What makes a good public speech? According to the research accumulated in this report, it's engaging body language, visual presentations, and audience participation. We've collected plenty of other interesting facts about public speaking you probably didn't know! 

Champions Speakers works with the best speakers on the circuit, orators who come equipped with compelling stories and perfected presentations. Interested? Contact our team today to find out more!

Quick-Fire Facts:

• Public speakers can charge between £500 and £400,000
• Only 7% of communication boils down to the words we use
• Clients want a "communicative, reliable, helpful" speaker's agency
• 46% of speakers report storytelling as the most challenging part of a presentation
• Content is king when it comes to promoting public speakers
• Speakers have 3 seconds per presentation slide before attention drops
• "Professionalism" was quoted by 22% of client testimonials
• Visual presentations receive 30% more audience engagement
• Presentations that lack audience participation are 14% less engaging
• The majority of recent client enquiries request "artificial intelligence," "leadership" & "growth mindset" speakers

1. A Public Speaker Can Cost Between £500 to £400,000 per Event Depending on the Individual

Source: Champions Speakers Report

Speaker fees vary widely. It depends on their profile, experience, and the type of event. A local expert might charge £500, while a high-profile celebrity or global thought leader could command six figures. Whatever your budget, Champions Speakers has a speaker for you!

2. Communication Is 55% Non-verbal, 38% Vocal & 7% Words, Research Has Found

Source: University of Texas

Words are important as they convey a message, but they are not the most important part of a speech. Most of our communication happens through body language and tone of voice, not the actual words we use.

3. The Majority of Clients Value Communication, Reliability & Helpfulness When Choosing a Speaker's Agency

Source: Champions Speakers Report

When booking a speaker, clients want more than just a name. According to a language analysis of our client testimonials, they’re looking for an agency that’s easy to work with, quick to respond, and supportive throughout the process.

4. Storytelling Is the Most Challenging Part of a Presentation, According to 46% of Presenters

Source: novoresume

Nearly half of all presenters struggle with crafting a compelling story. It’s a skill that takes time and practice, but it’s also what makes a talk memorable. Our team of booking agents consider every speaker we book to ensure they are top storytellers.

5. Most Clients Request Existing Videos of the Speaker Before Booking to Help With Decision-Making

Source: Champions Speakers Report

In 2026, the majority of clients booking a speaker request to see them in action first. Watching a previous speech or Q&A helps clients feel confident in their choice. It gives a real sense of the speaker’s presence, delivery, and style.

6. Research in 2022 Found That Presenters Have 3 Seconds per Presentation Slide to Capture Audience’s Attention

Source: Passive Secrets

Speakers don’t have long to make an impression. Within just three seconds according to 2022 research, audience's either switch on or switch off. We make sure our speakers provide attention-grabbing engagements. 

7. 22% of Clients Rate Professionalism as a Key Quality of a Speaker’s Agency

Source: Champions Speakers Report

Professionalism matters. Based on our testimonials, nearly a quarter of our clients say professionalism is the best part of working with Champions Speakers, feedback we pride ourselves on. 

8. Pictures and Videos Increase Audience Engagement by up to 30% During a Presentation

Source: Corporate Communication Experts

Visuals make a big difference. Speakers who use photos and video can boost attention and engagement by as much as 30%. The speakers on our roster are booked equipped with highly visual presentations to engage audiences. 

Speakers like Duncan Wardle and Jim Lawless provide creative and compelling presentations for events. They combine eye-catching visuals with important messages to leave your audience inspired. 

9. A Lack of Audience Participation Can Reduce Presentation Engagement by 14%

Source: Ethos 3

When the audience isn’t involved, attention drops. Even a small amount of interaction - like a question or show of hands - can make a big impact. Many of our speakers provide workshops and interactive presentations for this very reason. 

10. Topics Like Artificial Intelligence, Leadership & Growth Mindset Are the Most Popular Event Themes of 2026

Source: Champions Speakers Report

Event organisers and businesses are focusing on the future. Topics around artificial intelligence, leadership, and personal development are leading the way this year. Based on our clients' evolving interests, businesses want to invest in their workplace. 

Book From the Best, Choose Champions Speakers

To hire one of our expert speakers, contact Champions Speakers today!  Call one of our booking agents on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online contact form to receive a bespoke list of recommended speakers.

This exclusive article, authored by Jack Hayes, features data from the University of Texas, novoresume, Passive Secrets, Corporate Communication Experts and Ethos 3. This post also presents analysis conducted by Champions Speakers. 

Champions Speakers' Standards: Champions Speakers Principles of Trust