20 Jan 2019

By its very nature- a keynote speaker is one who ‘delivers a speech that sets out the central theme of a conference.’ So, how is this done? Well primarily, a keynote speaker must be informative and clear. The cardinal sin of speaking is to be ambiguous , and this is especially important in keynote speaking. Whether it be a 10 minute speech or a 2 hour lecture, a keynote speaker must leave the audience with no more than 3 memorable, intended messages as a result of their speech. As the audience leave the room, if each member were to be asked a simple question: ‘What was the point of that speech?’, a top keynote speaker would ensure every single audience member gave exactly the same answer without a moment of hesitation. There are a few ways one can go about this form of speaking, as it is vaguely different from some other forms.

 

Firstly, a top keynote speaker will always ensure no matter how academic the subject, every single person no matter how intelligent is able to access the speech and able to clearly grasp everything the top keynote speaker is saying. So, a top keynote speaker is one who appeals to all. What else? Well, as well as being accessible they must strike a balance between simple yet authoritative. By dullung concepts one can easily fall into the trap of sounding uninformed and frankly intelligent as a speaker. So, whilst remaining simplified an element of complexity must be retained in order to retain the confidence of the audience that you know what you are talking about. This equilibrium between complexity and accessibility is only ever achieved by the top keynote speaker, as more often than not only a similar proportion of the audience are able to pass the aforementioned set of questions at the end of a keynote speech.

 

Secondly, whilst sticking to their aim, a keynote speaker must engage the audience, as usually they are the first speakers and the people required to set the tone for an event or seminar. They say first impressions count, and the same applies with keynote speaking. Only the top keynote speakers will simultaneously engage and excite their audience whilst clearly demonstrating and conveying their keynote.

 

While on the subject of top keynote speakers, it would be fitting to analyse this very blog, to see if I myself practice what I preach. Can you remember my two main points that make a good keynote speaker? If so, great, but can you also remember the main purpose of a top keynote speaker? To get in touch about top keynote speakers or for more information on Bianca Miller-Cole, please email bookings@biancamiller.uk  02086679519 or visit www.biancamiller.uk.