement. Additionally, incorporating personal experiences and storytelling techniques can make your keynote speech relatable and impactful. By addressing these challenges, you can deliver a memorable and inspiring keynote speech.

Strategies to handle nerves, technical glitches, and unexpected interruptions during the keynote address.

To ensure a smooth and successful keynote address, it is crucial to employ effective strategies for handling nerves, technical glitches, and unexpected interruptions, as used by professional speakers. One of the most important things you can do is practice, practice, practice. By rehearsing your speech until you know it like the back of your hand, you will feel more confident and less likely to be thrown off track by nerves. Additionally, visualizing success can help alleviate anxiety and boost your overall performance. Take some time to imagine yourself delivering a successful keynote speech before the actual event, envisioning positive outcomes and a captivated audience.

While technical glitches can be frustrating, being prepared for them can make all the difference. Bring backup equipment and have a technician on standby to quickly resolve any issues that may arise. This way, you can maintain a seamless flow and keep the audience engaged. In the face of unexpected interruptions, it’s important to handle them with grace. Stay calm, address the interruption briefly, and then smoothly transition back to your main points. Lastly, using humor strategically throughout your speech can help ease tension and keep the audience relaxed and engaged. By incorporating these strategies, you will be well-equipped to navigate any challenges that may arise during your keynote address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great keynote speaker.

A great keynote speaker captivates and motivates their audience, delivering a message that resonates deeply. They exude confidence, authenticity, and passion for their topic, adapting it to suit the interests and needs of their listeners.

How can a speaker engage their audience during a keynote speech?

To engage the audience during a keynote speech, speakers should start with a captivating opening. They can connect emotionally through storytelling and personal anecdotes. Interactive elements like audience participation and multimedia presentations help keep the audience engaged. Tailoring the speech to the specific interests and needs of the audience also contributes to engagement.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when delivering a keynote speech?

To deliver a successful keynote speech, avoid reading directly from slides or notes. Respect the event schedule by not exceeding your allotted time. Focus on key points instead of trying to cover too much material. Steer clear of using jargon that may confuse your audience.

How can a speaker prepare for and rehearse their keynote speech?

Preparing and rehearsing a keynote speech involves several important steps. Begin by outlining the main points and structure of your speech. Practice your delivery in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend, and time yourself to ensure your speech fits within the allotted time frame. Consider recording yourself to analyze your body language and tone of voice.

In conclusion, mastering the art of keynote speaking requires careful planning, effective communication, and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs. A successful keynote address can set the tone for an event, inspire and motivate the audience, and provide valuable insights and direction. By selecting a relevant and timely topic, structuring your speech with clear points and supporting evidence, and engaging your audience through storytelling and visual aids, you can deliver a memorable and impactful keynote address. Remember to practice and seek feedback to refine your speech, and be prepared to overcome challenges that may arise. If you’re interested in learning more about keynote speaking or need assistance with your next event, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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What Is a Keynote Speech? Plus 5 Steps to Help You Write One.

Eleni Kelakos August 24, 2020 Peak Performance , presentation skills training , public speaking training , speech coaching

You’ve been asked to deliver a keynote speech at an upcoming event. And while you may be flattered by the request, you have a lot of questions, like: “What is a keynote speech anyway? What makes it different that other presentations? How long should a keynote speech be? And how do I write a keynote speech

Before I answer those questions, let me congratulate you for having been asked to deliver a keynote speech. Because being invited to give a keynote speech means that have developed a perspective, a public persona, or a big idea that is interesting enough to be featured in the spotlight. Professionally speaking, you have arrived!

Typically, keynote speakers are experts in their field. Some professional keynote speakers, like me and many of my colleagues in the National Speakers Association , are even paid to deliver their keynote speeches. Whether you are paid or not, giving a keynote address is both an honor and a fantastic opportunity to share your expertise what an appreciative audience.

What Is A Keynote Speech?

The answer to “What is a keynote speech?” is inherent in the very language of the question: The words key and note . Essentially, a keynote speech is a speech in which you establish and develop a main (key) theme and set an overall tone (note) for the event. Often, the subject of a keynote address or keynote speech is intended to reinforce—and rally the audience around– the event’s chosen theme. For example, if the theme of an event is performing at your peak as a leader, there is a good chance that the keynote speaker will be delivering a speech that underscores that theme.

Keynote speeches can be informational, inspiring, entertaining, and motivating. The best keynote speeches contain a bit of each those elements, expertly woven together.

What Makes A Keynote Speech Different Than Other Presentations?

One of the best ways to understand what makes a keynote speech different that other speeches or presentation is to understand what it is not : A keynote speech is not a speech or presentation in which you teach skills or concepts on a deep, experiential, nuts and bolts level. It’s a speech in which you are doing most of the work.

If you are asking your audience to do individual or group work in spoken or written form through more than half of your speech, what you are delivering is either a training program or a workshop, but not a keynote speech. This is not to say that keynote speeches can’t have interactive elements; many of the best do, but in doses small and simple enough to allow the members audience to ingest the lessons while maintaining a focus on the speaker. Overall, keynote speeches tease out their key theme at a much higher level of focus than more involved, granular, and usually more lengthy workshops, breakout sessions, or training programs ( like these ).

How Long Should A Keynote Speech Be?

A keynote speech is typically thirty to sixty minutes in length.

Generally speaking, the shorter the keynote speech, the better. This is especially true when delivering a keynote speech after lunch or dinner, when people are winding down over a meal (or even a cocktail or two) and have a shorter attention span. Whatever time slot you’ve been given as a keynote speaker, it’s your job to stay within its parameters—even if the event is running late, and you have to shave ten minutes off your keynote speech.

How Do You Write A Keynote Speech?

The question “How do I write a keynote speech” is often the reason thought-leaders, speakers, and business leaders contact me for support in writing one. Because, if you’ve never put a keynote speech together before, it can be daunting. As I always tell my online group keynote coaching or individual keynote coaching clients, organizing and crafting a keynote speech is a creative process. This means your keynote speech will often dictate what it needs to be as you’re writing it. You must be willing to nudge it into being, and be patient as it unfolds.

If you’re wondering “So, how do you write a keynote speech?” I suggest you start by asking yourself the following five questions:

Who are the people the audience you are speaking to? The more you know about your audience, the more you can create a keynote speech that is relevant and of service to them.
What pain, problem or challenge are you there to shine a light on or solve on behalf of your audience?
Based on your answers to the first two questions, what is your big idea, the “key note” you are there to expand upon in your keynote speech?
What are the three main points, lessons, or takeaways you want make (and flesh out with stories, data, and other sticky evidence) that are in support of your big idea, and will make up the body of your keynote speech?
What can you choose to do to begin and end your keynote speech in a way that is maximally memorable and engaging?

If you are struggling to put together your keynote speech, don’t despair. You don’t have to go it alone. There are professional keynote presentation coaches who can help you turn your big idea into a magical, moving, memorable speech.

Fill Your Keynote Speech With Who You Are

Whether you write keynote speech by yourself, or with the help of a trusted keynote presentation coach , remember this: The greatest resources you’ve got to draw upon are your unique experiences, expertise, and stories. Fill your keynote speech with who you are and what you know. Be human and relatable, so your audience can connect more deeply with you.

And when the time comes for you to step up to the podium and give your keynote speech remember: Your words matter. Use your words responsibly. Use your words with intention. Use your words to change your world.

Need support putting together your signature keynote speech? Check out my Build a Brilliant Keynote Online Group Course .

Would you rather work with me on e -on-one explore my keynote presentation coaching options..

How to Present an Engaging Keynote Speech

Hosting & Hospitality Read time: 9 minutes

What is a Keynote Speech?

How long is a keynote speech, what makes a successful keynote speech, how to write a keynote speech - in 5 easy steps, how to start a keynote speech, how to end a keynote speech, tips for presenting an engaging keynote speech.

Keynote speeches are the heartbeat of any event, whether you're the event organiser delivering it or selecting a speaker to do so. They offer a chance to inspire and shape the event's narrative, leaving a lasting impact on delegates. The keynote's theme is typically aligned with the overarching theme of the event so crafting an engaging keynote speech is essential to connect with attendees and ensure the success of an event.

This guide will offer invaluable insights and practical tips for crafting, delivering, and perfecting a keynote speech from leading industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the art of keynote presentations, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to engage and inspire an audience.

A keynote speech is often the opening or closing address at an event and is designed to convey a central message, set the tone, and captivate the audience. In contrast to shorter presentations, keynote speeches provide an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into a subject matter and demonstrate the extent of the speaker’s expertise.

The purpose of a keynote speech is to convey a central message, set the event tone and engage audiences.
A keynote speech typically takes place during the opening or closing of a conference.
Keynote speeches are usually delivered by a notable expert, celebrity or prominent figure within the field.

A keynote speech should typically be between 30 - 60 minutes long, with the ideal duration falling around 45 minutes. This time frame allows for a focused, impactful presentation without overwhelming the audience.

Dedicate at least 60 minutes within the schedule for the keynote presentation.
Event organisers should coordinate with keynote speakers to ensure their presentation fits the allotted time.
You should always allow extra time within the schedule to accommodate audience engagement, questions, and potential overruns, as it's easier to fill extra time than to rush through a keynote speech.

A good keynote speech is characterised by its ability to inspire, educate, and engage the audience. It should have a clear message, captivating delivery, relatable stories, and a strong connection with the audience's needs and interests. Outstanding keynote speeches do more than just provide information; they inspire the audience to take action.

Here are the top three things to consider for a successful keynote speech:

Preparation time - Preparation time is paramount for keynote success, as it allows for content refinement and effective delivery. Keynote speeches often require weeks to months of preparation to ensure a well-structured and impactful presentation.
Audience research - In-depth audience research enables the speaker to tailor their content to meet the audience's expectations, making the speech more relatable and engaging.
Clear purpose - A clear purpose, goals, and intentions provide a roadmap for the speech, ensuring that the message is focused, concise, and aligned with the desired outcomes, making the keynote more impactful and memorable.

When writing a keynote speech, structure the speech in three sections: an engaging opening to capture the audience's attention, a substantive body with key messages and supporting content, and a compelling conclusion that summarises the main points and leaves a lasting impression.

To contribute to this guide, the team at ICC Belfast have enlisted the help of event industry experts who have created five easy steps on how to write an effective keynote speech:

1. Develop a Throughline

A throughline is the central theme or narrative thread that runs consistently through a keynote speech. It serves to connect various elements of the presentation, providing coherence and helping the audience follow the topic by reinforcing the core message and making the speech more impactful and memorable.

More than 900 businesspeople from across Northern Ireland and beyond are set to attend the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry President’s Banquet 2023 in ICC Belfast. The evening will be a celebration of global business leaders players, commemorating the membership organisation’s 240th anniversary in the company of Ireland Captain Johnny Sexton , who is making his first appearance of this kind since returning from the Rugby World Cup in France. Those lucky enough to have secured seats will hear Johnny in conversation with broadcaster, Holly Hamilton with the central theme focusing on leadership and what it takes to be the best.

Petrina McAuley from NI Chamber shares her top tips for developing a throughline through a keynote speech:

Define the core message:

When you identify the main message or theme you want to convey in your keynote speech, everything else falls into place. Decide on this from the outset and a structure will be set for your overall theme.
Ensure that your core message is clear, concise, and relevant to your audience's needs and interests.
Thread the core message consistently throughout your speech and this will provide focus both to you and attendees.
Connecting anecdotes, examples, and bringing the content back to your central theme will always maintain a cohesive narrative and reinforce your throughline.

NI Chamber Presidents Banquet 2023 | ICC Belfast

2. Brainstorm Ideas

Brainstorming ideas is crucial because it allows for the exploration of diverse perspectives and angles, helping to uncover unique themes and subtopic ideas. It enables a comprehensive understanding of the topic's full scope, facilitating the development of a rich and engaging keynote presentation that resonates with the audience.

