How To Be A Keynote Speaker

How To Be A Keynote Speaker

Many people want to know how to become a keynote speaker. This is because they hear about the business of speaking and they feel they can make big bucks showing for an hour for a 1 hour presentation. But there is way more to it.

OverviewTermsTypes of SpeakersMaking Money Speaking

Keynote Presentation

A keynote presentation is a speech given at the beginning of an event, such as a conference or convention. This is because they set the tone for the event and to highlight its main themes and objectives. These speakers are often experts in their field or well-known figures. Their presentation can serve to inspire, motivate, and inform the audience.

Keynote presentations are typically longer than other presentations, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour or more. And as such, they often include multimedia elements such as slides, videos, and graphics to engage the audience. They can be live or pre-recorded, and they can be delivered in-person or virtually through video conferencing technology.

How to find a speaker for your conference.

Terms for the Public Speaking Business

Here are some terms and definitions related to the public speaking business:

  1. Keynote Speaker: A keynote speaker is a speaker who delivers the primary or most important speech at an event, such as a conference or convention. They are the speaker who sets the main theme or tone of an event or conference.
  2. Speaker Bureau: A speaker bureau is an organization that represents speakers and connects them with event planners looking to hire speakers.
  3. Breakout Session: A breakout session is a smaller session that takes place during a larger event, typically focused on a specific topic or theme.
  4. Panel Discussion: A panel discussion is a group discussion where several experts discuss a particular topic in front of an audience.
  5. Workshop: A workshop is a more interactive and hands-on learning experience. Participants engage in activities and exercises related to a particular topic.
  6. Toastmaster: A Toastmaster is a person who presides over a public speaking event. They introduce speakers and keep the event on schedule.
  7. Emcee/MC: An Emcee or MC (Master of Ceremonies) is a person who hosts an event and introduces speakers or performers.
  8. Pitch: A pitch is a brief presentation or proposal aimed at persuading someone to take a specific action or make a decision.
  9. Pitch Deck: A pitch deck is a presentation used by entrepreneurs to pitch their business or idea to potential investors or partners.
  10. Call to Action: A call to action (CTA) is a statement or request that encourages the audience to take a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter or purchasing a product.
  11. Public Speaking Coach: A public speaking coach is a professional who helps individuals improve their public speaking skills through one-on-one sessions.
  12. Delivery: Delivery refers to the way a speaker communicates their message through vocal and nonverbal communication.
  13. Stage Presence: Stage presence refers to the ability of a speaker to project confidence and charisma while speaking on stage.

These are a few just to get you started. There are many other terms on the business of speaking. This should get you started on how to become a keynote speaker.

What are the different Types of Public Speakers

There are several different types of public speakers, each with their own specific focus and style. Here are some of the most common types:

  1. Motivational speakers: These speakers aim to inspire and motivate their audience to take action or achieve their goals.
  2. Keynote speakers: Keynote speakers deliver speeches that set the tone for an event or conference and often have a specific expertise or area of focus.
  3. Educational speakers: Educational speakers aim to teach and inform their audience on a specific topic or subject.
  4. Entertaining Speakers: Entertaining speakers use humor, storytelling, and other engaging techniques to capture and hold the attention of their audience. They may talk about a wide range of topics, from personal experiences to pop culture.
  5. Celebrity Speakers: Celebrity speakers are well-known public figures who are invited to speak at events based on their fame and popularity. They may talk about their personal experiences, careers, or philanthropic work.
  6. Political speakers: Political speakers are those who speak on political issues, either as a candidate, an activist, or an expert.
  7. Inspirational speakers: These speakers aim to uplift and inspire their audience with personal stories of triumph over adversity.
  8. Business speakers: Business speakers offer insights and strategies related to business and entrepreneurship.
  9. Commencement speakers: These speakers deliver speeches at graduation ceremonies, offering advice and inspiration to the graduates.

