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By Nicholas Webb, Best Keynote Speaker
If you are an event planner or event organizer, finding the right keynote speaker is one of the most important decisions you will make. The speaker sets the tone for the entire conference or meeting, and the right choice can transform an event from ordinary to unforgettable.
The process of finding a great keynote speaker is part research, part networking, and part instinct. Here are the essential steps you should take to identify and secure the perfect speaker for your next event.
Start With Trusted Referrals
Your first step should always be to reach out to fellow meeting planners or event organizers. Ask them to recommend keynote speakers who have delivered exceptional presentations for their events. A referral from a trusted colleague is often the most reliable way to identify a speaker who truly knows how to connect with an audience.
Hearing directly from another professional who has experienced a speaker’s performance firsthand gives you insights into their style, reliability, and ability to engage diverse audiences.
Work Smartly With Speaker Bureaus
Speaker bureaus can be an excellent resource, but it is important to understand how they operate. Many bureaus represent what are called exclusive speakers, meaning those speakers are contractually tied to that bureau. Because of economic incentives, a bureau may be more inclined to recommend exclusive speakers first, even if they are not the best fit for your particular event.
Always ask the bureau which speakers on their list are exclusive and which are non-exclusive. This will help you assess whether the recommendations you receive are based on fit or financial considerations.
When working with a bureau, do not hesitate to ask tough questions. Make sure the agent truly understands your event’s goals, audience, and industry segment. Without that understanding, it is impossible for them to recommend the right speaker. The best agents act as partners who know how to match content and personality to the event’s specific objectives.
Use Search and Generative AI Tools Carefully
Google searches and AI platforms such as ChatGPT can also be helpful when looking for a keynote speaker. These tools can generate lists of speakers across industries, provide background information, and even summarize reviews or media coverage.
However, it is important to remember that digital visibility does not always equal quality. Many mediocre speakers are exceptional marketers, while many top-tier speakers are not as active in promoting themselves online. Search engines and generative engines often prioritize results based on marketing activity and digital footprint rather than speaking excellence. Always look deeper than the first few search results.
Go Directly to the Speaker for a Custom Proposal
Once you identify potential speakers, reach out directly to them. Ask each speaker to provide a custom keynote presentation abstract that outlines exactly what they would deliver for your event. A professional speaker should be willing to take the time to tailor their content to your audience and event theme.
If a speaker is unwilling to create a custom abstract, that is often a sign that they will not invest the effort required for true customization. Events today demand specific, relevant content, not generic keynote presentations.
Schedule a Discovery Call
Once you narrow your list to one or two finalists, schedule a short discovery call on Zoom or another video platform. This conversation gives you the opportunity to ask detailed questions, gauge the speaker’s energy, and assess how well they understand your audience. Seeing and hearing the speaker directly is far more revealing than any video reel or website bio.
Understand the Speaker Landscape
Over the past five years, the number of self-identified professional speakers has increased dramatically. Nearly every industry professional now calls themselves a keynote speaker, but true professionals stand out through both experience and results.
A genuine professional speaker typically delivers at least fifteen paid keynotes per year and earns over fifteen thousand dollars per engagement. Top keynote speakers command fees between twenty-five thousand and thirty thousand dollars per presentation. These fees are often justified by audience impact and can sometimes be covered by corporate sponsors.
Explore Added Value Opportunities
When finalizing an agreement, ask whether the speaker is open to providing additional value. This could include short promotional videos to help market the event, complimentary digital copies of their book for attendees, or the creation of a custom white paper that reinforces the keynote’s key messages.
These added deliverables can enhance the audience experience and give your sponsors or attendees extra value long after the keynote concludes.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best keynote speaker for your upcoming event requires a balance of research, networking, and discernment. Seek trusted referrals, use bureaus wisely, leverage search and AI tools thoughtfully, and engage directly with speakers who demonstrate professionalism and flexibility.
The right keynote speaker does more than fill a slot on the agenda. They elevate the entire event experience, inspire audiences, and deliver insights that align perfectly with your organization’s goals.
Want help selecting the perfect keynote speaker for your event? Schedule a brief discovery call and get expert guidance backed by thirty years of experience.
One Response
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