The creation of ' The Virtual Delegate ,' a six-part digital event series, stemmed from a brainstorming session with ICC Belfast and international keynote speaker David Meade around the event industry's need to unite and address the widespread challenges during a period when in-person networking and substantial interaction were significantly limited. This initiative was watched by over 3,000 viewers on LinkedIn and was recognised with an Innovation Award as part of the annual Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) Excellence Awards .

David has become one of the most dynamic, engaging, and sought-after keynote speakers with a client list that features some of the world’s most successful organisations. His top tips when it comes to brainstorming ideas for a keynote speech:

Begin with mind mapping:

I always start with a mind map because this creates a central theme or topic in the centre of a blank page. Mind maps allow you to branch out with related subtopics and ideas in a non-linear fashion and mean you can always connect them back to the central theme.
I always like to expand each subtopic on the mind map with details, anecdotes, and supporting content and then refine later when I’m putting the final touches to my keynote speech.
No man is an island so collaborate with a team or trusted individuals to generate a wide range of ideas. The Virtual Delegate was an excellent example of coming together with like-minded people, brainstorming an idea and creating something innovative that had never been done before.
Brainstorming sessions will encourage open discussion and idea-sharing, and this creativity with diverse perspectives allows you to identify keynote themes and angles.

David Meade | The Virtual Delegate | ICC Belfast

3. Choose Key Talking Points

Refining ideas and selecting the strongest three topics as key talking points is vital for maintaining focus and clarity in your keynote speech. It ensures that the audience isn't overwhelmed with information and can absorb the most impactful content, making your message more memorable and engaging.

In 2023, ICC Belfast hosted a gathering of senior leaders from across Northern Ireland, where they renewed their dedication to driving economic growth in the city. The event featured an interactive session with renowned international speaker, author, coach, and educator, Andy Fell . The ‘ What Winners Do’ session, which was delivered by Andy, focused on the importance of collaboration in advancing the shared objective of enhancing Belfast's reputation as destination for business events.

Andy shares his top tips for choosing key talking points:

Consider your audience relevance:

As the keynote speaker you need to deliver something that is relevant and engaging and what I like to do is evaluate the potential topics and base my speech on the target audience's needs and interests.
I also like to prioritise topics so that they address specific pain points or provide valuable insights that will engage and resonate with the audience.
Assess the potential impact of each topic on the audience. Consider which topics are likely to leave a lasting impression and always make your message memorable.
Remember to remove weaker topics that lack depth, resonance, or relevance, ensuring your speech is focused and compelling.

Andy Fell | What Winners Do | ICC Belfast

4. Decide on a Keynote Structure

Speech structure is crucial for maintaining a seamless flow and ensuring appropriate timing during a keynote presentation. A well organised structure helps the speaker transition smoothly between sections, making it easier to stay on schedule and engage the audience effectively.

As a member of Visit Belfast’s executive leadership team, Rachael McGuickin leads a multi-award winning team where she is currently Director of Business Development, Sustainability and Transformation. Rachael is responsible for promoting Belfast internationally as a leading business events, cruise and group tour destination and often delivers keynote speeches in order to attract inclusive and sustainable growth for the ‘ World’s Best Conference and Events Destination ’ 2023.

Rachael’s top tips when deciding on a keynote speech structure:

Use a three-act structure:

I will always divide my keynote speech into three acts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
The introduction captures attention, the body delivers key messages, and the conclusion summarises and leaves a lasting impression.
Never underestimate the introduction, you have less than five minutes to grab and keep the audience’s attention or you lose them. I always use a story, an unusual fact or statement to try and keep the focus of the audience in the introduction section.
Create an outline with clear signposts as this will guide the audience (and you!) through your speech.
Use transition phrases, visuals, and summaries to indicate the start and end of each section as it brings structured to your speech and enables well-paced delivery.
It will always take you longer than you think!
It is so easy to take away from a great keynote by speaking for too long and your content will lose impact.
It is a privilege to speak to an audience – never overstay your welcome.

Team Belfast C&IT Awards 2023 | ICC Belfast

5. Draft and Redraft

Creating a first draft allows you to capture your initial ideas and thoughts without the pressure of perfection, providing a foundation for your keynote speech. The refinement through editing enhances clarity, coherence, and impact, ensuring that your message is effectively conveyed and resonates with the audience.

One Young World ambassador, author and social impact officer for Education Authority , Aimée Clint , has an extensive portfolio when it comes to delivering speeches. In 2019 she was named Europe's Top Entrepreneur Under 20 after she pitched her idea at the event in London, and walked away with a £10,000 investment. In 2023, at the One Young World Summit in Belfast, she hosted 24 sessions on the Reckitt Accelerating Impact stage in Hall 2A .

Aimée’s top tips for drafting a keynote speech:

Create an initial draft:

Begin drafting your speech by freely expressing your ideas and key points without worrying about perfection.
The initial draft is all about getting your thoughts on paper and structuring the speech.

Follow an iterative editing process:

Review your draft multiple times as this will refine your content, structure, and flow.
Pay attention to clarity, coherence, and engaging elements such as storytelling and audience engagement.

Aimée Clint | One Young World 2023 | ICC Belfast

Start a keynote speech with an engaging introduction. You could open with a captivating anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quote. Capturing attention from the beginning is crucial, as it sets the tone, piques the audience's interest, and draws them into the speech, increasing the likelihood of them staying engaged throughout.

Here are some ideas for starting a keynote speech:

Interesting fact - Begin your keynote with a surprising statistic or intriguing piece of information related to your topic. For instance, ‘Did you know that in the next five years, our world will generate more data than in the entire history of humanity?’
Humorous statement - Lighten the mood by starting with a joke or anecdote that relates to your topic. For example, ‘They say the best way to survive a business meeting is with humour, so let's start with a joke.’
Engaging story - Capture your audience's imagination by opening with a personal or relatable story that connects to your message. For instance, ‘Let me take you back 15 years in a small café in Ireland, where a chance encounter changed the course of my life.’

It's important to finish a keynote speech with a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. You can wrap up by summarising key points, offering a call to action, or inspiring the audience. Ending on a high note ensures that your message resonates and motivates the audience to act or remember the core message.

Here are some ideas for ending a keynote speech:

Summarise key points - Conclude your keynote by summarising the key takeaways of your speech, reinforcing the central message. For example, ‘In summary, we've explored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in today's ever-changing world.’
Call to action - Inspire your audience to take action by providing a clear and compelling call to action. For instance, ‘Now, I challenge each of you to take the first step toward implementing these principles in your own lives and workplaces.’

ICC Belfast's top tips for presenting an engaging keynote speech cover four key areas:

Maximise on storytelling - Storytelling resonates with audiences as it adds relatability and emotion to your message, making it more memorable and engaging.
Utilise language - Employ various linguistic techniques, such as humour, metaphors, alliteration, and repetition, to keep the audience's attention and bring your concepts to life.
Use more than words - Beyond content, consider the tone of voice, cadence, body language, and eye contact to enhance your keynote. Visual aids can also complement your message effectively.
Recover from mistakes - Learn how to recover gracefully from any errors during your presentation through practice and preparation, ensuring a smoother delivery.

Presenting a Keynote at ICC Belfast

ICC Belfast provides expert support for keynote presentations during conference events:

Flexible event spaces - ICC Belfast offers a range of versatile event spaces, from intimate seminar rooms to the impressive Main Auditorium , capable of accommodating up to 2,000 delegates. This diversity ensures that you can choose the perfect setting for your keynote presentation, tailored to your audience size and preferences.
Award-winning production services - With state-of-the-art technology and award-winning production services , ICC Belfast enables you to deliver impactful keynote presentations. High-quality sound and lighting, advanced AV equipment, and professional technical support ensure a seamless and engaging experience for both speakers and audiences.
Flexible configurations - The venue's flexible space configurations and theatre-style seating options allow for optimal audience engagement, clear sightlines, and audiovisual setup to ensure your message reaches every attendee.

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Survivor season-premiere recap: raggedy andy, agatha all along series-premiere recap: the witch is back, real housewives of salt lake city premiere recap: time doesn’t heal all wounds, ceo of self-driving startup motional is stepping down, are you qualified to use null in sql, wordle today: here’s the answer hints for september 19, dump matsumoto and the crush gals: the real-life icons behind netflix’s ‘the queen of villains’, trump grasps for votes in new york: ‘what do you have to lose’, j2me-loader: j2me emulator for android devices, how to write a keynote speech: 14 steps.

1. Define your purpose: The first step in writing a keynote speech is to define your central message or theme. Consider the event’s objective and your personal insight on the topic to establish a goal for your address.

2. Know your audience: Understand the demographics, interests, and expectations of the people you’ll be addressing. This knowledge will help you tailor your speech to engage, inspire, and connect with your listeners.

3. Research comprehensively: To make your speech more authoritative and credible, research the subject matter thoroughly. This also equips you with relevant anecdotes, statistics, and facts for further engagement.

4. Create an outline: An organized structure for your speech is crucial in guiding its flow. Break down your major points into smaller topics and arrange them logically from the introduction to conclusion.

5. Start with a strong opening: Capture your audience’s attention right away with a captivating opening statement or anecdote that sets the tone for the rest of your speech.

6. Use storytelling techniques: Share personal experiences, anecdotes, or relevant stories from others to establish an emotional connection with the audience.

7. Engage with visuals: Supplement your verbal presentation with relevant images, graphs, or charts to help clarify and support complex ideas.

8. Provide value: Offer actionable advice, unique insights, or lessons learned on the topic based on both professional and personal experiences.

9. Be authentic and genuine: Your speech should reflect your personality and convictions. Be true to yourself and avoid trying to imitate someone else’s style or opinions.

10. Maintain clarity and simplicity: Speak in clear language that is accessible to everyone in the audience while avoiding jargon or overly complex terminology.

11. Pace yourself: Delivering a keynote speech effectively requires excellent timing. Practice speaking slowly and clearly while managing transitions between topics seamlessly.

12. Involve the audience: Encourage participation by asking questions, seeking feedback, or initiating activities that reinforce your key points.

13. Conclude with impact: End your speech on a high note by summarizing the main points and issuing a strong call to action or inspirational message.

14. Practice and rehearse: To ensure success, practice your speech multiple times, ideally in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend who can offer constructive feedback.

In summary, writing a captivating and memorable keynote speech demands a clear purpose, thorough research, and engaging delivery. By following these 14 steps, you’ll be better prepared to inspire and enlighten your audience.

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8 Essential Keynote Speaker Tips You Should Know

In this post

What is a keynote speaker?
What is a keynote speech?

8 tips for delivering a keynote speech

Where to find good keynote speakers, how to book a keynote speaker, cost of a keynote speaker.

Some of the most gripping and inspiring speeches ever given are keynotes.

For example, Steve Jobs’ introduction of the iPhone (also called Stevenote); Barack Obama at the 2004 Democratic National Convention ; or Gary Vaynerchuk’s keynote speech at Inc 500 Seminar 2011 . They grip us. Move us.

What is a keynote speaker?

But why are keynotes different from other speeches or presentations? Because they are the key moment of an event – often a conference. That’s why they are key notes .

In fact, the term stems from music: a capella singers need to hear a note to get the tune of a song right. That became the key note. The word carried over from music to the defining presentation at an event, and it’s supposed to move us – just like its origin.

Keynotes are also referred to as keynote addresses and are given to crowds at events like SXSW to commencement ceremonies. One of the most renowned commencement speeches comes from Steve Jobs. He was the keynote speaker at Stanford's 2005 graduation, the university he dropped out of years before.

A keynote speaker, often well-known in the field, gives the defining presentation of a conference and tunes the audience.

Some keynote speakers are professionals who do nothing else but speak. There is a certain art to that crossover between motivational and educational speaking. The best keynote speakers feel not only comfortable and confident on stage, they are also able to present an inspiring story or original idea within the context of the event.

