What Is A Keynote Speech? Plus 5 Steps To Write One.

You’ve been asked to deliver a keynote speech at an upcoming event.?And while you may be flattered by the request, you have a lot of questions, like: “What is a keynote speech anyway? What makes it different that other presentations??How long should a keynote speech be? And how do I write a keynote speech?

Before I answer those questions, let me congratulate you for having been asked to deliver a keynote speech in the first place.?Because being invited to give one means that have developed a perspective, a public persona, or a big idea that is interesting enough to be featured in the spotlight. Professionally speaking, you have arrived!?

Typically, keynote speakers are experts in their field.?Some professional ?keynote speakers, like me, are even paid to deliver their keynote speeches. Whether you are paid or not, giving a keynote address is both an honor and an awesome opportunity to share what you know with an audience who might greatly benefit from your perspective.

What Is A Keynote Speech?

The answer to the question, “What is a keynote speech?”, is inherent in its very language:?The words key and note.?Essentially, a keynote speech is a speech in which you establish and develop a main (key) theme and set an overall tone (note) for the event. Often, the subject of a keynote address is intended to reinforce—and nail the audience to— the event’s chosen theme.?For example, if the theme of an event is performing at your peak as a leader, there is a good chance that the keynote speaker will be delivering a speech that underscores the theme of peak performance.

Keynote speeches can be informational, inspiring, entertaining, and motivating. The best keynote speeches include some of each those elements, nicely woven together. ??

What Makes A Keynote Speech Different Than Other Presentations?

One of the best ways to understand what makes a keynote speech different than other speeches or presentation is to understand what it is not:?A keynote speech is not a speech or presentation in which you teach skills or concepts on a deep, experiential, nuts-and-bolts level.?If you are asking your audience to do individual or group work in spoken or written form through more than half of your speech, what you are delivering is either a workshop or a training program, but not a keynote speech.?

This is not to say that keynote speeches can’t have interactive elements; many of the best do, but in doses small and simple enough to allow the members of the audience to take in the lessons while maintaining a focus on the speaker, who does the greatest share of the work.?

How Long Should A Keynote Speech Be?

A keynote speech is typically thirty to sixty minutes in length—long enough to tease out a key theme at a high level of focus.?In my opinion—and in my experience as a professional speaker—the shorter the keynote speech, the better.?This is especially true when delivering a keynote speech after lunch or dinner, when people are winding down over a meal (or even a cocktail or two) and have a shorter attention span.?

How Do I Write A Keynote Speech?

The question “How do I write a keynote speech?” is often the reason thought-leaders, speakers, and business leaders reach out to me for coaching. Because if you’ve never put together a keynote speech together, it can feel daunting. ?As I always tell my coaching clients before we embark on organizing and crafting a keynote speech, it’s a creative process.?Which means your keynote speech will often dictate what it needs to be as you’re writing it, and you must be willing to be patient as it unfolds.

To write a keynote speech, start by asking yourself the following five questions:

1.????Who are the people in the audience you will be speaking to? The more you know about your audience, the more you can create a keynote speech that is relevant and of service to them.

2.????What pain, problem or challenge are you there to shine a light on or solve on behalf of your audience?

3.????Based on your answers to the first two questions, what is your big idea, the “key note” you are there to expand upon in your keynote speech?

4.????What are the three main points, lessons, or takeaways you want make (and flesh out with stories, data, and other sticky evidence) that are in support of your big idea, and will make up the body of your keynote speech?

5.????What can you choose to do to begin and end your keynote speech in a way that is maximally memorable and engaging?

If you’re struggling to put together your keynote speech, don’t despair: You don’t have to go it alone. There are professional keynote coaches (like me) who can help you turn your big idea into a magical, moving, memorable speech.?

Whether you write keynote speech by yourself, or with the help of a trusted coach, remember that the greatest resources you’ve got to draw upon are your unique experiences, expertise, and stories.?Fill your keynote speech with what you know and who are, and help your audience see themselves in what you’re sharing so they can relate more deeply with you.

And when the time comes for you to step up to the podium and give your keynote speech remember: Your words matter. Use your words to change your world. ?

Need support putting together your signature keynote speech?

Explore my keynote presentation coaching options.

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