4 Traits the Best Conference Speakers Have in Common
Are you a meeting professional looking to book a speaker for your next event? Keeping these traits in mind as you search can help to ensure the success of your conference or meeting.
1. They know their audience and customize to meet their needs.
The best conference speakers take the time to get to know their audience and work with their clients to understand the goals of their program. They are able to integrate industry knowledge and the intentions of the organization into their keynote. They make the audience feel like, "they understand me" and understand that it's not about them - it's about the audience.
2. They tell stories.
One of the best ways to connect with an audience is through stories. The best conference speakers use them to illustrate their points, make complex concepts more relatable, and just generally add some levity to the presentation. After all, not only do people love a good story, but the London School of Business found people retain 65-70% of information shared via a story as compared to only 5-10% of information conveyed through statistics.
3. They're well prepared.
The best speakers are well prepared. They've done their research and know that it's not about reading from a script or winging it, but rather having complete control over your content. They are humble enough to appreciate that preparation is critical and that even if they have been speaking for decades, they still practice.
4. They're flexible and adaptable.
Granted though, no matter how well you prepare, there's always the potential for something to happen that you didn't anticipate. The best conference speakers are able to think on their feet and adapt accordingly. Whether it's a technical glitch, a last-minute change, or something else entirely, they're able to roll with the punches and keep their audience engaged.
5. They're professional.
This one goes without saying, but the best conference speakers conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off stage. From the way they dress to the way they interact with others, they carry themselves with confidence and ease. Their goal is to make sure that their audience has a positive experience from start to finish.
Whether you're a conference organizer looking for the best speaker for your next event or a presenter wanting to up your game, keep these five traits in mind. The best conference speakers possess all of them and use them to create an unforgettable experience for their audience.
Rachel DeAlto
Rachel DeAlto is a keynote speaker on communication, leadership, team building, and more. She’s on a mission to connect people to their most powerful resource—each other.