Keynote speakers also play an important economic role: they raise interest in the event. Seeing someone famous is a great incentive to buy a conference ticket. I myself remember seeing Seth Godin, a great inspiration for me, for the first time at a conference I probably wouldn’t have attended if he hadn’t given the keynote. I then discovered other great speakers and presentations, but Seth was the door opener. He pulled me in.

On top of being great ticket-sellers, keynote speakers signal prestige. The more famous, the better. That means not just increased ticket sales the year of the event, but likely also the years that follow. Think about what it does for an event when Barack Obama gives the keynote. Not everybody can make that happen. It pulls a conference to the next level and makes interested parties more likely to purchase a ticket to your next conference in anticipation that you’ll bring big-name celebrities in to speak, thus increasing the overall value of your event.

Want to learn more about Event Planning Software? Explore Event Planning products.

What is a keynote speech .

A keynote is a principal presentation or speech that introduces an event and is usually given by a famous speaker. It sets the frame and tone of the event by introducing a novel or big idea.

The best keynote speeches are all inspirational and cover an important idea. They are so rich you could write a book about them, which might be the reason so many writers give them. It’s not enough to just tell a funny anecdote or a joke. A keynote needs to teach something to the audience and move them.

Most keynotes are motivational speeches, but not all motivational speakers give keynotes.

Though it’s the most common setup, keynotes don’t always have to start an event. They can set the stage for following speakers speakers and discussions, so why not start with a bang?! Event coordinators can also organize the day with a keynote used to wrap up a conference or accelerate the moment midday. Either way, organizers and speakers need to understand that those are quite different from each other and demand different formats.

Writing a keynote speech is similar to writing a book. There’s no perfect recipe for it, but there are guidelines. If this is your first time, prepare to face high standards and putting in more work than for regular presentations. The following eight steps and tips at the end should prepare you well.

1. Find out what “keynote” means in context to the situation

Acknowledge that many organizers use the term “keynote” for different things. Clarify whether it’s really the main presentation you’re giving or something else.

2. Learn the intent of your keynote

Know the organizer’s goal/context. Is it to shock, excite, entertain, or inform? It’s often all of these things, but there has to be an emphasis on one. The organizer or event planner surely has a vision in mind, and it’s your job to understand what that looks like and how it overlaps with yours.

3. Understand your audience

Get a feeling for what moves the audience you’ll be speaking to and what’s top of mind, how to connect with them, and what their expectations are. Good keynotes tell a story that’s directly related to the context or the conference itself.

Some audience research ideas:

Google the conference name and look for reviews or blog articles
Look at conference hashtags on Twitter and Instagram to see who attended last year and what they said/shared
Ask the organizer for audience reviews/feedback from past sessions/keynotes
Ask your social media followers or email subscribers if they’re attending and what they expect

4. Do your research

Research previous keynote speakers of the event and find out what worked well and what didn’t. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. Learn from those who came before you. Most event websites have that information and sometimes even videos of previous keynotes.

5. Plan your story

Think about the story you want to tell. It can be a personal anecdote, something that was big in the news, or a surprising outcome from research. Whatever it is, it should have at least one of these attributes: funny, entertaining, inspiring, gripping, or moving – or a combination – as long as it makes sense.

TIP: How long should a keynote speech be? Keynotes rarely reach 60 minutes in length. The more common length is between 15 and 45 minutes (exceptions apply).

6. Internalize your presentation

Finish your presentation a couple of weeks ahead of the event so you can internalize it. Make sure you have some slack. As a regular speaker, nothing drives more sweat through your pores than finishing a slide deck a couple of hours before the event starts. Keynotes have very high requirements in terms of speaker quality, so make sure you leave enough time to refine your slides and really learn the content by heart.

7. Connect with the audience at the event

Coffee breaks or breakfast are good opportunities for getting to know some of the attendees. Later on, when you stand in front of a mass, it will help you to address specific people and talk to them. You will probably feel more comfortable on stage and your presentation will be smoother.

8. Use social media to solidify the connections you made

Reconnect with the audience after your keynote on social media or in person. Make yourself available, answer questions, and discuss your material with attendees. That increases the chance of better feedback/reviews, creates advocates and new followers, and allows you to connect deeply with the people who gave their time and attention listening to you.

Sketch out your story, sort your research and facts, and write down what you want to say before creating your slides. Do them last.
Use strong pictures/images to underline your message
Avoid text as much as possible
Work with simple charts
Cover no more than one idea per slide
Back your claims up with data
Practice your deck – a lot

When planning out your presentation, you need to know the type of presentation software you intend to use. Even slight discrepancies in formatting, timing, and design can make a difference in how you present your keynote to your audience. Find the right solution first so you aren’t scrambling last minute.

Now is the time to get SaaS-y news and entertainment with our 5-minute newsletter, G2 Tea , featuring inspiring leaders, hot takes, and bold predictions. Subscribe below!

A lot of “popular” speakers have a dedicated speaking section on their website. So, the first step would be to visit the website of people you know from the industry and want to book. But there are also agencies and speaker bureaus that specialize in keynote speakers and cover the whole process for you.

Be sure to stay flexible with your time and budget if you’re aiming for a big name. As it often goes, if you already have one famous speaker on board, it’s easier to get others to join. A lot of buzz will also make it easier to persuade a speaker to come and give a keynote. The audience size and sold (early bird) tickets are good door openers. Money and fame always works.

Keynote speakers can be booked directly or through an agency/speaker bureau. Many keynote speakers are represented by agencies that take a 20-30% cut from the speaking fee.

However, a growing trend is to run inquiries through a speaker's own website while self-manage gigs, depending on how famous speakers are in a certain niche. Agencies really only help with promotion and management, but that can be handled by the speakers themselves given the ease of access via internet.

The average cost of a less experienced keynote speaker is between $1,500 and $5,000. Celebrities and famous speakers start at $25,000. Fees top out at around $100,000.

But money isn’t everything. There’s also fame, prestige, and promotion to be gained for keynote speakers. Giving the commencement speech at famous universities/colleges is a great honor, for example. It’s not uncommon for nonprofits to persuade good keynote speakers to speak for free if their cause is appealing.

Keynotes define an event and should be treated as such

Not to trigger your fear of public speaking , but keynotes should be original and unique. If you go for one as a speaker, the best way to not bomb out is to prepare an emotional story, collect interesting facts, and most importantly – practice, practice, practice.

However, that’s not just important to understand for the speaker, but also for the organizer. Set your speakers up for success by giving them all the information they need to be successful, especially about the audience. The worst-case scenario for a motivational and inspirational keynote is to be given to the wrong audience.

If it goes well, a keynote leaves the audience energized, inspired, motivated, and engaged. Whether the goal is to get them to come back next year as an organizer or making a name for yourself as a speaker, keynotes are a big deal and should be treated as such

Are you feeling inspired? Check out our list of the best TED talks to see examples of keynote speakers who blew the audience away. Keep your motivation high and help yourself create the greatest keynote speech of your life!

Kevin Indig

Kevin is the formerr VP of SEO & Content at G2. He believes that technology can substantially improve our lives and wants to do everything in his power to make the right technology visible and available to the right people.

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Become a Great Keynote Speaker – A Step by Step Guide

February 02, 2023

So, you’ve been asked to be a keynote speaker and give a keynote speech. How do you make sure your speech stands out and gets remembered? How do you become a good keynote speaker?

Writing and giving a keynote speech is a real skill. and it’s a skill you can learn. over the last 15 years we’ve helped hundreds of people with keynote speaker training. , do please call us and we’ll tell you about our conference keynote speaker coaching – it’s fast and good value..

These are the top speaker tips from the coaching team at Benjamin Ball Associates, based on our 15 years’ experience of supporting business leaders.

What is a Keynote Speech? What is a Keynote Speaker?

A keynote is more than an ordinary conference speech . Your keynote talk may be the reason people come to the event. It frequently sets the tone for the day. You’ll probably be the first speaker and that means your audience has high expectations .

Keynote speaking is also a powerful marketing opportunity. With these high stakes, the pressure is on you to deliver.

Learn how we can help – schedule a free consultation now

What makes a great Keynote speech?

You can only be a great event keynote speaker if you start with great content. That means writing a powerful keynote speech that your audience wants to hear. But what are the elements of a great keynote presentation? These keynote speech tips are some of the most important things to get right.

16 best keynote speaker tips: how to give a keynote speech

Let’s look at each of those Keynote Speaker tips in turn.

1. Know your audience

A top keynote speaker talks about their audience . Whatever the subject of your talk, when preparing your keynote, you need to talk about what it means for them. For example:

If you are talking about new laws, then tell us how will these improve the lives of the audience.
If you are talking about changes in your business, what will that means for those in the audience.

This means you write your speech for your audience and no one else. See how Dan Gilbert involves his audience in his talk. “The Surprising Science of Happiness”

2. Have a clear intent to your keynote speaker speech

Great talks have a singular purpose . You should decide exactly what you want to achieve with your keynote. The clearer your intent in your keynote address, the more likely you will achieve this. For example, in his TED talk, Christopher Emdin uses his six minutes to achieve his one objective.

How to do this? Write your intent on a post it note and keep this over your desk as you prepare your talk. This should be your guiding light.

3. Prepare clear messages in your keynote presentation

Great talks are easy for your audience to listen to and understand. One way you can make it easy for your audience is by having clear messages that you want your audience to take away. We often use the TakeAway Test to check the clarity of our clients’ messages.

4. Tell stories when speaking

Storytelling is at the heart of any great talk . One of our top bits of advice for clients is that “Facts get forgotten; Stories get repeated.” You can use stories in many ways – to start; to connect with your audience; to give examples; to illustrate what you mean. See how Susan Cain uses stories in her TED talk The Power of Introverts.

You can learn more about powerful storytelling here

5. use all the tricks of great keynote speakers.

Speech writing is an art and a science. That’s why speech writing is a paid profession. Simon Lancaster, a well-known speech writer, talks about speech writing tricks including speaking in threes, using contrasts and metaphor in his TED talk. So, if you want help using these tools and turning your speech into an impressive Keynote address, please get in touch.

What mistakes do you need to avoid in a keynote?

In our experience, these are the biggest mistakes made by speakers over and over again. Read this and make sure you don’t fall into any these public speaking traps.

6. Don’t be boring as a speaker

It may sound obvious, but this is the key failing of keynotes. Because people don’t prepare properly, they deliver a mediocre speech. The good news is that it can be relatively simple to turn an ordinary conference talk into a powerful keynote .

We’d be delighted to transform your draft into a compelling Keynote with our public speaking coaching.

7. Don’t let your keynote speech be too formal

Great leaders speak using a conversational style. Short words, short phrases, simple words and colloquial phrases make a talk easy to listen to. Good writing is hard work, so keep at it until you know you have a great talk. Or use an experienced public speaking coach to help you draft your words.

8. A keynote speaker does not give a sales pitch

Some of the worst keynote speeches are promotional pitches . Much better is to grab attention and demonstrate how good you are, rather than tell people how good you are. Let your audience conclude that you are brilliant – don’t tell them.

9. Don’t say too much

It is easy to try and cover too much in your talk. A common mistake is to pack your talk with more information. But the best talks tend to be simple and focused. We’ve improved more talks by cutting stuff than by adding stuff. A great talk will say less, but say it better.

10. A keynote speech is not an essay

The spoken word and the written word are completely different. You need to write for the ear, not the page. You need to learn how to write a keynote speech. This is where a speech writer or a public speaking coach are so useful because they can help you translate your ideas into powerful spoken language.

11. Don’t rely on PowerPoint

Prepare a great keynote speech first. Only then decide if you need visual aids. And visual aids do not need to be PowerPoint. A PowerPoint presentation is not the same as a speech.

