How to Become a Keynote Speaker
What does it take to become a keynote speaker? Do you need to be an expert in your field? Have years of experience speaking in public? While both of those things can help, they’re not required. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to become a keynote speaker, regardless of your experience level. So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been speaking for years, read on for some helpful advice.
What is a keynote speaker and what do they do?
A keynote speaker is someone who is invited to speak at an event in order to provide motivation, inspiration, and/or education to the audience - oftentimes all three! The term comes from the days when keynotes were actually played on a piano in order to set the tone for an event. Nowadays, a keynote speech is usually the opening and closing address at a conference or other large gathering. The keynote speaker will often be someone who is respected and admired by the audience, such as a successful businessperson or a well-known figure from the media. Their job is to deliver a speech that will leave the audience feeling motivated and inspired to achieve their own goals. In many cases, a keynote speaker will also be asked to sign copies of their book or take part in a Q&A session afterward.
What are the benefits of becoming a keynote speaker?
Keynote speakers are in high demand post-2020. Companies are always looking for dynamic and engaging speakers to help create an engaging event. And there are plenty of good reasons to become a keynote speaker. Firstly, it can be a great way to build your reputation and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Secondly, it can be a lot of fun! If you enjoy public speaking, then being a keynote speaker is the perfect way to combine your passion with your profession. Finally, it can be a great way to make new friends and connections. Many keynote speakers develop close relationships with their clients and often end up traveling to different parts of the world to speak at various events. I've been lucky enough to keynote in several countries and have created lasting friendships with many of my clients that extends far beyond the stage.
How can you become a keynote speaker yourself?
So how can you become a keynote speaker yourself? This is a LinkedIn message I receive rather frequently! Start by honing your public speaking skills. Join a local Toastmasters club or take a class on public speaking. Next, focus on developing your ideas. What do you have to say that will resonate with your audience? Write down your ideas and start refining them into a cohesive speech. Once you have your speech ready, start submitting proposals to companies and organizations. Be sure to tailor each proposal to the specific organization and showcase why you would be the perfect keynote speaker for their event. Be willing to speak for free in your early stages to hone your craft and make sure your message resonates.
What should you consider when choosing your topic?
If you're like most people, you probably have a long list of ideas for potential topics. But how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider when choosing your topic:
1. What are you passionate about? It may seem like common sense, but pick a topic that you're actually excited to speak about. This will make the process more enjoyable and help you stay motivated.
2. What do you have experience with? If you have personal experience with the subject matter, that can be a valuable asset when writing your speech. The audience will be able to relate to your story and may be more likely to trust your information.
3. What's your audience? Think about who you'd like to speak to and what types of information they're looking for. This will help narrow down your topic and choose an angle to approach it from.
By taking the time to consider these factors, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect topic for your keynote speech!
Keynote speakers are in high demand because they offer a unique and valuable perspective to their audiences. If you're looking to become a keynote speaker yourself, start by considering your topic and how you can make it stand out from the rest. With some hard work and a little luck, you too can be sharing your message with audiences around the world.
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.