Keynote Speaking FAQ

What is the objective of a keynote speech?
The primary purpose is to inspire an audience and create a positive and upbeat mood for the event. The speaker should give the audience something to remember.

Is a key note a ‘soft’ speech?
No it's not. It is a rousing speech with inclusive phrases like ‘as we know’, we have experienced’ or ‘ we all understand’ It’s objective would be to take a dry topic and make it come alive.

Should a keynote speaker be a technical expert?
Not necessarily. Often technical experts are too detailed, try to answer problems and fit too much into the speech. The speaker needs to have a perspective that can relate to the audience on an emotional level and a technical level. Most importantly the speaker should be able to inspire the audience through their delivery style.

How long is a key note speech?
Speeches are usually anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes

What makes a keynote speech effective?
The following characteristics: Thought and content, nature of the speaker, conformity to the audience, influence of the audience

Should the speaker have to field questions?
This is not a technical presentation from a technical expert. A technical expert may deliver the speech but the speech objective is to inspire. It depends on the situation.

How do you inspire an entire audience?
Audiences are fractionalised. What motivates one group of people will not appeal to others. The tone of the speech must take the role of interpreting the feelings of the audience.

How do you conclude a keynote speech?
Your conclusion should tie in with the opening and you should wind up on a strong note of appeal and leave the audience in no doubt what you want them to do with the information you have given them.

Can anyone do a keynote speech?
Yes providing they have the public speaking skills to carry it off. You need to excel in your delivery style, with strong body language and voice modulation.