How to give a keynote address

Once you have written a great talk, you then need to deliver it well. If you have a bad speech, it will be hard to deliver and you will never look good. But with a well-written keynote and a carefully prepared speaker, you can be very impressive. These are some things that you need to consider:

12. Project your voice

The best Speaker is a performer. Speaking as you would in a small room will not work. You need to look and sound impressive to make an impact. What does this involve? You need to think about the energy you put into your voice; how you vary your pace and tone and how you command the room. Fortunately all these techniques can be learned. We do this every week for leaders giving keynote talks.

13. Use many pauses in your keynote

Pauses are the secret trick that the best speakers know. Pauses are powerful because they help your audience and they help you. As a rule of thumb, great speakers will use pauses every 5-10 words, and will frequently pause for somewhere between ½ – 2 seconds.

14. Own the stage

With your body language and your eye contact you can look impressive. A speaker will seen to be comfortable and will look as if being on stage is natural to them. All this is a trick. Many speakers feel nervous, but they have learned how to appear confident . We can help you look confident.

15. A great speaker will look the part

What you wear, how you behave and what you say must all link together. If what you are saying and how you say it do not match, you will lose your audience.

16. Practise

The one thing that distinguishes great business keynote speakers from ordinary ones is the time they spend rehearsing their speech . Obviously, the more public speaking you do, the better your will get. So if you don’t speak frequently, dedicate extra time to practising your talk.

And by practising, you should keep improving and refining what you say. Never be happy with the first draft of your speech. The best speakers are editing right up to the last minute. And of course, call us in to help. We can transform you from a nervous speaker into a confident, compelling communicator.

How to Deliver The Best Keynote Speech

So, how do you prepare your next keynote talk you are welcome to use all the advice above. or, to make it simpler, we could help you., before you give your next keynote presentation, get in touch. we’d be delighted to help you prepare and deliver a compelling speech. our keynote speaker training is fast and efficient. we’ve been doing this for over 15 years and have trained thousands of business executives., transform your presentation skills with tailored coaching.

Benjamin Ball Associates Presentation skills coaching team

We can help you present brilliantly. Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too .

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.” Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice of leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East to improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.

Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level with Benjamin Ball Associates.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email [email protected] to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

Frequently asked questions about keynote speaking, how do i become a keynote speaker, what is the purpose of a keynote speaker, is it keynote address or keynote speech, what should a keynote speaker say, how do you start a keynote speech, what are the first steps to becoming a keynote speaker, how can i improve my public speaking skills, how can i differentiate myself from other speakers, or read another article..., how to write a speech that matters – 10 top tips.

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7 Steps To Preparing A Great Keynote Speech

Presentation design /
Public speaking

We’ve talked a lot about how you can become a keynote speaker and we’ve also covered some key tips on how best to deliver a speech. One aspect that has been slightly overlooked is speech preparation. Today we’re going to list 7 key steps to prepare a great keynote speech.

Before we begin, this post is meant for speakers who are at the beginning stage of their speaking career, speakers ready to take their speaking business to the next level or just anyone interested in presenting a speech in front of an audience, however big.

Also read: 17 Presentation Techniques For A Great Keynote

1. Choose a theme for your speech

If you’re a beginner, you’re probably given an indication of what the theme of your keynote speech should be. For experience speakers, the scenario might be more along the lines of “It doesn’t matter what you talk about, everyone will love it anyway!”. In both cases, you still have some serious planning to do regarding the theme of your speech.

There are three basic types of speeches: educational, motivational and entertaining. Begin by deciding which of these you want to accomplish as your general purpose. Whatever you choose, remember that you’re going there to offer value to your audience, not to brag about who you are, what you’ve done or how much you like yourself. If you’re not educating, motivating or entertaining your audience, in other words if you aren’t delivering any real value, don’t do it.

Select a core message that you want to convey, based on your theme. Make sure that it contains:

Clarity: Aim to express your core message in a single sentence. If you cannot do this, you need more clarity.Passion: Your core message must be something you believe in.Knowledge: What do you know about this core message? Can you draw stories from personal experience? Have you researched the topic?

2. Create a presentation outline

This is the first step we ask all of our clients to do before jumping into designing the entire presentation. Structuring your ideas is essential to both the delivery and the design of your keynote speech.

Many speakers, experienced or not, sadly skip this step more often than not. Like Andrew Dlugan points out, an outline is a blueprint for your presentation. That means:

It highlights the key logical elements. i.e. what points are being made to logically support the core message?It highlights the key structural elements. e.g. introduction, body, conclusion, stories, high-level conceptsIt links these elements together in a sequence, perhaps allocating very rough timings.It can also map out the transitions between elements, although this may be deferred to a later stage of preparation.

Also read: 18 PowerPoint Dos and Don’ts

3. Start filling in each section

Use keywords. This will help you convey a clear message and keep your audience’s attention. It’s also of great help to you when creating the flow of the presentation. Start with the topic of your presentation, your principal keyword will derive from that and will most likely be comprised in the presentation title. The structure of your presentation will give you another set of keywords.

Be brief and clear. Don’t crowd your slides. Instead, opt for no more than 2-3 sentences per slide and keep in mind your keywords. Think of them more like statements than sentences.

4. Make it visually attractive

Use visual elements to illustrate your ideas. Graphs and charts can help show relationships, comparisons, and change. Make sure to use these visual graphics to enhance your message and increase understanding. Too much of anything can lead to over stimulating your audience and losing their attention.

The relationships between the colors you’re using are also important. Limit the use of color to 2 to 4 colors/shades. Use colors that will stand out and will be easy on the eyes (dark backgrounds and light text is a good case practice.)

Featured Download: 10 Steps to Becoming a Keynote Speaker

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5. Tell stories

Tell stories and anecdotes to help you illustrate your ideas and your research. This will definitely make your presentation more effective and memorable. In a UCLA study , students were asked to recall a series of speeches they had heard. Only 5 percent remembered any individual statistic, while 63 percent remembered the stories presented in those speeches.

“Things are not what they seem. It’s that to get people to sit on the edge of their chair or to get them involved in your story, the audience has to constantly discover something new.”

Howard Suber, UCLA

6. Connect with the audience

Invite your audience to engage with you. This will get them emotionally invested and it will differentiate you from inexperienced, nervous speakers.

Plan an inclusion of the audience in your presentation somewhere. It can be a slide with a question, a game or just an empty slide to help you connect with people and re-gain their full attention. You can try different things, from a simple show of hands, to requests for brief personal input, to role playing and games, to small group exercises- and their merits.

7. Rehearse, Rehearse, rehearse

By rehearsing your presentation several times you’ll be able to put yourself in the shoes of your audience and see what improvements you can make.

You can even record yourself giving the presentation. This will enable you to also work on your speaking rate and body language. It’s also a useful exercise for people who get nervous when they speak in public.

You should also try these mobile presentation apps.

Are you ready to take your presentations to the next level?

Our team can help with everything from researching your project, writing the content, designing and building your slides, and even creating handouts.

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More From Forbes

5 secrets writing your signature keynote speech in 2024.

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Public speaking is an excellent way to build your personal brand. But its effectiveness relies ... [+] heavily on crafting a perfect talk. Here is a five-point strategy for delivering a perfect public speech.

Public speaking establishes you as the expert and builds trust in your personal brand. Delivering the perfect talk opens doors for your career — whether you’re an entrepreneur or corporate employee.

As a TEDx speechwriter, booker, and former career coach, I have witnessed the power of public speaking — in my own career and the careers of my clients. My own experience started with a chance meeting that landed me on the stage at TEDxBerkeley. That talk went viral because of the experience I gained and people I met who helped me become a better writer during my time working as a defense contractor for the Obama Administration. Through this process, I learned what makes an effective and memorable talk that has the power to grow your personal brand by leaps and bounds.

Here is a five-point strategy for crafting your signature talk:

1. Engage your audience in the introduction.

Your audience’s interest in your talk tends to be directly linked to the power of your opener. Consider bringing them right into the heart of a relevant profound moment you’ve experienced, sharing a quote, asking a question, or showing a video — these methods all set the tone of your talk. Your goal is to get your audience excited, engaged and if you’re really doing it right, captivated. The opener truly sets the tone for them to wonder what is coming next. Don’t be afraid to use humor, but only if you can deliver it effectively and it makes sense to your audience and the topic of your speech.

Finish your intro by sharing your agenda. Include any key statistics, why they’re important, and what will be covered based on the statistics presented. Be careful about getting lost in the numbers. These should be minimal and used to drive home a point that adds to your presentation.

5 Ways To Prevent ‘The Invisible Employee’ From Harming The Workplace In 2024

Recognition: the best way to overcome obstacles, want to persuade people work with their brains, not against them, 2. share your signature story..

Your story differentiates you from everyone else and lets the audience know why you’re the perfect person to give this presentation– it’s your why. All of this said, sharing your story does not always have to be a long process; this depends largely on your keynote structure. Each keynote has a different direction, some are valuable when structured as a personal story throughout the entire 45 minutes with key points embedded throughout, while others are valuable when structured as a quick opener and introduction of your story, moving into core learning or messaging points.

Research also affirms that people remember stories over facts and figures. We communicate using natural language, not numbers. The research showed that storytelling was significantly more effective than presenting the numbers — two-thirds of participants recalled the story at the end of the day, whereas only a quarter recalled the numbers.

3. Use signposts to keep people engaged.

When ghostwriting a TEDx (or any keynote), signposts are key for the structure. Signposts are questions you’re asking, lessons you’re sharing, mistakes to avoid, key ingredients to success … whatever gives structure to your talk and makes it easier for your audience to remember. A good signpost catches the attention of your audience.

Signposts should be one to three key topics and include three key points per topic. Here’s an example:

In my first TEDx speech, I talked about unlocking your authentic career. The key signposts were questions I wanted the audience to ask themselves:

What am I good at?
What do people tell me I’m good at?
What’s holding me back?

President Obama’s speaking format inspired this structure. Within each of these key topics, I presented two to three key points.

4. Include a free offer.

Not all venues will allow you to make a free offer, so you will need to check with the host. But when you are permitted to include one, it’s a great way to grow your business — you already have a captivated audience, and you can build on that energy.

Pro tip : Share your free offer before going into your last signpost. That way, you’ll share about it when your audience is most engaged and receptive. But keep it short, and don’t be sale-sy. Here are a few suggestions.

With an audience of less than 50 people, give away five free strategy sessions. Ask them to come to the front of the room following the talk. This creates a sense of urgency, and you will likely get more than five people.
If you’re speaking to a small group, send around a clipboard for attendees to sign up for your mailing list. Let them know you’ll send a transcript of your presentation as a gift for signing up.

Once you’ve included your free offer, redirect the talk to your final signpost.

5. Wrap it up with a strong conclusion.

Your conclusion should be short and sweet. Tie the talk back to your personal story. Repeat the signposts and a few key points. Remind them of your free offer and open the floor to questions. Following a brief Q and A, drive home the key takeaway of your talk.

Crafting a perfect public speech is more than a skill; it’s a gateway to personal branding and career growth. Your live presentation is just the beginning. Share the video of your talk on your social platforms. Ask others to share it on theirs. Use your experience to get more bookings at better venues.

And always remember, your story is your connector with your audience.

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How to Create a Keynote Speech

Keynote speech generator.

What Is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech is a kind of speech that has a main underlying theme. The keynote speech is generally used in gathering such as a political and industrial convention. On the other hand, the keynote speech also has a purpose to motivate and inspire the audience just like a persuasive speech .

The Anatomy of a Keynote Speech

Prepare your keynote speech ahead of time.
Deliver it to a small audience, get feedback and use it to a larger audience.
Learn from the keynote speech of other great speakers.
Select your topic carefully.
Convince, engage, and make the audience aware of what you are saying.
Ask for feedback from your audience.

How to Create and Deliver an Effective Keynote Speech?

Use stories. Since the keynote speech is all about giving a motivation speech , what better way to do that than to use stories, true or fictional to inspire the audience and gives a good example of the topics of the speech.
Add humor. Adding funny events or moments from your experience or from other experience also gives value to the speech and the best way to engage the audience.
Repeating a simple message. By repeating a simple message in your keynote speech in pdf shows that you are making your core idea more memorable.

