Top tips to get the most out of your Keynote Speaker
Booking a keynote speaker for your event is exciting, but to truly make an impact, it’s important to follow some practical advice. In this guide, we share top tips to get the most out of your keynote speaker, whether it’s for a corporate conference, school event, or team workshop.
These simple steps will help ensure your audience leaves inspired and engaged.
1. Give your speaker a proper brief
The more your keynote speaker knows about your audience, event objectives, and desired outcomes, the better they can tailor their talk. Include details about who will be attending, their roles, and any specific messages you want highlighted. Giving a detailed brief is one of the easiest ways to get the most out of your keynote speaker.
2. Set expectations early
Agree on timings, presentation format, and Q and A sessions. Clear planning ensures your keynote speaker delivers their best performance and helps the event run smoothly. Setting expectations early is a key part of getting the most out of your keynote speaker.
3. Introduce them well
A personalised introduction sets the tone. Highlight why your speaker is relevant to your audience and a little about their journey. This simple step is a great way to maximise the impact of a keynote speaker. Many of our speakers have a pre-prepared intro that can be used, to keep things simple!
4. Prepare your audience
Let attendees know who is speaking and why. A short pre-event note or agenda mention builds anticipation and encourages engagement. Preparing your audience is an easy way to ensure you get the most out of your keynote speaker.
You could always ask if the speaker is willing to do a short recording that could go out to your delegates before the event – Just make sure to ask this before contracts are sent!
5. Make space for interaction
Encourage questions, discussions, or interactive activities if included. Creating a dynamic environment helps your audience connect with the content and makes your keynote speaker’s session even more memorable.
During the briefing call, format and engagement practices can be discussed so you ensure that you are getting the most value and impact from the speaker, for your event.
6. Respect their expertise
Professional keynote speakers know their craft. Give them the creative space to deliver their message while sharing any key themes you want highlighted. Trusting your speaker is another way to get the most out of their session. Slides can be sent over before events for approval, and the briefing call is the perfect time for the speaker to discuss how they can deliver the message, and gain any insight around the core messages from your brief.
7. Follow up afterwards
Feedback strengthens relationships for future events and shows the speaker the impact of their session. Following up is a small step that can make a big difference when getting the most out of your keynote speaker.
Many of our speakers deliver workshops and consultancy packages so it is always good to follow up with the speaker or bureau to see what else can be delivered following your session.
Working with a professional keynote speaker isn’t just about booking a name, it’s about creating a memorable, inspiring experience. By following these top tips to get the most out of your keynote speaker, you’ll ensure your event resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for high-demand speakers. For larger events, six months or more gives you the best choice.
Absolutely. Many of our speakers deliver engaging online keynotes and workshops tailored to remote teams.
Consider your event goals, audience size, industry, and the tone you’re aiming for. A speaker bureau can guide you to the perfect match.
There are many ways you can book a speaker, but using a speaker bureau or agency is perhaps the most effective way.
This is because we work with you in the lead up to your event to ensure the best possible speaker and handle any and all requirements that come with the booking.
We are paid a commission by our speakers when we book them, so there is no fee to our clients.
Essentially, a bureaus role is to listen to your needs, and create a customized proposal for your event, take care of all the details including travel arrangements, pre-event calls, logistics and more.
We represent a diverse range of speakers, including Motivational & Inspirational Speakers, Business & Leadership Experts, Industry Professionals, Athletes & Celebrities, Thought Leaders & Innovators, Wellbeing & Mental Health Advocates
The speaker’s fee typically includes their speaking time, briefing call and preparation. Any necessary travel and accommodation expenses will be discussed prior to securing the booking and we will provide a clear breakdown of what’s included when you book.
The main bookings we get asked for is for speakers to deliver an keynote talk.
However lots of clients also ask for workshops/interactive sessions, hosting and facilitating events, panel and fireside chats, award evenings and anything else that may be required to make your event one to remember.
While many of our speakers are incredibly inspirational, we offer a much wider range – from leadership experts, mental health advocates and adventurers, to entrepreneurs, change-makers and elite athletes. Whether you’re looking to inspire, educate or provoke thought, we’ve got someone for you.
Not at all – we’re based in the UK but regularly support international clients and events. If you’re planning something overseas or hybrid, we can absolutely help.
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