Making Money Speaking

Making money as a public speaker requires a combination of building your reputation and marketing yourself to potential clients. Here are some ways to make money as a public speaker:

  1. Develop your expertise: Identify your area of expertise and develop your knowledge and skills in that field. This can include taking courses, attending conferences, and reading widely on your topic.
  2. Build your reputation: Build a strong reputation as a speaker by speaking at conferences and events, writing articles, and creating online content. Use social media to promote yourself and your speaking engagements.
  3. Join a speaker’s bureau: Speaker bureaus are agencies that represent speakers and help connect them with clients. Joining a speaker bureau can provide you with more exposure and access to potential clients.
  4. Offer coaching or training: Consider offering coaching or training services to individuals or organizations in your area of expertise. This can be a way to supplement your income and build your reputation as a speaker.
  5. Create digital products: Consider creating digital products such as e-books, webinars, or online courses related to your topic. These can be sold online and provide a passive income stream.
  6. Write a book: Writing a book can help establish you as an expert in your field and provide another source of income through book sales and speaking engagements related to the book.
  7. Develop a niche: Consider developing a niche within your area of expertise, which can make you stand out from other speakers and attract clients with specific needs.
  8. Set your speaking fee: Determine your speaking fee based on your level of expertise and experience, the length of the speaking engagement, and the size of the audience. Be sure to research industry standards and adjust your fee accordingly.

These are some of the main things you can do to become a public or keynote speaker. Even if you have most of these things mastered, you bust also be a master of the Business of Speaking.

Being A Speaker Can Be Hard

Becoming a keynote speaker can be challenging. It requires a significant amount of time, effort, and skill to develop and deliver a compelling presentation that engages and inspires the audience. Here are some of the challenges you may face as a keynote speaker:

  1. Competition: There is a lot of competition in the speaking industry, and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and secure speaking engagements.
  2. Preparation: Preparing a keynote speech takes a significant amount of time and effort. You need to research your topic, develop a clear message, and create an engaging presentation that will captivate your audience.
  3. Public speaking skills: Keynote speakers need to have excellent public speaking skills. For example, the ability to connect with the audience, convey their message clearly and effectively, and handle unexpected challenges or distractions.
  4. Travel: Keynote speakers may need to travel extensively to speak at events, which can be tiring and time-consuming.
  5. Nerves: Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced speakers. Overcoming nerves and delivering a confident, polished presentation can be a challenge.
  6. Rejection: As with any competitive field, keynote speakers may face rejection from potential clients or event organizers.

Despite these challenges, being a keynote speaker can also be rewarding and fulfilling. This is because it allows you to share your message with a large audience, and make a positive impact on people’s lives. With dedication and hard work, it is possible to become a successful keynote speaker.

Being A Speaker Can Be Rewarding

Being a keynote speaker can be rewarding for a number of reasons.

As a keynote speaker, you have the opportunity to share your message and ideas with a large audience. This can be an incredibly powerful way to inspire others to take action or think differently about a particular issue.

It can also help build your reputation and establish yourself as an expert in your field. This is because it can lead to new opportunities for collaboration, consulting, or other types of work.

Speaking at events can be a great way to network and connect with other professionals in your field or industry. Which is why you can meet new clients and colleagues who share your interests. And they and can help you advance your career.

Delivering a keynote speech can be and rewarding experience. It can help you develop new skills and grow as a person. It is a powerful tool for overcoming fear, building confidence, and improving communication skills.

Experience and Expertise

Depending on your level of expertise and experience, keynote speaking can also be a lucrative way to make a living. This is because, keynote speakers can earn a significant amount of money per engagement, making it a financially rewarding career.

Overall, being a keynote speaker can be a fulfilling and rewarding.  This why many people do it.  Because, it’s a way to share your ideas, make an impact, improve yourself and make a living.

Contact This Keynote Speaker

Jerome Mayne has been a keynote speaker since 2001. He has coached and mentored dozens of speakers over the years. Contact him about his upcoming book, “Speak Now! or forever hold your peas”. You’ll get release updates and pre-released content on how to become a keynote speaker.