The Keynote Speech Outline

The introduction. The first part of your keynote introduction speech . Introduce yourself and acknowledge the audience. Tell the audience what you are going to talk about and what benefits they can get.
The body. Also called the main point. This is the heart of your keynote speech and this is the part where you deliver your entire speech and explain your main topics and ideas.
The conclusion. Summarize what you have just said and give something that the audience will be left thinking after your keynote conclude speech . Also, use this part to thank the organization for inviting you.

Elements of a Keynote Speech

Engagement. How the audience is engaged in your keynote speech is one of the most important elements of this speech in word . A good speaker knows how he can engage the audience so that the audience will not feel bored and still have the interest in listening to the keynote speech.
Insight. It’s not all about engagement, a good keynote speech also offers a valuable lesson to the audience and it needs to teach the audience something they did not know before attending.
Organization. But, how the keynote speech is organized also matters. The keynote speech must have a structure or a speech outline that plot out the main points and effectively divide the main points into subtopics. This way, the speaker can explain and expand each topic.
Variety. A good keynote speech does not repeat its subject or the main points, neither does give the audience a bunch of information after information. Varying its subject or topics and ensuring that this has a huge relevant to the audience will make it more successful.
Flow. It is also best to consider the flow of the keynote speech example . A good keynote speech has a natural flow to it. it should be like a story where there is the beginning, middle, and end.

Text prompt

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How to Thank Keynote Speaker (20 Cool Samples)

Keynote speakers play a crucial role in setting the tone and theme of an event.

Their insights, expertise, and engaging delivery can leave a lasting impact on the audience.

As an event organizer, you must express your gratitude for their valuable contribution.

But how do you craft the perfect thank you message that conveys your appreciation genuinely and memorably?

In this article, we’ve compiled 20 sample thank-you messages for keynote speakers, along with expert commentary on when and how to use them.

Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt speech, a thoughtful email, or a concise text message, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s explore these examples and discover the art of thanking your keynote speakers with style and sincerity.

How to Thank Keynote Speaker

From heartfelt speeches to thoughtful gestures, here are 20 ways to express your gratitude to your keynote speaker:

1. A Heartfelt Speech

“On behalf of everyone at [Organization], I want to express our deepest gratitude to [Speaker Name] for that incredible keynote address. Your insights on [topic] were not only thought-provoking but also deeply inspiring. The way you weaved personal stories with practical advice left us all motivated to take action. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and setting such a positive tone for our event.”

Commentary: This sample is ideal for delivering a sincere thank-you speech immediately after the keynote address. It highlights the speaker’s specific contributions and their impact on the audience.

2. A Personalized Email

“Dear [Speaker Name],

I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your outstanding keynote at our [event name]. Your presentation on [topic] perfectly blended expertise, engaging storytelling, and actionable tips. I’ve received countless compliments from attendees who were inspired by your message.

Your dedication to preparing such a tailored and relevant presentation did not go unnoticed. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had you grace our stage.

If there’s anything we can do to support you in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to stay connected.

With deepest appreciation,

[Your Name]”

Commentary: A personalized email allows you to express your gratitude in more detail. This example acknowledges the speaker’s effort in customizing their presentation and opens the door for future collaborations.

3. A Thoughtful Text Message

“[Speaker Name], your keynote was phenomenal! Your stories about [topic] hit home. I’m still processing all the invaluable insights you shared. Just wanted to say a quick thanks for being such an integral part of our event. You truly made an impact! “

Commentary: A text message is a great way to share a concise yet meaningful thank you shortly after the event. It’s personal, timely, and shows that their contribution is still fresh in your mind.

4. A Handwritten Note

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your remarkable keynote at our [event name]. Your presentation on [topic] was not only informative but also deeply inspiring.

The way you captivated the audience with your personal anecdotes and practical wisdom was truly remarkable. I’ve received so many positive comments from attendees who were moved by your words.

Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us. Your contribution was invaluable in making our event a resounding success.

With sincere appreciation,

Commentary: In the digital age, a handwritten note stands out as a thoughtful and personal gesture. It shows that you took the time to sit down and tangibly express your thanks.

5. A Public Acknowledgment

“Let’s take a moment to give a resounding round of applause to our incredible keynote speaker, [Speaker Name]!

[Speaker Name], your presentation on [topic] was an absolute highlight of our event. Your insights, passion, and engaging delivery left us all inspired and energized.

On behalf of everyone here, I want to express our deepest gratitude for sharing your wisdom and expertise with us. Your contribution has been invaluable, and we are so thankful to have had you as a part of this experience.

Please join me in giving [Speaker Name] another huge round of applause! “

Commentary: Publicly acknowledging your keynote speaker during the event is a powerful way to show your appreciation and get the audience involved. This example can be used as a script for a live thank you right after their presentation.

6. A LinkedIn Recommendation

“I had the pleasure of having [Speaker Name] deliver the keynote address at our recent [event name], and I couldn’t be more impressed. [Speaker Name]’s expertise on [topic] is unparalleled, and their ability to engage and inspire an audience is truly remarkable.

The keynote was a perfect blend of practical insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice. Attendees left feeling motivated and equipped to tackle challenges in their own lives and careers.

[Speaker Name] was an absolute joy to work with – professional, responsive, and dedicated to delivering a tailored message that resonated with our audience.

I wholeheartedly recommend [Speaker Name] as a keynote speaker for any event looking to inspire, educate, and empower their audience. Thank you, [Speaker Name], for making our event an unforgettable success!”

Commentary: Writing a glowing LinkedIn recommendation is a great way to express your gratitude while also helping to boost the speaker’s professional credibility. It showcases their skills and the impact they had on your event.

7. A Thoughtful Gift

“[Speaker Name], as a token of our appreciation for your incredible keynote at [event name], we wanted to present you with this [gift description].

We noticed your passion for [related interest] and thought this might be a meaningful addition to your collection.

Thank you again for sharing your time, wisdom, and energy with our audience. Your words will continue to inspire us long after the event.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The [Organization] Team”

Commentary: Accompanying your verbal or written thank you with a thoughtful gift shows an extra level of appreciation. Choose something that aligns with the speaker’s interests or the theme of their presentation.

8. A Charitable Donation

We were so moved by your powerful keynote at [event name], especially your insights on [related cause].

As a token of our gratitude, we have donated in your name to [charity organization], a cause we know you’re passionate about.

Thank you for not only inspiring our audience but also for sparking positive change in the world through your words and actions.

With deep appreciation,

Commentary: Making a charitable donation in the speaker’s name is a meaningful way to honor their impact and values. This gesture shows that their words resonated on a deeper level and inspired action.

9. A Personal Anecdote

“[Speaker Name], I wanted to share a personal story about how your keynote at [event name] impacted me.

When you spoke about [specific insight], it instantly transported me back to a challenging time in my career. Your words gave me a fresh perspective and the courage to approach that situation differently.

I’ve since implemented your advice, and the results have been transformative. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your wisdom and being such a powerful catalyst for change in my life.

Your impact extends far beyond the stage, and I am so grateful our paths crossed at this event.

With heartfelt thanks,

Commentary: Sharing a personal anecdote about how the speaker’s message resonated with you adds depth and sincerity to your thank you. It shows that their words had a tangible impact and will be remembered long after the event.

10. A Post-Event Survey Shoutout

“Attendee feedback is in, and the verdict is unanimous: Dr. Sarah Thompson’s keynote was the highlight of Leadership Summit 2023!

Here are just a few snippets of the glowing praise:

“Dr. Thompson’s insights on resilient leadership were game-changing. I left the keynote feeling empowered and ready to tackle any challenge.” – Maria Rodriguez, Operations Manager

“I’ve attended countless conferences, but Dr. Thompson’s keynote stood out as the most impactful and inspiring. Her authenticity and practical advice resonated deeply.” – John Chen, Entrepreneur

“The keynote was a masterclass in effective communication and empathetic leadership. Dr. Thompson’s stories and strategies will stick with me for years to come.” – Lisa Patel, HR Director

Dr. Thompson, your words not only inspired but also left a lasting impact on our audience. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our event.

We are so grateful for your contribution and can’t wait to see the ripple effects of your message in the days and years to come.

The Leadership Summit Team”

Commentary: Including specific quotes from attendees in your post-event thank you adds credibility and depth to your message. It shows the speaker that their words truly resonated and made a difference in people’s lives. Be sure to choose quotes that highlight different aspects of the speaker’s impact, such as practicality, inspiration, and long-term value. Attributing each quote to a specific attendee (with their permission) personalizes the feedback and makes it more meaningful.

11. A Poetic Tribute

“[Speaker Name],

Your words, like seeds of wisdom, Planted in the minds of all, Sprouted inspiration and purpose, A clarion call to stand tall.

Your message, is a guiding light, Illuminating paths untold and empowering souls to ignite And let their stories unfold.

For your presence, we are grateful, For your impact, we are blessed. Thank you for being the spark That ignited our event’s success.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Commentary: A poetic tribute is a creative and memorable way to express your gratitude. It shows that you put thought and effort into crafting a unique thank you that captures the essence of the speaker’s impact.

12. A Social Media Highlight

“The insights kept coming at #LeadershipCon2023, thanks to our incredible keynote speaker, @JohnSmithSpeaks! ️

Check out some of the top takeaways from their presentation on ‘Empowering Teams Through Authentic Leadership’:

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. When leaders show their human side, it builds trust and connection with their team.
Active listening is the foundation of effective communication. Leaders who truly hear their team members create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Empowered teams are built on a foundation of trust, autonomy, and clear purpose. When leaders provide the right tools and support, magic happens.

@JohnSmithSpeaks, your words have sparked conversations and ideas that will extend far beyond this event. Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion with us! #LeadershipCon2023 #keynotespeaker #authenticity #leadershipdevelopment #gratitude”

Commentary: Highlighting key insights from the speaker’s presentation on social media is a great way to extend their impact and express your thanks publicly. By sharing specific takeaways, you’re not only appreciating the speaker but also providing value to your followers who may not have attended the event. Tagging the speaker and using relevant hashtags increases visibility and encourages attendees to continue engaging with the ideas shared. This post strikes a balance between gratitude and content, making it a valuable addition to your event’s social media presence.

13. A Themed Gift Basket

As a small token of our immense gratitude, we’ve put together a special gift basket themed around your keynote on [topic].

Inside, you’ll find:

[Item 1 related to topic]
[Item 2 related to topic]
[Item 3 related to topic]
A heartfelt note from our team

We hope these goodies serve as a reminder of the powerful impact your words had on our audience.

Thank you again for being the cornerstone of [event name]’s success. We are so grateful for your time, wisdom, and dedication.

With warm regards,

Commentary: A themed gift basket shows that you paid attention to the speaker’s message and put thought into curating items that reflect their impact. It’s a tangible way to express your appreciation and create a lasting memory.

14. An Attendee Appreciation Roundup

We asked attendees to share their favorite moments from [event name], and your keynote stole the show!

Here are just a few of the glowing comments we received:

“[Quote 1]” “[Quote 2]” “[Quote 3]”

Seeing how your words resonated with so many people is a testament to the power of your message.

Thank you for being the spark that ignited inspiration, connection, and transformation at our event. Your impact will be felt for years to come.

With deepest gratitude,

Commentary: An attendee appreciation roundup is a powerful way to show the speaker the ripple effect of their words. Sharing specific quotes and comments allows them to read firsthand how their message impacted individuals in the audience.

15. A Personalized Playlist

Your keynote at [event name] hit all the right notes! It got us thinking about the power of music to inspire and motivate.

We’ve created a personalized playlist inspired by your message on [topic]. Each song reflects a key theme or insight from your presentation.

[Playlist link]

We hope this soundtrack serves as a reminder of the incredible impact you had on our audience.

Thank you for being the melody that elevated our event to new heights. Your words will continue to resonate with us.

