Questions to ask Keynote Speakers to Assess their Impact Before They Take The Stage
In the complex and challenging world of event planning, selecting the right keynote speaker can determine the success of your event. The best speakers can deliver memorable and lasting impact long after the event is over.
The question is, how can you assess the impact of a keynote speaker before they take the stage?
From working with countless event planners in just about every industry and for audiences from 10 people to 10s of thousands, we’ve found there are some questions you can ask a keynote speaker (or their team) to get a good sense of the sustained impact they’ll be able to make.
What kind of preparation do you do before an event?
Does the speaker offer initial consultations to understand the event’s goals, audience demographics, and key themes?
Do they look for where you can plus up the event or where they can add value?
Can and will the speaker tailor their message to align with your specific event objectives and audience needs?
Why It Matters?
A speaker who invests time in understanding an event beforehand is more likely to deliver a relevant and impactful presentation. Customization ensures the content resonates deeply with your audience, addressing their unique challenges and opportunities.
How do you engage from the stage?
Does the speaker incorporate interactive elements such as Q&A sessions, live polls, additional media, or group engagement into their presentation?
How does the speaker plan to engage the audience during their talk?
Look for examples or past experiences where audience participation was high in videos, testimonials, etc.
Why It Matters?
Engagement is crucial for maintaining audience interest and ensuring the message sticks. Interactive presentations are more memorable and impactful, fostering a deeper connection with attendees.
What materials or support do you provide after the event?
Does the speaker provide additional materials such as resources, articles, or videos after the event to reinforce their message?
Is the keynote speaker willing to engage with your audience through follow-up sessions, social media interactions, or other forms of continued engagement?
Why It Matters?
Post-event follow-up helps sustain the impact of the keynote speech. Continuous engagement keeps the conversation going and allows attendees to further internalize and apply the insights shared.
Can you share relevant testimonials with outcomes similar to what I’m looking for?
Check out testimonials from previous clients and reviews of past performances. Positive feedback and repeat engagements are strong indicators of a speaker’s effectiveness.
Ask for case studies or examples of past events where the speaker made a significant impact. Look for specific outcomes and measurable results.
Why It Matters?
A proven track record demonstrates the speaker’s ability to consistently deliver impactful presentations. Testimonials and case studies provide concrete evidence of their effectiveness.
How do you determine success?
Does the speaker have a system for collecting and analyzing feedback from attendees? How do they use this feedback to improve future presentations?
Can the speaker provide data or metrics from previous events that showcase their impact, such as increased employee engagement, improved performance metrics, or other measurable outcomes?
Why It Matters?
Long-term impact is a crucial measure of a keynote speaker’s success. Speakers who track and utilize feedback are likely to continuously improve and adapt their content, ensuring ongoing relevance and impact.
Finding a keynote speaker who goes above and beyond requires more than just simply evaluating their stage presence. By closely examining the speaker’s process—including pre-event, engagement strategies, additional resources & value, post-event follow-up, and their track record—event planners can make informed decisions and select speakers who will create lasting, sustainable impact.
The true measure of a keynote speaker’s success lies in their ability not only to deliver a message that resonates but one that inspires transformation well beyond the event itself.
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