Finding a keynote speaker for your event can feel overwhelming. A simple Google search can yield thousands of results—far more than you could possibly ever sift through.
How do you find potential keynote speakers for your event without spending countless hours searching? Once you’ve identified potential speakers, how do you separate the mediocre ones from the best? And what’s the going rate for a keynote speaker?
In this guide, I walk you through everything you need to know to find and select the best keynote speaker for your next event. Let’s dive in!
How Do You Find A Keynote Speaker?
Here are my top tips for finding a keynote speaker:
Leverage the power of referrals.
Start by asking colleagues, friends, and other trusted contacts for recommendations. Who are the best presenters they’ve worked with or heard speak? Often, this one step is enough to create a solid pool of potential keynote speakers.
Personally, most of my speaking engagements come from referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients who share my name with colleagues and event organizers.
Referrals are powerful because your contact has already done much of the vetting for you.
Research keynote speakers from similar events.
If your referral list comes up short, or you simply want more options to choose from, look to similar conferences or events. Who were their keynote speakers? Were they well-received?
This strategy can help you discover speakers who have already proven themselves in front of audiences like yours.
Seek out thought leaders.
Look for speakers who are recognized thought leaders in their fields. While publishing a book often boosts a speaker’s profile (and skyrockets their speaking fees!), it’s not the only marker of one’s expertise.
Consider speakers who regularly publish articles, contribute to professional associations, or are active on LinkedIn. These individuals often bring fresh perspectives and valuable insights to the stage.
How Do You Choose A Keynote Speaker?
Once you’ve identified potential speakers, how do you narrow down your list? Here’s how to make an informed decision:
1. Review speaker testimonials (and go beyond them!).
Testimonials on a speaker’s website are a great starting point, but please don’t stop there.
Conduct “backdoor references” by reaching out to people who’ve worked with the speaker but didn’t specifically recommend them. This approach provides a more holistic view of their performance.
2. Schedule chemistry calls with multiple speakers.
Arrange chemistry calls with multiple speakers to learn how they prepare for presentations and whether their style aligns with your event’s goals.
A keynote presentation isn’t just about content; it’s also about delivery, energy, and true connection with your audience.
Here are some questions to ask during your conversations:
- How did you develop your expertise in this topic?
- What experience do you have speaking to [insert your audience]?
- How do you customize your talks for different audiences and events?
These questions will help you gauge whether the speaker is the perfect fit for your event.
3. Align on keynote content and format.
As you review speakers, you want to ensure there’s alignment between your event goals and their expertise.
The speaker should be able to provide insight into what topics they typically speak on (as well as those outside their Zone of Genius) and explain how they can tailor their materials to your audience’s needs.
Additionally, clarify the appropriate format for your event and audience. While a standard keynote may work for some groups, a more interactive workshop can take your event to the next level.
For example, an academic keynote speaker will offer a much different experience than one specializing in team-building, DEI, or executive leadership.
With so many options available, you deserve one that perfectly matches your event goals and organizational needs. Put simply, you don’t need to settle for a mediocre keynote speaker.
[Read: 4 Important Steps For Finding The Best Retreat Facilitator]
4. Consider your audience and event.
Finally, take into account what kind of speaker will resonate most with your audience and align with the tone of your event.
While a more academic-style speaker may work well for a university audience, an inspirational or motivational speaker may be better suited for a tech company or startup.
Your keynote speaker must align with your event and audience, as their talk will set the tone for the rest of the event!
How Much Does A Keynote Speaker Cost?
Keynote speaker fees vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for newer speakers to hundreds of thousands for celebrities or retired politicians. Several factors influence these fees:
The speaker’s experience and expertise
A speaker’s experience and expertise will play a significant role in determining their fee. Are they a seasoned professional or a hobbyist? Do they bring unique insights that set them apart? What education and advanced training do they have on the topic? These factors all impact pricing.
The format of their presentation
The format of the presentation also matters. A 20-minute inspirational keynote will likely cost less than a 60-minute interactive leadership workshop that requires extensive customization and preparation.
Keep in mind that crafting a tailored keynote can take dozens of hours.
The audience
Your audience affects pricing as well. Nonprofit organizations typically pay less than Fortune 100 companies or investment banking groups. Additionally, if the audience includes potential clients for the speaker, this will likely influence the fee structure.
Travel expenses
Finally, consider travel costs. Will the speaker present virtually or in person? If in person, how much travel time is required? These logistical details will add to the overall expense.
Can You Have More Than One Keynote Speaker?
Yes, absolutely! Having more than one keynote speaker can elevate your event and make it even more memorable.
I’ve spoken at many events where I was one of several keynote speakers, and it’s always fun to see how different styles and perspectives complement each other.
When selecting your speakers, ensure their content aligns with your event’s theme and that their styles enhance (not compete with) one another. Depending on your event’s structure, it may be helpful for speakers to connect early in the planning process to coordinate their presentations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right keynote speaker can transform your event from “just another conference” into an unforgettable experience that attendees talk about for years!
If you’re still searching for a keynote speaker, I’d love to discuss your needs and explore how I might be able to support you, so please reach out.
And if I’m not the perfect fit for your event, I’m more than happy to recommend other talented keynote speakers who might be exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s make your event an overwhelming success. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