Commentary: A personalized playlist is a creative and unexpected way to thank a speaker. It shows that you not only listened to their message but also found connections to music that amplifies their themes.

16. A Virtual Gratitude Wall

The impact of your keynote at [event name] continues to ripple through our community. To capture and celebrate your influence, we’ve created a virtual gratitude wall where attendees can share their key takeaways and ‘aha’ moments.

Check out the outpouring of appreciation here: [link to virtual wall]

Your words have sparked reflection, action, and transformation. We are so grateful to have had you as the guiding light of our event.

Thank you for sharing your gifts with us and for leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

With endless gratitude,

Commentary: A virtual gratitude wall is an interactive way to thank a speaker while also fostering a sense of community among attendees. It allows the speaker to see the collective impact of their message and feel the appreciation radiating from the audience.

17. An Event Highlights Recap

We’ve been busy compiling the highlights from [event name], and your keynote shines as the crowning jewel!

Your powerful words and engaging presence captivated the audience from start to finish. The energy in the room was electric, and your message left an indelible mark on everyone present.

Attendees have been buzzing about your insights on [topic] and how they can apply them to their own lives and work. Your ability to connect with the crowd and spark meaningful conversations was truly remarkable.

Thank you for being the driving force behind our event’s success. Your impact will continue to inspire and guide us as we move forward.

Commentary: Sharing a written recap of the event highlights is a thoughtful way to express your thanks and showcase the speaker’s impact. It allows them to relive the powerful moments from their presentation and see how their words resonated with the audience.

18. A Surprise Collaboration Proposal

I know this might come as a surprise, but your brilliant keynote at [event name] has sparked an idea that I couldn’t wait to share.

We’ve been brainstorming a new project focused on [related topic], and your unique insights from the keynote would be invaluable in shaping its direction.

Would you be open to hopping on a call next week to explore a potential collaboration? We would be thrilled to have your expertise guiding us.

No pressure at all – just wanted to express our appreciation and plant the seed for what could be an exciting partnership.

Let me know your thoughts. And again, thank you for delivering such an impactful keynote!

Commentary: If the speaker’s presentation aligns with your organization’s future goals, consider reaching out with a surprise collaboration proposal. This shows that their words resonated deeply and that you value their expertise beyond the keynote itself.

19. A Video Message

“Hey [Speaker Name]! I just wanted to send a quick video to say thank you so much for that incredible keynote at [event name]. Your insights on [topic] were spot on and resonated with our audience.

I especially loved the part where you shared that personal story about [specific detail]. It added such a human touch to the whole presentation.

I’ve been hearing nothing but positive feedback from attendees. You truly made an impact and set the perfect tone for the rest of the event.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being such an important part of our success. We are so grateful for your time, expertise, and dedication.

If there’s anything I can ever do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until next time, take care!”

Commentary: A video message adds a personal and authentic touch to your thank you. It allows you to express your gratitude in a more conversational and heartfelt way. This example can be recorded and sent after the event.

20. A Social Media Shoutout

“A huge shoutout to the incredible @[speaker_handle] for delivering a mind-blowing keynote at #[event_hashtag]! Your wisdom on [topic] left us all inspired and ready to take action. Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us! #grateful #keynotespeaker”

Commentary: Publicly acknowledging your keynote speaker on social media not only expresses your gratitude but also helps to amplify their message and boost their online presence. Use relevant hashtags and tag their handle to maximize visibility.

Beyond Words: Other Ways to Thank Your Keynote Speaker

While verbal and written expressions of gratitude are essential, there are other meaningful ways to show your appreciation for your keynote speaker:

Present them with a thoughtful gift related to their interests or the event theme
Donate to a charity or cause they support in their honor
Offer them a glowing testimonial or recommendation on their professional profiles
Invite them to participate in future events or collaborations
Encourage attendees to connect with them and continue the conversation

Wrapping Up: Crafting the Perfect Thank You for Your Keynote Speaker

Thanking your keynote speaker is an art that requires thoughtfulness, sincerity, and a touch of creativity.

By tailoring your message to their unique contribution and using the right medium, you can express your gratitude in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Remember, your keynote speaker has invested time, energy, and expertise into making your event a success.

Acknowledging their efforts not only shows your appreciation but also strengthens your professional relationship.

So go ahead, use these sample messages as inspiration, and craft a thank you that truly reflects the value your keynote speaker brought to your event.

Your heartfelt words will not only make their day but also reinforce the positive impact they’ve made.

Keynote User Guide

A MacBook Pro with the Keynote theme chooser open on the screen. The All Themes category is selected on the left and predesigned themes appear on the right in rows by category. The Language and Region pop-up menu is in the bottom-left corner and the Standard and Wide pop-up menu is in the top-right corner.

Get started with a theme

All presentations begin with a theme—a set of predesigned slide layouts you can use as a starting point. Replace the theme’s images and text with your own, then add more slides as needed.

Create a presentation

The toolbar with buttons to add tables, charts, text boxes, shapes, and media. Chart is selected and shows buttons for 2D, 3D, and Interactive charts. 3D is selected, and chart options are shown below.

Add text, photos, charts, and more

Add objects like text boxes, tables, charts, shapes, and media (images, audio, and video) to any slide. You can layer objects, resize them, and link them to webpages or other slides in your presentation.

Intro to images, charts, and other objects

The Format controls on the right side of the screen for changing the size and appearance of the selected video. Style, Movie, and Arrange buttons are across the top of the Format controls.

Lights, camera, action

Bring your presentation to life with movies, live video, recorded narration, music, and more.

Add video or audio

A presentation playing in windowed playback mode. The presenter display appears in one window, while the current slide plays in another.

Present in any situation

Play a presentation during a video conference, virtually with multiple presenters, as a movie with recorded narration, and more.

Play a presentation

The Animation controls for adding animation to the selected image. Build In, Action, and Build Out buttons are across the top of the sidebar. Build In is selected and shows controls for the Drift and Scale effect.

Wow them with animation

Add visual effects or animations to captivate your audience. For example, add a transition so each slide dissolves into the next, or make each word in a title bounce onto the slide.

Add transitions between slides

The collaboration menu showing the names of people collaborating on the presentation.

Collaborate in real time

Invite others to work with you on your presentation. Everyone you invite can see changes as they’re made, but you control who can edit or only view the presentation.

Intro to collaboration

This guide helps you get started using Keynote 14.2 on your Mac. (To see which version of Keynote you have, choose Keynote > About Keynote from the Keynote menu at the top of your screen.) To explore the Keynote User Guide, click Table of Contents at the top of the page, or enter a word or phrase in the search field.

If you need more help, visit the Keynote Support website .

Keynote User Guide for Mac

What’s new in Keynote 14.2
Intro to Keynote
Choose how to navigate your presentation
Open or close a presentation
Save and name a presentation
Find a presentation
Print a presentation
Undo or redo changes
Show or hide sidebars
Quick navigation
Change the working view
Expand and zoom your workspace
Customize the Keynote toolbar
Change Keynote settings on Mac
Touch Bar for Keynote
Create a presentation using VoiceOver
Add or delete slides
Add and view presenter notes
Reorder slides
Group or ungroup slides
Skip or unskip a slide
Change the slide size
Change a slide background
Add a border around a slide
Show or hide text placeholders
Show or hide slide numbers
Apply a slide layout
Add and edit slide layouts
Change a theme
Add an image
Add an image gallery
Edit an image
Add and edit a shape
Combine or break apart shapes
Draw a shape
Save a shape to the shapes library
Add and align text inside a shape
Add 3D objects
Add lines and arrows
Animate, share, or save drawings
Add video and audio
Record audio
Edit video and audio
Add live video
Set movie and image formats
Position and align objects
Use alignment guides
Place objects inside a text box or shape
Layer, group, and lock objects
Change object transparency
Fill shapes and text boxes with color or an image
Add a border to an object
Add a caption or title
Add a reflection or shadow
Use object styles
Resize, rotate, and flip objects
Move and edit objects using the object list
Add linked objects to make your presentation interactive
Select text
Copy and paste text
Use dictation to enter text
Use accents and special characters
Format a presentation for another language
Use phonetic guides
Use bidirectional text
Use vertical text
Change the font or font size
Add bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough to text
Change the color of text
Change text capitalization
Add a shadow or outline to text
Intro to paragraph styles
Apply a paragraph style
Create, rename, or delete paragraph styles
Update or revert a paragraph style
Use a keyboard shortcut to apply a style
Adjust character spacing
Add drop caps
Raise and lower characters and text
Format fractions automatically
Create and use character styles
Format dashes and quotation marks
Format Chinese, Japanese, or Korean text
Set tab stops
Format text into columns
Adjust line spacing
Format lists
Add a highlight effect to text
Add mathematical equations
Add borders and rules (lines) to separate text
Add or delete a table
Select tables, cells, rows, and columns
Add or remove rows and columns
Move rows and columns
Resize rows and columns
Merge or unmerge cells
Change the look of table text
Show, hide, or edit a table title
Change table gridlines and colors
Use table styles
Resize, move, or lock a table
Add and edit cell content
Format dates, currency, and more
Create a custom cell format
Highlight cells conditionally
Format tables for bidirectional text
Alphabetize or sort table data
Calculate values using data in table cells
Use the Formulas and Functions Help
Add or delete a chart
Change a chart from one type to another
Modify chart data
Move, resize, and rotate a chart
Change the look of data series
Add a legend, gridlines, and other markings
Change the look of chart text and labels
Add a chart border and background
Use chart styles
Animate objects onto and off a slide
Animate objects on a slide
Change build order and timing
Add transitions
Present on your Mac
Present on a separate display
Present during a FaceTime call
Use a remote
Make a presentation advance automatically
Require a password to exit a presentation
Play a slideshow with multiple presenters
Rehearse on your Mac
Record presentations
Check spelling
Look up words
Find and replace text
Replace text automatically
Set author name and comment color
Highlight text
Add and print comments
Send a presentation
Invite others to collaborate
Collaborate on a shared presentation
See the latest activity in a shared presentation
Change a shared presentation’s settings
Stop sharing a presentation
Shared folders and collaboration
Use Box to collaborate
Create an animated GIF
Post your presentation in a blog
Use iCloud Drive with Keynote
Export to PowerPoint or another file format
Reduce the presentation file size
Save a large presentation as a package file
Restore an earlier version of a presentation
Move a presentation
Delete a presentation
Password-protect a presentation
Lock a presentation
Create and manage custom themes
Transfer files with AirDrop
Transfer presentations with Handoff
Transfer presentations with the Finder
Keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcut symbols

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Justice Aedit Abdullah: Keynote address delivered at the CIArb – IPOS IP and Tech Dispute Resolution Conference

CIArb – IPOS IP and Tech Dispute Resolution Conference 29 August 2024 Keynote Address

Mrs Rena Lee, Chief Executive, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, thank you for your opening remarks.

Good morning,

The Right Honourable Lord Justice Colin Birss, Lord Justice of Appeal and Deputy Head of Civil Justice, Court of Appeal of England and Wales;

Ms Charlene Chang, Deputy Secretary (Development), Ministry of Law;

Dr Stanley Lai, SC, Chairman, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore;

Mr Jonathan Choo, (Vice Chair, Director) and

Michael Peer (Director) of CIArb Singapore Branch;

h onoured guests;

1. It is indeed a great honour to speak this morning. If I may say, CiArb and IPOS have had great foresight in dedicating time and space for discussion about developments in dispute resolution in intellectual property and technology. Change is ever constant; technology ever more so, and all of us, in all the professions, have to accept that constant change and adaptation is part of our working life, all our working lives.

2. What I hope to do in this speech is to lay out what we, in the Singapore judiciary, see as the likely impact of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, on the courts; what we see as the main areas where AI could assist the work of the judges; and what may come to pass in perhaps the mid-term. The parallels between the courts and other tribunals are close, so I hope this sharing will help spur discussion as regards both arbitrations and IP tribunal hearings. There may be areas of interest to all of you primarily involved in arbitration or non-judicial IP work, and certainly I expect there would be areas which we in the courts may have overlooked, and have much to learn from everyone else.

