Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Professional Keynote Speakers.

As a Professional Keynote Speaker, I get asked many questions by many people. Most of these questions are specific to the organisation and the context I am working in. However, there are a number of questions that repeat themselves and surface in all conversations with clients.

So here is a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions I get about Professional Keynote Speakers and Keynote Speeches.

The goal of this article is to offer an expert view of the most Frequently Asked Questions about Keynote Speakers/Speeches. So you can make an informed decision on hiring a Professional Keynote Speaker.

Question #1 asked about Keynote Speaker:
What is a Keynote Speech?

The term ‘Keynote’ comes from the world of Music and refers to the note that is played to determine the 'key' in which a song is performed. The importance of getting the Keynote right is therefore essential as it determines everything else that follows.

Similarly, a Professional Keynote Speech sets the tone of your event. It establishes the framework for everything that follows. It sets the underlying theme, the most important revelation, and the core message that everything else in your event will follow. This makes it the most important Speech at your event.

A Keynote Speech sets the tone of your event & establishes the framework for everything that follows.

For more information see our extended article: What is a Keynote Speech?

Question #2  asked about Keynote Speaker:
What are the different types of Keynote Speakers?

While there is a wide variety of Keynote Speakers, they usually fit into one of the following categories:

Popular Keynote Speakers are celebrities, either with public fame or industry fame. They will certainly attract a crowd. While there are obvious exceptions, it is important to note however that you are paying for their fame more than their ability to speak or the content they will deliver.

Positional Keynote Speakers are Founders, CEO’s, CFO’s, and CMO’s, or other key figures, from large or successful organisations (including Governments, the Military, Doctors, and Scientific experts). If choosing a Positional Speaker make sure they are able to transfer what has worked for them to what will work for your organisation.

Professional Keynote Speakers are people who’s business, craft, and profession is speaking. Speaking is not something they do to sell a product from the stage, nor are they speaking on behalf of an organisation. For these speakers, their product is the speech. A Professional Speaker will work to maximise your event and tailor their content towards your organisation.

For more information see our extended article: What are the Different Types of Keynote Speakers?

Question #3 asked about Keynote Speaker:
Why do I need a Keynote Speaker?

The reason why you need a Keynote Speech at your internal corporate event is because it turns it into a strategic tool. A Keynote Speech does the following:

1) A Keynote Speech grows your business by Aligning & Inspiring.
2) A Keynote Speech aligns everyone towards a Shared Vision.
3) A Keynote Speech gives practical possibilities with Tailor-made inspiration.

For more information see our extended article: Why do I need a Keynote Speech at my corporate event?

Question #4 asked about Keynote Speaker:
How do I find a Keynote Speaker?

The best way to hire someone is to hire someone you already know. And when this does not work, go to LinkedIn. Its strength comes from personal connections that show how we all are indeed only are a few degrees away from everyone else in the world. And very likely from the perfect Keynote Speaker for your event.

For more information see our extended article: Tips on browsing Professional Keynote Speakers via LinkedIn People Search.

Question #5 asked about Keynote Speaker:
How much does a Keynote Speech cost?

The answer is ‘it depends’. It depends on your event and who you are hiring (see Question 2 above: Popular, Position, or Professional). However, to reduce risk, and optimise the success of your event, start with a budget of at least €7,500 (approx. $8,400).

For more information see our extended article: How much does a Keynote Speech cost?

Question #6 asked about Keynote Speaker:
How do I choose the right topic for a Keynote Speech?

The first insight I want to offer on speech topics is: The topic of a speech is not the most important thing. This may sound unusual, however, it becomes clear when we understand that the impact of a speech is not about what a Speaker says but about how they made the audience feel.

This means that it is more important to find a Keynote Speaker with the right qualities: empathic character, holistic perspective, and flexible behaviour). For more information see: How to choose the best Keynote Speaker.

Once you have a Speaker with these qualities you can then consider the topic. I have therefore created the following TOPIC Formula:

Theme + Outcome + People + Industry + Culture + Keynote Speaker’s experience

For more information see our extended article: What is the Best TOPIC for a Keynote Speech?

Question #7 asked about Keynote Speaker:
How long should a Keynote Speech be?

The length of a Keynote Speech depends on the skill of the Speaker to hold the audiences’ attention, the time needed by the Speaker to leave an impactful message, and the time available based on the logistics of your event.

As a rule, anything shorter than 20 mins is not optimal. Instead, plan for a 45-60 mins Keynote Speech. And remember to discuss with the Speaker if it is possible to extend this to get the most value from their involvement.

For more information see our extended article: How Long should a Keynote Speech be?

Question #8 asked about Keynote Speaker:
What happens after the Keynote Speech?

When you book a Professional Keynote Speaker make sure you get maximum value from their preparation, and your investment in them, by building a longterm relationship with them.

Connect with them one day after the event (with a Summary Document), then after one week (with a Reflective Conversation), then after one month (Interview them), then after three (they host a Webinar). Indeed, because they now understand the dynamics of your organisation you can call on them anytime.

For more information see our extended article: What Relationship should you have with a Keynote Speaker after your Event?

Question #9 asked about Keynote Speaker:
Can the Speaker deliver more than just a speech?

The general principle is: involved your Professional Keynote Speaker as much as possible. So yes they can deliver more than just the Keynote Speech.

A Professional Keynote Speaker puts a lot of work into aligning themselves with your organisation, your vision and strategy, so they want to be as involved as possible. Engage them with as many people as possible so they can listen to challenges and offer new insights, before the event, during the event, and after the event.

For more information see our extended article: What are the Options & Extras I should consider when booking a Keynote Speech?

Question #10 asked about Keynote Speaker:
What is the Real Purpose of a Keynote Speech?

A Professional Keynote Speech has a purpose on three levels: for your teams, for your CEO / Leadership, and for your organisation. It boosts the motivation & action of your teams, makes your CEO & Leadership look good, and ultimately grows your organisation.

For more information see our extended article: What is the Real Purpose of a Keynote Speech?

The purpose of these Frequently Asked Questions is to help you make a more informed decision when hiring a Professional Keynote Speaker.

For more insights on the benifits of hiring a Professional Keynote Speaker at you event, and to answer more of your questions, download the Guide to finding the right Keynote Speaker for your corporate event.