There are many factors that make a good keynote speaker. Some skills are more important than others. If you have ever listened to a keynote speaker live, you will have noticed even if they are all very different, they generally posses the same core qualities. When thinking about it, only a brave person has the guts to address a crowd. That is whether the audience is small or large! I know I couldn\’t!
Keynote speakers are nothing without confidence. Their job would be very difficult otherwise. Would you listen to someone that is a big jelly on stage? On the other hand, someone that delivers a speech in a clear, strong voice is someone you are more likely to listen to. A confident speaker will pass their self belief onto you.
It might seem obvious to point out, but knowledge of the subject area is important. Otherwise they are likely to be caught out. Confidence and knowledge go hand in hand. Also, it if any questions are asked at the end, the speaker knows they arent likely to be shown up! People listent to experts, and those that can offer them knowledge. Knowledge is power!
An entertaining speaker is always likely to fair better. No-one likes to be bored. Its not that the speaker needs to spend 3 hours telling one liners (although you can hire comedy speakers should you wish!). It doesn\’t matter what the subject matter is. If they can deliver it in an entertaining and where suitable, a humorous way, they are going to come across well to an audience. The audience will remember and talk to their friends about the speech.
Without dynamism, you are also going to manage to bore your audience. Keeping your audience on their toes is vital. Get the audience to participate. Exchanges questions and answers. Terrify them by inviting them on stage. Anything to keep their attention and focus on the message.
The message you are broadcasting is also significant. The audience should benefit from the speech. For example for a sales team, the message should be inspirational and goal based. For those searching new found confidence, offer them methods to do so. The message needs to be strong enough so that the audience remember it not just after they leave, but for a long time afterwards.
Keynote speakers that are able to do this are generally considered the most successful. Accordingly they are the ones that charge massive rates for a single speech.
For a selection of motivational speaker check out Speakers Associates.