3. Firstly then, let me take the current state of play. Right now, there is a lot of bubbling of hype, with occasional bouts of scepticism and even cynicism, about AI. We, in the Singapore judiciary, aim to take a dispassionate and objective approach. We want to explore, to kick the tyres as it were, so that we can see for ourselves what works, what does not; what AI can do right now; what it may not be good at, for now; and what we need to keep an eye on for the future. Nothing is an unalloyed good; there will always be some risk, some trade-off that needs to be made. We need to be conscious of both the pros and cons. To do that, we need to experiment and be willing to explore.

4. What I can say is that while it may be that AI will continue to surprise us in many ways, the advent of robot lawyers and judges is probably some way away. Nonetheless AI, especially generative AI, will have significant impact on our work. Parallels can be drawn with the early days of the internet. I remember in the mid-1990s, talk was of the potential of the internet, of the world-wide web, for uniting people, with new channels of knowledge, heralding the dawn of a new age of Aquarius. Who could have foreseen the dominance of social media, fast fashion and TikTok challenges? What this illustrates to me is that the change and the challenges associated with AI maybe both less eventful than the hype, but conversely more significant and pivotal than we can foresee or that we can anticipate. I am reluctant therefore to attempt to forecast or predict. What I hope to outline are present efforts and what may come to pass in the near term. I will however go out on a limb and hazard one guess about the future.

5. Let me briefly lay out what AI, especially generative AI can do right now. What must be borne in mind, as you would be aware, is that Generative AI works on producing text or images responding to prompts, by identifying the most probably sequence of words or pixels or other data, based on what it has gleaned from trawling its data set. Generative AI does not use knowledge or information to deduce through reasoning what goes together; it uses what it has to create a product based on what the data predicts as a matter of probability should come next subject to the constraints of the prompt given or question asked. So that use of probabilities frees the AI to produce seemingly creative work, but often with a great risk of a departure from what is real or factual, hence the hallucinations that we encounter.

6. With that limitation in mind, in the near term, the immediate impact of AI is, we believe, in being a force multiplier for the work we already do. That is, AI can function well as an assistant in certain functions, rather than displacing us. AI can realistically help, at either its current state or very soon, with the work of lawyers, arbitrators and judges.

7. Many law firms and legal technology companies are already hard at work in developing, rolling out and using AI on daily basis, in various areas, including discovery, marshalling of evidence, legal research, and drafting. There is also considerable room for the use of AI to expand in IP work generally. As it is, AI has also proven itself useful in many areas of transactional work, helping out with drafting and precedent research. We of course, are monitoring these.

8. For us in the judiciary, a good example of AI’s capabilities is in digesting information, making it more readily understood or remembered by us. Summarising, tabulating or making more readable, documentary evidence or submissions are prime activities where Generative AI’s facility with text comes to the fore. Similarly, asking AI specific questions of the document generally returns fairly decent answers; this allows the judge to essentially speak to the documents. In all of these activities, limiting the mining of text or data to a specific set of documents helps to reduce the potential for hallucination or falsity, while giving a real benefit. The Singapore judiciary has found from our experimentation that using Generative AI in this way holds great potential for helping judges understand better the legal arguments and evidence put to them, by allowing them to weigh, contrast, and test what is submitted against case law, affidavits and documents. It allows the judges to zoom in on what is essential in a case. As it is, the volume of material, in the form of submissions and evidence, is constantly increasing, running into hundreds of pages of submissions and thousands, if not tens of thousands, of pages of affidavits and documents. Better and faster grappling with the material is needed to ensure the judges master their briefs, and hopefully help with the timeliness and quality of decision making. We are exploring how best to institutionalise and deploy this.

9. We are also exploring AI in helping us with transcription and translation. Transcription in particular is important, given that hearings are oral. The challenge is that the court setting is not ideal. Many things can happen in a courtroom. Not limited to communication between the lawyers and the court, we find that AI still has difficulties with the messiness, and the situation is perhaps testament to the old adage that garbage in, garbage out. From what we can see, some human element will still be required for the near future. Translation is another important area, where there is an immediate demand for assistance from AI. Human interpreters will be needed and will continue to be used in proceedings for some time; there are nuances that cannot yet be captured by the machine. However, greater availability of good machine interpretation will help in many situations, where human interpreters may be either unavailable or unaffordable. Documents, including contracts, notices or affidavits, sometimes need to be interpreted on the fly; machine translation provides a path for greater efficiency and accessibility.

10. Court administration illustrates a potential use of AI analytics. Lawyers are already using analytics and AI for prediction of outcomes, as well as what appears to be some degree of forum shopping. That is of course less of an interest for us in the courts, though perhaps one day we may need to put in measures to defeat AI-aided forum shopping. What analytics would be useful for us, in the courts, and is suspect for arbitrators and tribunals is in case management, particularly of complex litigation. This could include forecasting of likely difficulties, estimation of hearing duration, fitting in hearing dates and working out possible common dates between often very busy counsel. Being able to trawl through historical data to identify probable exemplars is very useful in this area.

11. We are also examining its use in assisting us in preparation of judgments, including red-teaming, i.e. identifying weaknesses in our drafts, and perhaps in helping to develop checklists. Similar trends are likely to be seen in arbitration and other dispute resolution work. The challenge for us is in ensuring that AI functions as an aid, and not a crutch. The judge must be the one making the decision and must exercise her or his mind about the various issues. Any use of AI should only go to the extent of assisting in drafting rather than substituting for the judge. We need to consider carefully how we move in this space.

12. Our biggest effort is not however, in complex commercial or technical matters, but in trying our best to improve access to justice by assisting self-represented persons (“SRPs”). We have entered into a collaboration with Harvey AI to assist SRPs in Small Claims cases; these do not involve lawyers. We are trying to see what can be done to assist the SRPs in the preparation of their cases, and understanding the position of the other side, through summarisation and translation, as well as assisting the tribunal magistrates in examining and understanding the evidence presented by SRPs to them.

13. We are also examining the direct use of AI in dispute resolution, such as through advanced online dispute resolution, by nudging or identifying possible settlement outcomes, giving indicative outcomes or even first level decisions (subject to human review) for certain categories of cases.

14. We recognise that the use of AI poses risks and challenges. Hallucination and inaccuracy are obvious and well known. Output will also vary according to the prompts used. The threats of bias and information leakage are also well-known.

15. Some of these risks are addressed by proper design, and scoping the use of AI. In addition, guidance is being worked on by the Singapore courts, taking in inputs from our stakeholders. We had considered a requirement for disclosure that AI has been used, but this may be overly onerous given that AI availability is burgeoning, with an increasing number of AI apps and AI assisted apps appearing. AI use is neutral, and par for the course, and the responsibility lies with the court user to ensure accuracy of what is submitted to us.

16. Throughout all of our current efforts, international cooperation and sharing is important: we have a regional technology meeting drawing together various jurisdictions, and are aware of various efforts. This allows us to share experiences, keeping track of developments and identifying blind spots.

17. Let me turn next to what I think the near future, the next 10 years or so, may hold. I believe by that time, AI assistance will ubiquitous. It would seem that in the next few years, there will still be a high possibility of further leaps in performance. Some of this may be through the deployment of multi-agent AI, with multiple separate AI systems working together on a single problem. Additionally, it would seem that there are efforts to combine generative and logic or knowledge based AI, allowing us to reap the benefits of both. Other yet unknown improvements may be in the offing as well.

18. All this underlines that in the next decade or so, AI will probably be ubiquitous and commonplace in all our lives. It will be as much part of the every day as the internet and mobile phones are to us right now. Beyond what we are doing now, I think it likely that AI will be assisting us in assessment of cases, particularly settlement and negotiations. It will have a role in legal strategy such as forum selection, public relations, financing and funding planning. AI will probably be essential in helping lawyers prepare their advocacy, for instance in the preparation of questions, discovery, and methods of presentation of evidence, argument preparation in writing and collation of materials.

19. All of this should lead to an increase in productivity. But no improvement in productivity ever goes unpunished. With greater productivity comes heavier work. Judges often refer to being on the judicial treadmill; AI will enable us to perhaps run faster on the treadmill, but the treadmill speed and the incline will likely be increased. What I mean is that expectations from clients, stakeholders and the public will be that all of our work will have to be done faster, more efficiently, and more effectively. There will be greater demands on lawyers to strategize, to plan for the big picture while teams may get smaller. Tribunals and courts will face similar pressures to be as efficient and cost effective, with smaller support, smaller number of judges and panel members. Thus, I foresee, and I am willing to bet on this, that ultimately, the workload on individual lawyers and judges will not decrease and likely increase. At a more macro level, the impact may include the possibly that cases may go down, through pressure to settle or decide, but with those that go on being more involved, perhaps with an AI arms race between counsel acting for each side.

20. The next decade will bring to the fore the substantial challenges in the training and development of younger lawyers: much training comes currently from on-the-job exposure to routine work, which increasingly will be taken over by AI. No longer would one turn to a recently qualified lawyer to carry out basic legal research and write a simple memorandum capturing the results. Nor would one deploy new lawyers to plough through boxes of files. Such work would be mundane and often boring. But at the same time, these would have been necessary training exposing these acolytes to simple work, giving them the opportunity to get their teeth into work, making mistakes and learning from these mistakes. But these opportunities will be gone, for these mundane activities are the kinds of activities that AI already excels at with faster and better results. Crucially, AI will be cheaper. Even drafting or writing beyond the level of the beginner assistant may be taken over by AI. This displacement requires responses to be developed in training, perhaps with the use of AI. There may be alternatives including some form of simulation, though that will not be a complete replacement.

21. Let me then come back to the point made at the start – we will not see Robot Judges or Robot Lawyers in the near or mid future. The more pertinent question is whether we in fact need legally trained people to function as either lawyers or judges. In arbitrations, IP disputes, in particular, technical expertise is perhaps more important. Perhaps not generalists, but deep non-legally trained experts or skilled professional specialists could function as deciders. Thus for engineers, scientific technical professionals, AI could conceivably supply the legal expertise, particularly, guidance on the law. So this may bring us back the medieval lex mercatoria, with merchant judges and advocates.

22. Shakespear has Dick the Butcher say,

Act IV, Sc II, Henry VI Part 2.

We do not actually need to kill the lawyers. A much worse fate is in the offing: we just lay them off.

23. Is that too dire a forecast? It is one plausible future. There are others. It is incumbent on all of us, as leaders in our profession, to think about the challenges that lie before us.

24. All of us, in the judiciary, at the bar, in our professional organisations, in government, must work together, to identify likely challenges and to start planning now for the kind of world of dispute resolution that harnesses AI properly, while serving the broader needs of society. Hard decisions will be needed on manpower, on training, and development. These decisions must be confronted, lest we let an AI-centric world run away from us.

25. Thank you.

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Ted sarandos keynote: royal television society london convention 2024.

Ted Sarandos delivers keynote speech at RTS London 2024

Entertainment

Good morning, everybody. Thank you for inviting me. It’s a privilege to be here with you.

The Royal Television Society always holds a special place in my heart because it was here, back in 2016, that I showed you the first trailer for the first season of The Crown .

Over the next seven years, The Crown went on to become the most nominated British TV series in Emmy history — and only one of three to win best drama.

But I’ll always remember it as a show that stood conventional wisdom on its head.

Peter Morgan’s pitch was for a six-season show with a rotating cast. A show that would take ten years to produce. It was something that no one had ever tried before — and something that most people thought would never work. But it did, introducing a new generation of stars to the world.

Besides being one of the best shows of the last decade, The Crown is also a perfect example of why Britain remains one of the best places for TV and film.

You have some of the very best writers, directors, producers, actors, crew, crafts and locations anywhere in the world. I have always thought of the UK as the birthplace of prestige television — a creative culture unlike any other.

