7 Steps to Enhance Keynote Success

By Kinza Christenson
Professional Member

From planning the initial venue right down to the details of the day, there are things that can make a difference, some can have a large impact on how the speaker is received.. Here are 7 things that can be used to enhance keynote success.

1. Timing is everything. The “Now Introducing…pass the butter please” is a tough scenario for any speaker to contend with. Competing with starvation and the clanging of silverware is not an easy task. Starvation always wins. As a result, unfortunately, the audience gets shortchanged because of the dual and interruptive focus. Most conferences today schedule their day so as to allow the audience time to eat the main course, and usually once the dessert is served- the speaker is successfully introduced. The audience has then satisfied their hunger pains and are ready to sit back and absorb the speaker.

2. A great tip: Meeting planners approach the microphone to introduce the speaker and have a difficult task of quieting every one down. A great technique? Don’t say a word until it’s quiet. Just stand there and say: Sh-h-h-h-h. You’ll be amazed at how it works like magic.

3. Logistics Matter: When there’s a stage, it’s easy. However, if the presentation room does not have a stage, you may need to focus a little more on the type of room setup needed so you leave adequate ‘stage area’ for the speaker. Does your speaker stand at a lectern or is your speaker a roamer? Do he or she need more room open in the front? Will they be bringing audience members to the front or needing room for props?

If there is ample space in the room, it is always good be on the safe side and to leave a little more space for the speaker rather than not enough. It makes the speaker more visible to the audience. Another trick: Look at the speaker’s stage area. Hotels are notorious for hanging pictures directly behind where the speaker might be. These can be very distracting for the audience. Are they easily removable? If so, take them down.

4. The speaker challenge: While planners try to provide the best presenters they can to their organization, there are a few red flags to be aware of. Celebrities may be more demanding and are much less inclined to care about your timeline. If staying on schedule is important, be sure to discuss with them when they need to finish and then have a signal worked out to help remind them. Another thought to be aware of: Many speakers are authors but not all authors are speakers. In general, if you don’t have a personal reference from someone who has seen or heard good things about a speaker, look for a designation of membership in the National Speakers Association.

5. About the Audience: Many key things that the speaker needs to know will most likely be covered on their Pre-program Questionnaire. However, with today’s audiences often being so diverse, speakers need to know who will be in the audience, not just their positions but what ethnic groups, countries represented, and/or what regions of the U.S. will be represented. Knowing this affects the selection of the material the speaker will choose, the types of humor used and the stories included. The last thing you, and the speaker, want is for audience members to be offended by an unintentional comment.

6. Set ‘em up: In your program description about the upcoming program, if your speaker is a humorist, be sure to include that fact. Knowing that they are in for a good time gives them ‘permission’ to laugh and gets their spontaneity revved up to a “set go” level.

7. Take the golden opportunity. The event is over. You breathe sigh of relief. When the speaker asks for a testimonial letter, you happily oblige but you are secretly just glad that everything went well and it’s over. You are on to the next project. If you are working with an experienced speaker, do a follow up call with them. If you don’t, you could be missing a golden opportunity for learning nuggets to help you the next time around. Ask for their observations or if there is anything they would suggest that you should have done that would help as you plan your next event? Experienced speakers have attended a large variety of events/venues and may be able to share a idea that will set you apart from the competition or build attendance the next time. If the speaker’s topic created interest, ask the speaker if they would provide some filler articles for the organization’s newsletter. This gives the attendees topic re-enforcement and added take home value—and your newsletter editor will thank you!