You have 30 seconds! 
In less than one minute your audience will know if the keynote speaker has what it takes to keep their attention… or put them to sleep.
One of the most important aspects in planning a meeting is choosing the right keynote speaker for the event. Not only do you want a well-informed keynote speaker but also a speaker that has the ability to deliver that knowledge in a manner that will grab and hold the audience’s attention throughout, leaving them wanting more.
A great opening keynote speaker has a high energy level and the ability to connect with their audience on both a mental and emotional level. They have a stage presence like no other and bring an audience alive.
Your keynote speaker sets the tone for the entire event and the quality of the speaker chosen is critical to the perception of the attendees. A poor opening keynote speaker leaves a bad taste in the audience’s mouth, regardless of what great hors d’oeuvres you may have offered.
After all, people most remember the first thing they hear and the last thing they hear. You do not want attendees leaving your meeting talking more about the food than the message!
When choosing an opening keynote speaker, the interview starts from the minute you connect with the speaker. While speaking to potential keynote speakers pay attention to their tone and voice pitch. Did they excite you even more about your event or leave you feeling like you were shot with morphine? Did they listen to what you were looking for and offer solutions in how they could deliver? Does their personality, thoughts, and ideas fit your keynote theme? You want it to be a smooth marriage of minds, thoughts, ideas and most of all – passion!
Checking the history of a keynote speaker is also a great way to get a feel for what and who this person is all about. Ask to see previously delivered keynote videos, slides from a presentation they gave, or mp3 recordings. Pay attention to the audience and the looks on their faces. Do they look and sound engaged? If not, well, you know what to do!
Do your due diligence. Search the web to see what is being said about the speaker – do they have a high profile – easily found? Read press files on the speaker and see how others quote them. Check their Social Media and see if they are active and followed?
A great keynote speaker will grab your attention, be proactive, and leave you remembering them long after you finished an interview with them for the right reason.
Elizabeth is scheduled to be the Opening Keynote speaker for the Meeting Planners International Regional Leadership Day.
Elizabeth an International Keynote Speaker addressing audiences of up to 6,000+ people and seen on ABC News “20/20,” CBS News, MSNBC, on FOX News Radio, on the front page of the Dallas Morning News and featured in the Wall Street Journal. Elizabeth McCormick has empowered audiences internationally and all over America with her action-packed speaking.
Recent Comments