It’s why Netflix invests more here than any other country outside the U.S. Since 2020, we’ve invested $6B in the UK creative community — and worked with over 30,000 cast and crew.

Today we have over 100 productions active in the UK.

And I’ve recently had the pleasure of visiting some of those sets — like Thursday Murder Club , My Oxford Year and Wake Up Dead Man, our new Knives Out movie.

So I’ve seen the scope and ambition of these British-made shows and films first-hand.

This wealth of talent is a Great British success story. Because it didn’t happen by accident.

It happened because you have great public service broadcasters and institutions that nurture British talent and creativity. Institutions like the RTS, the oldest television society in the world.

It happened because you’ve consistently supported regulations that encourage creativity, innovation and long term thinking.

And it happened because you invested in education and training in the creative arts at every level, as well as investing in your amazing facilities. All of which have been supported by highly competitive tax incentives which make the UK an even more attractive place for anyone looking to make a film or show.

Filming here in Britain is always a privilege, and never a sacrifice.

In other words, Britain became one of the best countries in the world for TV and film because you made it happen.

And now, with competition for people’s time and attention so high — and barriers to entry in entertainment so low — it's time to make it happen again.

The question is how?

I’ll start with a disclaimer: I am obviously not British, and Netflix is not a British company. But we operate in over 190 countries around the world — including this one — and that’s taught us a lot over the years.

Today I want to share a few of those lessons with you.

First, to succeed we need to put the audience first — and that means embracing change.

The entertainment industry has always been defined by change. New technology comes along, new companies pop up, and patterns of consumer behavior shift.

We saw it with cable, then home video, then streaming.

And now we’re seeing it happen again.

Today, choice and control are the price of admission in modern entertainment. It’s streaming that consumers want. And it’s how our industry stays relevant — and grows — in the face of intense competition from all directions.

Like cable TV and home video before it, streaming also opens up new opportunities for creators to make their voices heard. For distributors to reach bigger audiences. And for those audiences to have more choices of what to watch.

Just look at this summer. It’s been a blockbuster few months for streaming, with Bridgerton , The Bear, and House of the Dragon — three wonderful but very different shows. And all attracting enormous audiences.

Now, at this point you may be thinking, “It’s easy for Netflix to talk about change. You’re the one driving it.” But we have struggled to adapt, too.

Back when we first started streaming, the technology wasn’t great, and we had two big competitors: piracy and our own DVD business.

To succeed at streaming, we knew we had to create something better than free. And we knew we had to let our DVD business go. Because as Steve Jobs said, if you don’t cannibalize your business, someone else will.

And it was painful to split the company in half. We told our DVD employees that they could not even attend company meetings any more, in essence saying: “you’re the past, not the future”.

But it’s the reason that we adapted and grew.

Today, our members can watch a world of entertainment for a fraction of the price of a box set of The Sopranos in 2007.

And they don’t have to wait two months for all the episodes of a show to come out, or for a film to finish its theatrical run.

I know the TV business was built on windows, but audiences don’t care about them at all.

When you work in our business long enough, it can be easy to get distracted by all of the complexities. Rights. Distribution. Technology. It goes on and on.

These are all important things. But what really matters is how well we serve our audiences. What are we willing to do to serve them better.

Which brings me to the next lesson: audiences care a lot about variety and quality.

People often ask me if we really need so many movies and TV shows on Netflix. It’s a debate you’ve been having here in the UK, too. And my answer is an emphatic YES.

People have such different and eclectic tastes that you can’t afford to program for just one sensibility.

You have to love it all — prestige dramas, indie films, true crime, romantic comedies, stand-up, documentaries and reality TV.

It’s no surprise, for example, that people who loved Beckham also loved Drive to Survive .

But what might surprise you is that fans of The Crown also liked Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings ? Although I guess Dolly is royalty in her own way.

As a teenager, my first job was in the local video store — watching movies by day, and serving customers at night. My memory is pretty lousy now, but back then I could remember every scene and actor in pretty much every film or TV show. I loved recommending something new or unexpected to our customers.

That experience taught me to think about putting the audience first. And that’s how I believe we need to approach programming today. Not as critics, not as media executives, but as fans.

This third lesson wasn’t intuitive at all when Netflix launched internationally. But over the years, we’ve learned that everything starts local.

At a time when anyone can watch anything, anytime, anywhere in the world, it’s tempting to try and program for a “global” audience. But that’s a mistake.

Because when you try and make something for everyone, you typically end up making something that appeals to no one. There is rarely a global audience for anything.

It’s why when we greenlight a series or movie in the UK, or Mexico or Korea, we do it because we think our British, our Mexican and our Korean audiences will love it.

And you know what? When you make something authentic that appeals to certain people in a certain place, it tends to appeal to a lot of other people in a lot of other places, too.

Take Supacell , a story about five superpowered South Londoners that became a huge hit in America. Or Baby Reindeer , which hit #1 on Netflix’s Top 10 in 79 countries, and took home 6 Emmys, including Best Limited Series. Or Heartstopper , which has spoken to a whole new generation of viewers from Brazil to Japan. Or The Gentlemen , which was loved in countries from Norway to Nigeria.

All of them became global sensations because they were all, in their own way, authentically British. Made in the UK for UK audiences by UK creators with UK casts and crews.

The other things those shows all have in common is that they were commissioned by a UK team, based here in London and led by a remarkable Brit: Anne Mensah.

When Anne’s team says yes to a project, it’s because they SEE something in a pitch or an idea that’s surprising or bold. They FEEL the writer or producers’ vision.

Data can help them a little, but programming is far more art than science. It’s why our algorithms can't reverse engineer successful storytelling.

If it were as simple as gathering more data or building the best algorithms, we’d have no flops. And yet we do — because TV and film are subject to hot hands and cold streaks like every other human endeavor. That’s what makes it so exciting. You never quite know what’s going to take off.

That’s also why we feel a responsibility to support and nurture the people and communities that make it all possible.

It’s why we’re helping to develop the next generation of creative talent — in partnership with BAFTA, Screenskills and the National Youth Theatre, and through our own productions.

It’s why we’ve supported productions all across the UK — from Sex Education in Wales, to Bridgerton in the South West and One Day in Scotland.

And it’s why we’re investing in every level of the creative community — not just through the shows and films we make, but also through our licensing.

Most people don’t know this, but we own less than 25% of the IP in our UK catalog. We partner with many of you in this room on co-productions like Lockerbie with the BBC. And we’ve invested in production hubs like Shepperton and Longcross, as well as long term studio leases in Northern Ireland, Wales and Manchester.

So we couldn’t be more excited to be here. And we're not going anywhere.

That leads me to my final point: there’s so much potential in TV today.

So much of the fandom right now is driven by younger audiences. We see it in the videos they create on TikTok. The trailers and clips they watch on YouTube and Instagram. The way they obsess over storylines on subReddits.

This generation loves stories as much as we ever have — maybe more. We just have to find the right ways to connect with them.

When the first TV broadcast went out in the UK in 1936, the announcer described “the magic of television”. And while a lot has happened since then — social change and cultural upheaval, wars and pandemics — that magic is just as inspiring today as it was a century ago.

That’s because stories have always mattered. Stories endure — whether it’s from film to TV, TV to video, video to DVD or DVD to the Internet.

And what makes them so powerful is not the technology — important as that is. It’s the depth of the writing. The power of the plot. The chemistry between the actors. The heart that no model or machine can replicate or replace.

I know there’s a lot of anxiety in our industry right now — there’s concern about falling investment, there’s the threat of AI and there’s competition from platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

And I get it. I think about that stuff, too. But everyday… people come up to me to talk about a show or movie they loved. And they have the exact same look on their face that I saw in that video store way back when — the same look I saw on the faces in this room when we watched that first trailer for The Crown .

That’s what makes me optimistic about the future. Because if we can focus on the audience, embrace change and remain fearless in the stories that we’re telling, I know we’ll look back 20 years from now and say we really were only just getting started.

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Here's an Excellent Keynote Speech GUIDE: With 2 Great Examples
1. Find out the theme for the day. For any first-timer, you will probably be given the theme for the day by the event organizer. But if you are an experienced speaker, I'm sure everyone will applaud anything you say. All the same, both scenarios still require you to plan and organize your thoughts for your speech.
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Writing a successful keynote speech takes time, preparation, and effort. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you'll be able to create a speech that is engaging, inspiring, and memorable. Remember, the key to a successful keynote speech is understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and delivering it in an organized and ...
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Repeat key terms and words. Repetition can be a great way to reinforce your ideas and remind the audience of the key points in your speech. Return to several key terms in your speech so the audience stays engaged. Bring up a point made earlier in the speech so the audience is reminded of the purpose of your speech.
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For example, sharing the story of how a client successfully overcame an obstacle may inspire your listeners—especially if they've faced a similar obstacle. 4. Consider Giving an Interactive Presentation. Adding an interactive element to your keynote message is another way to capture your audience's attention.
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The best keynote speeches don't just inform—they compel the audience to take action. Keep two things top of mind as you plan: Focus on one main message (your throughline). Put yourself in the hearts and minds of your audience. Think of this as a research project as much as an exercise in empathy.
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4. Structure Your Content. Organize your speech into a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should introduce your core message and outline what you will cover. The body should delve into your main points, providing evidence and examples to support each one.
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Try to add some humor. Split it up into three parts - and split those parts into three. It's tough to tackle a 30-minute speech, but by splitting it into three sections of 10 minutes apiece, then taking those three sections and dividing them each into three, you can work on the 10 three-minute segments independently until they're polished ...
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It will have a role in legal strategy such as forum selection, public relations, financing and funding planning. AI will probably be essential in helping lawyers prepare their advocacy, for instance in the preparation of questions, discovery, and methods of presentation of evidence, argument preparation in writing and collation of materials. 19.
Ted Sarandos Keynote: Royal Television Society London Convention 2024
Good morning, everybody. Thank you for inviting me. It's a privilege to be here with you. The Royal Television Society always holds a special place in my heart because it was here, back in 2016, that I showed you the first trailer for the first season of The Crown.. Over the next seven years, The Crown went on to become the most nominated British TV series in Emmy history — and only one of ...

Here’s an Excellent Keynote Speech GUIDE: With 2 Great Examples

So, what is a keynote speech?

How to prepare a keynote speech

1. Find out the theme for the day

2. Outline your presentation

3. Now fill each section

4. Make the work visually attractive

6. Finally, rehearse

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Knowing Your Audience

Researching Your Audience

Adapting Your Message to the Audience

Engaging the Audience

Crafting a Compelling Message

Identifying Your Main Points

Developing a Strong Thesis

Using Stories and Examples

Organizing Your Keynote Speech

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What Is a Keynote Speech? (+10 Speaker Tips to Deliver Powerfully)

What Is a Keynote Speech?

How to Make Your Presentation Stand Out With a Slideshow

Speaker Tips for Giving a Keynote Speech

1. Know Your Audience

2. Do Your Research

3. Tell a Story

4. Consider Giving an Interactive Presentation

5. Practice Your Speech

6. Overcome Your Fear

7. Stay Focused on Your Goal

8. Be Brief

9. Get Enough Sleep

10. Share It Online

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Your Takeaways

Guide to Planning, Writing, and Delivering a Killer Keynote Speech

What Is a Keynote Speech?

How Long Should A Keynote Be?

What Makes a Keynote Speech Compelling and Memorable?

How Much Time Should You Devote to Preparation?

How Much Lead Time Do You Need?

Planning a Keynote Speech: Who is your audience? What is your intention?

How To Write A Keynote Speech

2. Brainstorm with an open mind and big wall

3. Step back and group ideas into themes

4. Pare down to the best ideas

5. Order your ideas

How To Open A Keynote Speech

How To Close a Keynote Speech

Choosing a Title for Your Keynote

How To Practice Your Keynote Speech

Tips For Creating Your Slidedeck or PowerPoint Presentation